Clinical economics review: Helicobacter pylori ‐associated peptic ulcer disease

The high prevalence and chronic nature of peptic ulcer disease have traditionally resulted in a major economic burden on health care systems. In 1991, for example, peptic ulcer disease was estimated to account for over one‐third of all National Health Service expenditure on gastrointestinal diseases. It is now well established that elimination of Helicobacter pylori can lead to a dramatic reduction in gastroduodenal ulcer relapse, with obvious clinical benefits. This review considers the economic implications of the use of H. pylori eradication therapy in peptic ulcer disease.