Abstract 3445: Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of colorectal polyps in African Americans

Abstract

Background: H. Pylori infection have linked to colorectal polyps, mainly through hypergastrinemia and its trophic effect on colon mucosa. African Americans were under represented despite both common diseases are more prevalent in them. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether H. Pylori infection has a role in development of colorectal polyps in Africans Americans. Methods: Retrospectively, Africans Americans (n=1262) greater than 40 years old who underwent bidirectional gastrointestinal endoscopy on the same day were enrolled. The pre-procedure indication and post-procedure diagnosis were recorded (n=1262). H. Pylori status was assessed by immunohistochemistry on gastric specimens. Colorectal polyps were confirmed by histological examination of biopsies from complete colonoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the independent risk factors of polyp occurrence. Results: Colorectal polyps (regardless polyp pathology) were more prevalent in H. Pylori-infected subjects (43%; 160/368) compared to (34%; 302/894) uninfected subjects (OR=1.5; 95 %CI=1.2-1.9). Furthermore, there was a trend toward larger polyp size ≥ 1cm in H. Pylori positive patients (P=0.07). There was no difference in histopathology or location of polyps in regard to H. Pylori status. Among the participants, 21 (2%) were defined with baseline above average risk for colorectal polyps justifying colonoscopy and of those; the polyps were detected in 62% (OR; 95%CI=2.9; 1.2-7.1). Age and male gender were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps. Conclusion: H. Pylori increases the risk of developing colorectal polyps and may increase the chances for having a larger size polyp in Africans Americans. These findings suggest that H. Pylori might have a role in the initiation and/or promotion of polyps. Further studies are needed to explore its mechanisms. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3445.