<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> and Gastric Erosions

Abstract

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori is considered to be the primary cause of most forms of gastritis, but its role as a causative agent in gastric erosions is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastric erosions and H. pylori infection in asymptomatic volunteers. Methods: 175 asymptomatic subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Antral biopsies were taken for bacterial cultures, histology and quick urease (CLO) test. A ¹³C-urea breath test was performed after endoscopy. NSAID intake, alcohol consumption and smoking habits were also recorded in each subject. Results: 33 (19%) of 175 asymptomatic volunteers had macroscopic lesions on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 7 were H. pylori positive, 26 were H. pylori negative. Gastric erosions occurred in 8% (14 subjects) of all volunteers. 10 subjects were H. pylori negative and 4 H. pylori positive. In 11 volunteers, gastric erosions were restricted to the prepyloric antrum. Only 1 of 14 subjects had a history of NSAID intake and 6 subjects were alcohol abstainers. Conclusion: We conclude that gastric erosions occur in a considerable amount of asymptomatic volunteers. They are predominantly localized in the prepyloric antrum and are most likely not associated with H. pylori infection, NSAID intake, smoking or alcohol consumption.

Review of current diagnostic methods and advances inHelicobacter pyloridiagnostics in the era of next generation sequencing

“…In Central and Northern Europe, H. pylori prevalence, excluding non-European immigrants, was found to be around 24% to 32%[6-10]. Studies conducted in Switzerland revealed a H. pylori prevalence of 12%-20% in patients born in Swit-zerland and a prevalence of 27% in immigrants[5,11]. H. pylori can be divided into relatively distinct populations that are specific for large geographical areas: HpEurope, hpSahul, hpEastAsia, hpAsia2, hpNEAfrica, hpAfrica1 and hpAfrica2[12-14].…”

Serological biomarker testing helps avoiding unnecessary endoscopies in obese patients before bariatric surgery

“…It is not well established how such patchy atrophy behaves in the long run, and whether regular endoscopic monitoring is indicated or whether biomarker testing is sufficient. It is likely that the gastric mucosa in these patients can significantly recover after HP eradication, while inflammation symptoms diminish or disappear and the process of mucosal atrophy can be arrested, as reported earlier [ 24 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…not severe). Recently, some authors have reported gastric erosions in bariatric surgery patients [48] and others have reported them also in asymptomatic volunteers in population studies, more frequently in HP-negative than HP-positive subjects [ 40 ]. Although the cause of such erosions may be multifactorial, all 3 patients in our study took several medications known to damage the gastric mucosa.…”

Association between Functional Dyspepsia and Gastric Depressive Erosions in Japanese Subjects

“…Gastric erosion is defined as an endoscopically detectable mucosal break without penetration of the muscularis mucosae (21). In previous reports, gastric erosion was a common finding in asymptomatic volunteers and patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and was often chronic or relapsing (22-24). Thus, it was unclear whether gastric erosion was responsible for the symptoms of dyspepsia.…”

“…The causes of gastric erosion are multifactorial and include psychological stress, physical stress, H. pylori infection, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and NSAID use (21,22). Our results showed no significant differences in the rates of H. pylori infection, current cigarette smoking, or current alcohol drinking.…”