Helicobacter pylori Infection Has No Role in the Pathogenesis of Reflux Esophagitis

Abstract

In a prospective study of consecutive patientswith reflux esophagitis and/or hiatal hernia andBarrett's esophagus, the prevalence of Helicobacterpylori was assessed. Antral biopsy specimens werestudied and a serum sample for detection of IgGantibodies against Helicobacter pylori was taken. As areference group patients presenting with a normalesophagus, stomach, and duodenum were taken. Refluxesophagitis was diagnosed in 118 patients, hiatal herniawithout esophageal inflammation in 109, and Barrett'sesophagus in 13. Helicobacter pylori was present in 74(30%) of these patients and in 204 (51%) of the reference group. Prevalence of Helicobacterpylori was significantly lower in all groups comparedwith the reference group (P < 0.001). There was nodifference when patients with esophagitis, Barrett'sesophagus, or hiatal hernia were compared. Patients withesophagitis and Helicobacter pylori in their antrum aresignificantly older than esophagitis patients withoutconcomitant Helicobacter infection, 61.5 (SD, 17) versus 53 (SD, 17) years (P < 0.001). Itis concluded that the prevalence of Helicobacter pyloriinfection in patients with gastroesophageal refluxdisease is significantly lower than in the reference group, irrespective of the severity ofesophagitis. Helicobacter pylori infection has no rolein the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis.