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Relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal symptoms and syndromes
  1. S Rosenstocka,b,
  2. L Kayb,
  3. C Rosenstockb,
  4. L P Andersenc,
  5. O Bonnevied,
  6. T Jørgensena,b
  1. aDepartment of Surgery K, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, bGlostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark, cNational University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, dBispebjerg University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  1. Dr S Rosenstock, Department of Urology U, Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 F, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori is a human pathogen that colonises the gastric mucosa and causes permanent gastric inflammation.

Aims—To assess the symptoms of H pylori infection in an adult unselected population.

Subjects—A random sample of 3589 adult Danes who were examined in 1982 and 1987 (n=2987).

Methods—Abdominal symptoms within the preceding year were recorded at both attendances. Circulating IgG antibodies against H pylori in serum samples drawn in 1982 were measured by using in-house indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results—People with increased levels of IgG antibodies to H pylori were more likely than uninfected individuals to report heartburn (odds ratio (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.54) and abdominal pain characterised by daily length (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.92–1.91), nocturnal occurrence (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.19–2.19), spring aggravation (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 0.70–4.05), and no relation to meals (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.91) or stress (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.95). The inclusion of people with increased levels of IgG antibodies to H pylori, but without upper dyspepsia, at study entry significantly increased the likelihood of reporting upper dyspepsia at follow up (OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.24–2.36). People with epigastric pain and increased levels of IgM antibodies to H pylori only indicative of acute H pylori infection were more likely to report nocturnal pain, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

ConclusionsH pylori infection may precede the development of dyspepsia and is associated with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms in people with no history of peptic ulcer disease.

  • epidemiology
  • Helicobacter pylori;non-ulcer dyspepsia
  • symptomatology
  • upper dyspepsia

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