Can Helicobacter pylori Colonization Affect the Phosphate Binder Pill Burden in Dialysis Patients?

Abstract

Phosphate binder pill (PBP) burden is a significant problem in dialysis patients. Phosphate absorption through the paracellular pathway increases in relatively acidic pH. In this study, we evaluated the effect of factors contributing to duodenal pH-Helicobacter pylori (HP), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and NaHCO3 capsules-on PBP burden. We evaluated 255 dialysis patients with gastric biopsies and excluded patients with low Kt/V, gastrectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Patients were divided into groups and subgroups regarding HP existence, use of PPI, or NaHCO3 capsules. HP+ group had significantly higher PBP burden and PBP equivalent doses (P < 0.001; both). HP+ subgroup not using daily PPIs or NaHCO3 capsules had the highest PBP burden and PBP equivalent doses (P < 0.001; both). HP- subgroups had similar PBP and PBP equivalent doses (P = 0.446 and P = 0.382; respectively). HP colonization might affect the PBP burden in dialysis patients due to a decrease of duodenal pH.