EFFECT OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION ON NON VARICEAL BLEEDING IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Background: Variceal bleeding in chronic liver disease has been studied extensively. However, 30-40% of upper digestive hemorrhages in cirrhotic patients are non variceal (NVUGIB). Clinical features and endoscopic findings of this population have rarely been reported. Objective: To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in cirrhotic patients with non variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients and methods: This was carried out at Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Department of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, and conducted on 150 patients infected by H. pylori From May 2019 till November 2019. Pateints were selected and divided into three equal groups: Group A: Patients with recent active bleeding (maximum within two days) of non variceal origin diagnosed endoscopically. Group B Matched cirrhotic patients without history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and group C Non-cirrhotic patients without history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper GI Endoscopy was done for all patients of the studied groups. Multiple biopsies were taken and H.pylori infection was determined by Histopathology. Results: The mean age of participants was 54.3 years. Males were 79 (52.6%) while females were 71 (47.3%). 58 of 150 patients (38.6%) were positive for H. pylori. there was no significant relation between H. pylori positivity and cause of cirrhosis. there was significant relation between H. pylori positivity and Sex of the studied cases. And there was high significant difference between the studied groups as regard H. pylori distribution. Conclusion: There was significant association between H. pylori infection and non variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Eradication therapy has a role in reducing the incidence of NVUGIB in cirrhotic patients.