Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric ulcer perforation admitted in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Background: Gastric ulcers are one of the most prevalent gastro intestinal diseases. Perforation of gastric ulcer is most common and dreaded complication of a gastric ulcer. Causes of gastric ulcer include Helicobacter Pylori, the NSAID, smoking and alcohol. Helicobacter Pylori infection is a curable cause of gastric ulcer. As prevalence of H. pylori differ in populations, prevalence of H. pylori in our population need to be assessed for determining treatment strategy for gastric ulcer.Methods: Cross sectional study conducted in patients operated for perforation peritonitis and diagnosed to have gastric ulcer perforation in a tertiary care centre. Full thickness biopsy was taken from gastric ulcer perforation edge during the surgery for perforation peritonitis. The biopsy was stained with Giemsa stain and looked for the presence of H. pylori.Results: Helicobacter pylori prevalence was 48.8% in our study. 8 females (out of 16) and 51 males (out of 105) had H. pylori positivity. 43 had history of smoking. Among them 20 were diagnosed to be having H. pylori positive. 26 persons had history of pan chewing. Among pan chewers 17 were H. pylori positive. Among 50 patients with history of alcoholism, 24 got H. pylori positivity. Among 40 patients with history of NSAIDs, 14 were positive for H. pylori.Conclusions: Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric ulcer perforation in present study is 48.8%. Helicobacter Pylori eradication should be added in treatment protocols for perforated gastric ulcers.