S1469 Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection Among Hispanics Living in Puerto Rico Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a public health problem that affects developed and developing countries. Its prevalence is around 33% in the United States and 30-35% in Puerto Rico. Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in bariatric patients has been linked to post-surgical foregut symptoms, marginal ulcers, and an increased incidence rate of viscus perforation. However, the feco-prevalence of H. pylori infections in this population has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the feco-prevalence of HP infection among patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Puerto Rico. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional chart review was conducted. The Feco-positivity was determined using stool H. pylori antigen immunoassay. Helicobacter pylori feco-prevalence was estimated with 95% confidence using the proportion z-test. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used to determine associations between the variables. Results: A total of 307 medical records of patients undergoing bariatric surgery were reviewed. The mean age of the study population was 42 ± 12 years, of whom 79.1% were female. The overall feco-prevalence of H. pylori was 18.0%, with nausea and belching the most prevalent symptoms reported (P < 0.05). A 90% eradication rate was observed with the first treatment course. The prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with HP positive was 32% compared to patients with HP negative 20%, with a P-value of 0.05 (Figure). Conclusion: HP feco-prevalence in bariatric surgery patients is estimated to be 18%, less than the previously estimated prevalence of Helicobacter pylori using seroprevalence of Hispanics in Puerto Rico. However, the seroprevalence of HP infection is less sensitive and specific to disease than the feco-prevalence. Therefore, further investigation is warranted about HP feco-prevalence in the general population of Puerto Rico. There was a statistically significant increase in the prevalence of vitamin B6 deficiency in patients with HP positive that has not previously been reported and warrants further investigation.Figure 1.: Prevalence of H. pylori in patients with Vitamin deficiency