Extradigestive Diseases Research Articles

Is there an association between Helicobacter pylori infection and coronary heart disease?

In addition to gastroduodenal diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with extradigestive diseases, including coronary heart disease. Different studies have failed to demonstrate a clear association. The aim of this work was to carry out a meta-analysis of these studies' results, with a special emphasis on heterogeneity. A MEDLINE search of all studies published in English from 1994 to 1998 was conducted. Five criteria for eligibility of studies were defined. The quality of each study was assessed on a five-point scale adapted from studies by the Quebec Task Force. The final results are reported based on a fixed-effects model. Pooled odd ratios were calculated for subgroups of studies (defined on quality of adjustment, on confounding factors, and on the type of control population). Sixty-nine articles and abstracts fulfilling the defined criteria were analyzed. They were all case-control or cross-sectional studies. H. pylori diagnosis was carried out by serology, urea breath test or both; coronary heart disease was diagnosed mainly by coronary angiography. The total sample size was 6603. The quality score varied from 4 to 10. The pooled odds ratios of the 24 articles included in the model was 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-1.74). It ranged from 1.07 to 2.34 when the quality of adjustment for confounding factors was considered and from 1.25 to 1.99 when the type of control group was considered. In any case there was significant heterogeneity (p < 0.001). The present study demonstrated a possible weak association but the high degree of heterogeneity in the studies impedes a clear demonstration.

Helicobacter pylori infection and extradigestive diseases

In the past year, several studies have been carried out on the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and various extradigestive diseases, such as cardiovascular, immunological and a variety of other pathologies. In particular, the correlation between H. pylori and ischaemic heart disease is still debated whereas the association with autoimmune diseases is supported by a growing body of evidence. Finally, various Helicobacter species have been detected in human bile; this important finding could revise diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to various idiopathic diseases of the biliary tract.

Beneficial effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on idiopathic chronic urticaria.

Helicobacter pylori, the most important cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer, recently has been associated with several extradigestive diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the effects of bacterium eradication in 42 consecutive patients affected by idiopathic chronic urticaria. Helicobacter pylori was assessed by [13C]urea breath test. Amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and lansoprazole were given to infected patients for seven days. Urticaria and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed on enrollment and after eradication. Fifty-five percent of patients proved to be infected by Helicobacter pylori. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between infected and uninfected patients. Eighty-eight percent of infected patients in whom the bacterium was eradicated after therapy showed a total or partial remission of urticaria symptoms. Conversely, symptoms remained unchanged in all uninfected patients. In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori affects a high percentage of patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria; however, typical gastrointestinal symptoms do not identify infection status. Bacterium eradication is associated with a remission of urticaria symptoms, suggesting a possible role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of this skin disorder.

Helicobacter pylori infection and extradigestive diseases

Helicobacter pylori infection and extradigestive diseases