Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.
The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between Helicobacter pylori infection and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). Of 17 consecutive patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), 13 patients (six females; mean age 50 +/- 24 years) with AIDP were investigated. Clinical status was evaluated according to Hughes' score, and electrophysiological tests were performed within 2 weeks from disease onset. Helicobacter pylori infection was detected histologically and serum H. pylori-specific IgG antibodies were analysed by ELISA. Twenty asymptomatic patients (12 females; mean age 63 +/- 8 years), undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for investigation of mild iron deficiency anaemia, served as controls. Helicobacter pylori was found in 12 of 13 AIDP patients (92%), and in 10 of 20 controls (50%), (P = 0.02). Electrophysiological studies showed demyelination in all AIDP patients. High levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies correlated with advanced clinical status. Five of seven AIDP patients with high levels of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies had delayed F-wave latencies, indicating affection of proximal segments of peripheral nerves. Helicobacter pylori infection seems to be more frequent in AIDP patients. Anti-H. pylori titre might reflect advanced clinical status. Anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies are also associated with involvement of the proximal parts of peripheral nerves in AIDP.
Kountouras
J
J
Department of Gastroenterology, Second Medical Clinic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 8 Fanariou Street, Byzantio, 551 33 Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece. jannis@med.auth.gr
Deretzi
G
G
Zavos
C
C
Karatzoglou
P
P
Touloumis
L
L
Nicolaides
T
T
Chatzopoulos
D
D
Venizelos
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction
D007074:Immunoglobulin G