title: Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori: lack of influence of infection on oesophageal manometric, 3-hour postprandial pHmetric and endoscopic findings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease according to manometric and pHmetric findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-nine consecutive patients with reflux symptoms and endoscopic evidence of mild oesophagitis, were recruited. Manometry and ambulatory pHmetry were performed in all patients, as well as the 3-hour postprandial pHmetry, as a more flexible and well tolerable test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between Helicobacter pylori positive and negative patients regarding age, sex ratio and endoscopic severity of oesophagitis. There was no difference in prevalence of abnormal oesophageal peristalsis between the two groups (Fisher's exact test, p=NS). Differences were also not found regarding lower oesophageal sphincter pressure between the two groups (mean PLOS 12.86+/-4.39 mmHg and 13.1+/-4.61 mmHg respectively; p=0.840). Finally, the mean values of DeMeester score were 60.38+/-48.04 and 67.64+/-51.04 respectively (p=0.576).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Helicobacter pylori infection does not influence oesophageal peristalsis, the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and the acidity of refluxates into the oesophageal lumen, in patients with established gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (esophagitis grade A and B).
authors.affiliation: Medical School Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. gut@in.gr
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moschos
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kouklakis
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lyratzopoulos
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Efremidou
authors.forename: Eustratios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maltezos
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Minopoulos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D004947:Esophagus / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D019518:Postprandial Period / Q000502:physiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index