[Histological changes of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication].
OBJECTIVE
Long-term Helicobater pylori infection results in atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, and increases the risk of gastric cancer. However, it is still controversial that eradication of H. pylori improves atrophy or metaplasia. Therefore, we investigated histological changes after the H. pylori eradication in patients with atrophy or metaplasia.


METHODS
One hundred seven patients who received successful eradication of H. pylori infection in Hanyang University, Guri Hospital from March 2001 to April 2006, were enrolled. Antral biopsy was taken before the eradication to confirm the H. pylori infection and grade of atrophy or metaplasia by updated Sydney System. After a certain period of time, antral biopsy was repeatedly taken to confirm the eradication and investigate histological changes of atrophy or metaplasia.


RESULTS
Mean age of the patients was 55.3+/-11.3, and average follow-up period was 28.7+/-13.9 months. Endoscopic diagnosis included gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, non-ulcer antral gastritis. Atrophy was observed in 41 of 91 and their average score was 0.73+/-0.92. After the eradication of H. pylori, atrophy was improved (0.38+/-0.70, p=0.025). However, metaplasia which was observed in 49 of 107, did not significantly improve during the follow-up period. Newly developed atrophy (7 of 38) or metaplasia (18 of 49) was observed in patients who without atrophy or metaplasia initially. Their average scores were slightly lower than those of cases with pre-existing atrophy or metaplasia without statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
After the eradication of H. pylori infection, atrophic gastritis may be improved, but change of intestinal metaplasia is milder and may take longer duration for improvement.
Lee
Yonggu
Y
Department of Interanl Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea.
Jeon
Yong Cheol
YC
Koo
Tai Yeon
TY
Cho
Hyun Seok
HS
Byun
Tae Jun
TJ
Kim
Tae Yeob
TY
Lee
Hang Lak
HL
Eun
Chang Soo
CS
Lee
Oh Young
OY
Han
Dong Soo
DS
Sohn
Joo Hyun
JH
Yoon
Byung Chul
BC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005757:Gastritis, Atrophic / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000382:microbiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents