[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease].
The relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. Epidemiological studies are heterogenous, geographical location being an important determinant. The aim of present study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with GERD in evidence at a tertiary medical center from the north-eastern region of Romania.


METHODS
Between January 2006 and April 2009 a prospective study was performed in 112 patients (41 men, 71 women mean age: 51 +/- 18 yeas, range 21-71 years) with GERD in order to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection. H. pylori status was determined by serology and urease test.


RESULTS
H. pylori infection was found in 59 (53.3%) patients with GERD, and in 46 (45.1%) subjects from control group, the difference being statistically not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Current data do not provide sufficient evidence to define the relationship between H. pylori and GERD. Based on our findings, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with GERD is in the range of that found in general population from the north-eastern region of Romania.
Universitatea de Medicină 5i Farmacie Gr. T. Popa Iaşi, Facultatea de Medicină, Institutul de Gastroenterologie şi Hepatologie Iaşi.
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Klitorakis
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Stanciu
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology