Helicobacter pylori and gastric erosions. Results of a prevalence study in asymptomatic volunteers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori is considered to be the primary cause of most forms of gastritis, but its role as a causative agent in gastric erosions is unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gastric erosions and H. pylori infection in asymptomatic volunteers.

METHODS

175 asymptomatic subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Antral biopsies were taken for bacterial cultures, histology and quick urease (CLO) test. A (13)C-urea breath test was performed after endoscopy. NSAID intake, alcohol consumption and smoking habits were also recorded in each subject.

RESULTS

33 (19%) of 175 asymptomatic volunteers had macroscopic lesions on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 7 were H. pylori positive, 26 were H. pylori negative. Gastric erosions occurred in 8% (14 subjects) of all volunteers. 10 subjects were H. pylori negative and 4 H. pylori positive. In 11 volunteers, gastric erosions were restricted to the prepyloric antrum. Only 1 of 14 subjects had a history of NSAID intake and 6 subjects were alcohol abstainers.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that gastric erosions occur in a considerable amount of asymptomatic volunteers. They are predominantly localized in the prepyloric antrum and are most likely not associated with H. pylori infection, NSAID intake, smoking or alcohol consumption.