Efficient and non-invasive method for investigating Helicobacter pylori in gravida with hyperemesis gravidarum: Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test.

AIM

To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and severe hyperemesis gravidarum (H. Gravidarum) by using Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen (HpSA) and other serologic test results.

METHODS

Twenty-seven pregnant women with H. Gravidarum and 97 asymptomatic pregnant women of matching gestational age without gastric problems were enrolled in a prospective study. Serum samples collected from cases were investigated in terms of specific antibodies for H. pylori (immunoglobulin-IgG, IgA) and feces samples were investigated for HpSA. Statistical analysis of the data obtained from the groups was made by appropriate chi2 tests.

RESULTS

Rate of HpSA positivity in patients with H. Gravidarum was 40.7%, while the same rate was 12.4% in the control group. The difference between the two groups was significant (P = 0.001). Rates of positivity for specific IgG formed against H. pylori in gravida with H. Gravidarum and in the asymptomatic gravida were 85.2% and 73.2%, respectively, and the rates for IgA were 48.1% and 41.2%, respectively. There was no difference between groups in terms of specific Igs formed against H. pylori (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The HpSA scan showed a statistically significant relation between H. pylori infection and H. Gravidarum. HpSA test gives more efficient, reliable and realistic results than specific Igs formed against H. pylori in the identification of H. pylori positivity in gravida with H. Gravidarum.