The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the Hispanic population affected by hyperemesis gravidarum.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in pregnant Hispanics affected by hyperemesis gravidarum.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over a 22-month period. Serum from pregnant Hispanics affected by hyperemesis gravidarum and unaffected Hispanics matched for age, gravidity, parity, and country of origin were tested for H pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG levels specific for H pylori were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Assuming the background prevalence of H pylori serum positivity in the Hispanic population is approximately 60%, 38 patients in each group were needed to detect a 30% difference in affected patients versus controls with a power of 80% and P = .05. Statistical analysis was performed using Yate's chi-square, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U, and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients between the ages of 18 to 39 years were enrolled. Of 40 patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, 26 (65%) were seropositive for H pylori compared with 28 of 42 (67%) unaffected controls (P = 1.0). There were no statistical differences in maternal age or countries of origin between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The overall prevalence of H pylori seropositivity in this patient population is 66%. In pregnant Hispanics affected by hyperemesis gravidarum, H pylori seropositivity is not increased compared with unaffected controls.