Factors influencing corpus argyrophil cell density and hyperplasia in reflux esophagitis patients treated with antisecretory drugs and controls.

A cross sectional study was designed to elucidate the factors influencing the argyrophil cell population in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease treated with omeprazole (N = 201) or H2-receptor antagonists (N = 118) and in control patients (N = 215). Fasting gastrinemia and Helicobacter pylori serology were determined. Gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and argyrophil cell density and hyperplasia were evaluated in gastric biopsies. The argyrophil cell density was higher in both treatment groups than in controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.051), whereas argyrophil cell hyperplasia was similar in the three groups. According to multivariate analysis, positive Helicobacter pylori serology was an independent parameter that decreased both density and grade of hyperplasia of argyrophil cells. Female gender and hypergastrinemia were independent factors increasing argyrophil cell density and hyperplasia, whereas antisecretory therapy, age and active gastritis were not. In addition, atrophic gastritis independently increased argyrophil cell hyperplasia. The prevalence of atrophic gastritis was significantly higher in Helicobacter pylori-positive than in negative patients and lower in the patients treated long-term with omeprazole than in the other groups.