Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. It has been proved that those who are infected leads to gastritis in 100% and that there is no natural recovery. Therefore, treatment to eradicate the organism is essential to block the natural course of many disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, that may lead to gastric cancer which is the number one leading cause of death among cancer in Korea.
The study was conducted in order to find out the prevalence of H. pyloti infection in Inchon area and the relationship between H. pylori infection and its diverse pathology. The study involved 1,872 applicants screened for Helicobacter pylori infection by serology antibody test in the Health Promotion Center at lnha University Hospital in Inchon. Among them, 1,203(64.3%) were positive including 651 males(67.2%), and 524 females(61.0%). There was no significant statistical difference among age groups. In males of age group 40-49 years of age, and females of age group 50-59, H. pylori infection were most common. There were no differences among the H. pylori positive and negative group with respect to family history, past history, job, lifestyle behavior (including smoking, drinking, . and exercise). Epigastric pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding were more common and statistically different in H. pylori positives compared to those of negatives.
In the findings of upper gastrointestinal barium swallow, there were no differences between the two groups. H. pylori positive group showed more endoscopic findings compared to negative group. Out of the 1,239 total findings H. pyloti positive group showed 873 endoscopic findings as opposed to 366 in the negative group. Among the H. pylori positive group, chronic superficial gastritis was most common with 338, followed by gastric erosion 134, duodenal ulcer 53. In the negative group, chronic superficial gastritis was also the most common with 160, followed by gastric erosion 79, and hiatal hernia 32. Gastric subepithelial hemorrhage(p<0.001), duodenal ulcer(p<0.022), intestinal metaplasia( p<0.024) were found to be significantly common in H. pylori positive group compared to those of the negative group. Hiatal hernia(p<0.001) was found to be higher in the negative group. The sensitivity and specificity of CLO test performed during the endoscopy procedure were 79.9% and 100%, respectively.
The sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic biopsy were 51.9% and 100%, respectively.