Insights into H. pylori: A Retrospective Study Examining Demographic Influences, Symptomatology, and Endoscopic Patterns
Abstract
Introduction: Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) is a crucial factor in studying and managing Dyspepsia symptoms, also known for its carcinogenic potential. Its widespread prevalence in communities based on urban or rural sampling and socio-economic factors prompts an investigation into its association with endoscopy findings and patients' clinical profiles. This study aimed to investigate the clinical profile by examining the symptoms for endoscopy and determining its association with findings on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE), along with the presence or absence of H. pylori. Material & Methods: It was a retrospective cohort study based on the UGIE performed at the tertiary care hospital. The subjects with no specific interventions related to the study were employed during the course of the investigation. Patients exhibiting symptoms of dyspepsia, difficulty in swallowing, blood in vomiting, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and upper abdominal discomfort were included in the study. Results: Gender distribution shows 68(52.7%) males and 52(47.7%) females among H. pylori-positive patients. The residence factor indicates similar H. pylori positivity rates among rural and urban residents. Majority of individuals, both males, and females reported prevalent symptoms such as epigastric pain, while stomach ulcers were the least reported among both genders. Pyloric antrum findings exhibited 47.2% in H. pylori-positive, Pan-gastritis, however, indicating a statistically significant association with H. pylori infection, with 62.7% in positive cases. Conclusion: The study reveals common endoscopic findings like pan-gastritis and varices, suggesting potential associations with H. pylori infection. Stomach ulcers and inflamed gallbladder are less frequent. Discussions on normal endoscopy findings prompt considerations on the link between functional dyspepsia and endoscopic outcomes. Symptomatology, particularly epigastric pain, shows varying associations with H. pylori infection status.
Keywords
H. pylori, endoscopy, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, epigastric pain, varices