The prevalence and characteristics of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients in Eastern Croatia, determined by immunohistochemistry

Abstract

Background and purpose: Helicobacter pylori (Hp), which is associated with many upper gastrointestinal diseases, is found in about half of world's population. Aim od this study is to reveal the prevalence and characteristics of Hp-associated gastritis in dyspeptic patients in the population of Croatia.

Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis the data and materials of 871 dyspeptic patients undergoing routine endoscopy. The gastric biopsy specimens were stained by Hp-specific immmunohistocemical stain. Endoscopic and pathology findings were recorded for Hp infection and the presence of active gastritis. Nominal variables in the case of a large number of samples was compared using Pearson χ² test, while in the case of a small number of samples was used Fisher's Exact test.

Results: In the present study determined prevalence of Hp-associated gastritis in the population of Croatia is 41%. Chronic active gastritis was found in 94% of patients with Hp infection and 5% of patients with gastritis of some other etiology. Gastric mucosal atrophy was observed in 5% of patients older than 40 years. Intestinal metaplasia was detected in 26% of patients. Severe intestinal metaplasia occurs in the age group older than 60 years.

Conclusion: This study is the first large study of Hp prevalence by histological and immunohistochemical method  in Croatia, so the results of this study contribute to the understanding of how big a public health problem is Hp infection in a population of Croatia.