Clinical research of the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and reflux esophagitis

Objective To identify the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and reflux esophagitis.Methods Among 7230 patients who accepted gastroscopic examination from Feb.1997 to Feb.2003,6885 patients was analyzed who were enrolled in the study and divided 4 groups by matching sex and age.(1) 298 controls were selected from the control group;(2) those 588 patients with duodenal ulcer alone group;(3) those 167 patients with reflux esophagitis were included in the RE-group;(4) those 26 patients with reflux esophagitis with duodenal ulcer group by the same population.The Helicobacter pylori infection positive status of each patient was diagnosed by positive result of the rapid unease test and warthinstary staining. Results The Helicobacter pylori positive rate was 45.64%,71.77%,36.52% and 38.46% respectively in these 4 groups.Helicobacter pylori positive rate was significantly lower in the RE-group than in the DU group(χ~2=70.087,P=0.000),and the was significantly higher in the DU group than in the DU+RE group(χ~2=13.246,P=0.00)?There was no significant difference in Helicobacter pylori positive rates between the control group and the RE-group(χ~2=3.638,P=0.35).Conclusion It shouldn' t be denied that Helicobacter pylori has a potential protective effect on esophagus,Helicobacter pylori infection may decrease the occurrence of reflux esophagitis.