Chronic abdominal complaints and Helicobacter pylori in a Haitian population

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
Sharon C KielyElizabeth J Toborowsky

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine demographic, clinical, and pathologic variables, including Helicobacter pylori infection and malignancy, associated with chronic abdominal pain in a rural Haitian population. One hundred four patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with biopsy only in those with gross findings. Associations between demographic, clinical, and pathologic variables were examined using the chi-square test. P values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The majority (n = 66; 63%) required biopsy. Of these, 62% were positive for H. pylori. The associations between (1) chest complaints and esophageal disease, (2) female gender and benign esophageal disease, and (3) chronic active gastritis and presence of H. pylori were significant. There was one malignancy. H. pylori gastritis was common; malignancy was rare. Demographic and clinical variables poorly predicted pathologic diagnosis, which is consistent with previous studies. Further study is needed to assess the influence of other variables, including the African enigma, on disease progression in this population.

Citations

Apr 11, 2020·Digestive Diseases and Sciences·Alex ZhornitskiyJonathan Kaunitz

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrophic Gastritis

Atrophic Gastritis is a process where gastric glandular cells are lost and replaced with firbous tissues, as a result of chronic inflammation. Learn more about Atrophic Gastritis here.