Helicobacter pylori and the endoscopic and histological lesions in the gastric mucosa of patients aged 50 and over

It is accepted all over the world that Helicobacter pylori infection increases with age and reaches levels between 40 and 60 % in asymptomatic individuals, and of 70 % in symptomatic patients over 50 with gastroduodenal diseases. Taking into account the relation existing between Helicobacter pylori infection and the gastroduodenal diseases, prevalences and incidences showing a sustained increase with age (50-70 % in patients over 50) are ciphered, and the significant growth of the Cuban population above this age is considered. A prospective and descriptive study was undertaken at the Institute of Gastroenterology to know the frequency of this microorganism, as well as the presence of lesions in the gastric mucosa in patients aged 50 and over. It was concluded that 69.6 % of the patients had positive results to Helicobacter pylori in the urease test. Of the 132 fragments of samples taken for biopsies of the gastric mucosa, 37.8 % yielded positive to Helicobacter pylori, of them, 25.7 % were located in the antral region. 68 endoscopic diagnoses were made in those patients positive to Helicobacter pylori by urease test, 64.7 % corresponded to more acute gastritis at the antral level; followed in frequency by pangastritis, more serious chronic gastritis at the body level, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. No endoscopic lesion of malignant aspect was observed. On studying the colonization density of Helicobacter pylori in 84 histological diagnoses made, 69.0 % presented mild density; 29.9 %, moderate; and 1.1 %, severe. It was observed a tendency towards the colonization density as the histological lesion progressed. It was suggested to continue the study with more patients to characterize the behavior of the infection in patients aged 50 and over in order to take preventive measures to eradicate the bacteria and to improve the quality of life.