Meta-analysis of a Relationship between Helicobacter Pyloric Infection and Ischemic Stroke

Objective:To systematically review the relationship between helicobacter pyloric(Hp) infection and ischemic stroke(IS) and its subtypes.Methods: We have collected Case-control studies concerning the relationship between HP infection and IS and its subtypes,by searching the electronic bibliographic databases.Meta-analysis was conducted based on the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration.Heterogeneity test,sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment were also performed.Results: Fifteen case-control studies,2122 cases with IS and 2398 controls,were included.The difference in infection ratio of HP between the patients with IS and the controls was significant(OR=1.61,95% CI: 1.28~2.0).These differences were only found in the large-artery atherosclerosis(LAA) subgroup(OR=1.83,95%CI: 1.49~2.25) and the small-artery atherosclerosis(SAA) subgroup(OR=2.50,95% CI:1.42~4.39),nor in the cardiogenic cerebral embolism(CE) subgroup(OR=0.96,95%CI: 0.73~1.25).Sensitivity analysis suggested that the results of meta-analysis were reliable.The funnel plot suggested the presence of publication bias.Conclusion: HP infection is a risk factor fof IS.HP infection is more likely to occur in patient with LAA and SAA subtypes of strokes.