Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease for Prevention of Recurrences - Impact on the Natural History of the Disease

Objectives: Although, currently, it turns to speculate on infectious etiology of Crohn's disease (CD), many studies have attributed a lower prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this retrospective study was determining the benefit of detection and eradication of H. pylori in patients with IBD and its potential impact on the natural history of the disease. Methods: Retrospective study of 125 patients: 20 of the control group and 105 with gastrointestinal disorders. The 13Curea breath test was required as a routine procedure for all patients before receiving any dose of sulfasalazine. Results: Case group had an average of infection with H. pylori (42%), similar to the control group (40%). IBD showed a similar positivity to 13C-urea breath test (OR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.32–3.05). Higher incidence was found in microscopic colitis (46%) and CD (52%), than in ulcerative colitis (40%), without substantial differences. Patients treated for H. pylori, reduced the number of recurrences. Conclusion: The eradication of H. pylori in patients with IBD may have a positive impact on the natural history of the disease, although more prospective studies are needed. Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, 13C breath test, Helicobacter pylori sulfasalazine