STUDIES ON THE INTERRELATION BETWEEN ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME, HELICOBACTER-PYLORI, AND PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR THERAPY

Background & Aims: The interrelation between Helicobacter pylori infec tion and proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with Zollinger-Elli son syndrome is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inf luence of these factors on parameters of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, M ethods: Prevalence of H. pylori was determined by biopsy and antibody testing in 84 patients. The influence of H. pylori status on clinical and laboratory parameters of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome was evaluated, Seroconversion after surgery was assessed retrospectively in infected patients, Results: The prevalence of H. pylori exposure was 23% (10% with active infection). Acid output was higher in H. pylori-negative p atients, but other clinical and biochemical parameters did not differ, Parameters were also similar for patients determined to be H. pylori positive by histology or antibody testing alone. Seroconversion rates did not differ between those rendered or not rendered disease free des pite a significant reduction in acid output, Conclusions: H. pylori in fection is not a risk factor for peptic ulceration in patients with Zo llinger-Ellison syndrome. The prevalence is lower than in the general population and muck lower than for patients with idiopathic peptic ulc er disease, Long-term omeprazole therapy in H. pylori-positive patient s with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome may lead to a reduction in parietal cell mass.