Helicobacter pylori infection and peptic disease in coeliac disease

Objective To evaluate Helicobacter pylori (HP) and peptic disease prevalenc e in coeliac disease patients and in a control group. Design In the retrospective study, data collected on 690 upper endoscopies in coeliac patients, carried out between 1990 and 1997, were analysed. In t he prospective study 263 consecutive adult patients were studied for follow -up of coeliac disease or suspected malabsorption/coeliac disease. Tests in cluded routine blood tests; serum dosage of EMA; IgG anti-HP and, in a subg roup of participants, anti-CagA antibodies; upper endoscopy with multiple g astric and duodenal biopsies; histological examination of gastric and duode nal specimens with staining providing evidence for the presence of HP. Setting A centre for the treatment of malabsorptive diseases, University Fe derico II of Naples, Italy. Participants Adults with coeliac disease at the time of diagnosis and follo w-up. Results In the retrospective study, peptic disease had a prevalence of 0.72 % in the endoscopy series of coeliac patients examined. In the prospective study, the prevalence of HP infection was significantly lower in untreated coeliac patients when compared with treated patients and controls (20.7%, 3 2.4% and 55.3%, respectively; P = 0.001, chi(2)). The prevalence of HP was related to both gender and age. It was found more frequently in men and the frequency increased with age in all groups. The study confirmed the low pr evalence of peptic disease in coeliac patients compared with controls (0.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.001). Conclusion Patients with coeliac disease show a significantly lower prevale nce of HP infection and peptic disease when compared to controls. Gluten fr ee diet-induced changes in the intestinal environment and/or the host immun e-response may explain the increased HP prevalence in treated coeliac patie nts. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 12:1283-1287 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.