Endoscopic diagnoses and CLO test results in 9239 cases, prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Istanbul, Turkey

Background:  Helicobacter pylori is implicated in the etiology of gastric and duodenal ulcer, non‐ulcer dispepsia, atrophic gastritis, gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma. Methods:  Between November 1995 and December 2004, the presence of H. pylori was investigated using the CLO test in 9239 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at a single institution in Istanbul, Turkey. The results were evaluated as early–late positive, and negative. Results:  There were 4667 women (50.51%) with a mean age of 44.5 years (range, 13–90 years), and 4572 men (49.49%) with a mean age of 45.7 years (range, 11–85 years). The CLO test was positive in 41.44% of cases. The most frequent symptoms on admission were epigastric pain (46.2%) and burning (19.6%). The most frequent endoscopic diagnosis was pangastritis (64%) and non‐erosive duodenitis (30.5%). The H. pylori positivity was 61.53% during the first 5‐year period and 38.47% during the second 5‐year period. The H. pylori positivity was significant in patients using non‐steroidal anti‐inflamatory drugs and tobacco ( P  < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion:  Helicbacter pylori prevelance remains an important health problem for Turkey although it has diminished in parallel to the national development during the last years. Helicbacter pylori , as a first‐degree carcinogen, should be investigated and eradicated particularly in high‐risk patients.