Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in a Group of Morbidly Obese Saudi Patients undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND/AIM: Earlier reports from Saudi Arabia have shown high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, recent studies have documented a reduction in the infection prevalence. No prior study has assessed the prevalence in morbidly obese Saudi patients. We aimed to study the prevalence of H. pylori infection in a group morbidly obese Saudi patients referred for endoscopy prior to bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who were referred for upper endoscopy prior to bariatric surgery from June 2006 to September 2008. All data were recorded including patient’s demographics, comorbid conditions, endoscopic and histological findings. RESULTS: There were 62 patients included, 20 males and 42 females. The mean age was 34 years (range 18 – 51) with a mean BMI of 55 Kg/m(2) (range 35 -92). H. pylori were present in 53 patients (85.5%) with chronic active gastritis. All patients with positive H. pylori had chronic gastritis of variable severity. Intestinal metaplasia was present in 5%. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was similar in patients with and without co-morbid conditions. Main endoscopic findings were gastritis in 67.7%, hiatus hernia in 13%, and gastric erosions in 13%. No patient had duodenal or gastric ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in morbidly obese Saudi patients undergoing bariatric surgery being referred for upper GI endoscopy. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical implication and benefit of eradication treatment of infection in these patients.