Relationship Among Helicobacter Pylori, Lower Esophagus Sphincter Pressure, and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship among lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), Helicobacter pylori (Hp), and gastroesophageal reflux (GER). METHODS: The retrospective study included patients with isolated hypertensive or hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) who underwent esophageal manometry in our gastroenterology motility laboratory and had normal manometry results. Demographic characteristics, complaints on admission, upper endoscopy findings, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring results, and presence of Hp in gastric biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 1226 patients were included in the study, among whom women comprised 54% of all patients. Mean age was 45.4±13.4 years. Most common presenting complaint was pyrosis (85.4%). Pathological reflux was detected in 61.4% of the patients in 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Reflux esophagitis was detected in 22.9% and LES laxity was present in 17.4% of the patients. In gastric biopsy, Hp was positive in 40% of the patients. The age of patients with hypertensive LES was significantly higher and female gender and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hypertensive LES. Pyrosis was significantly less prevalent in patients with hypertensive LESP. Esophagitis and LES laxity were significantly more prevalent in patients with hypotensive LES. No significant difference was found among the three groups with regard to reflux and Hp positivity. No significant difference was found between Hp-positive and Hp-negative groups with regard to reflux and reflux esophagitis. CONCLUSION: No clear relationship was found among LES disorders, GER, and Hp. Moreover, no significant difference was found among LES disorders with regard to GER, while the presence of hypotensive LESP, rather than Hp, was found to be an important factor in the development of reflux esophagitis.