Clinical Factors Related with Helicobacter Pylori Infection -Is there an Association with Gastric Cancer History in First-Degree Family Members?

Background: The aim of this study was to assess clinical factors associated with Helicobacter pylori positivityand to evaluate the incidence of gastric carcinoma in first-degree family members of infected patients. A totalof 580 patients (mean age:38±17) with gastrointestinal complaints underwent C-14 urea breath test (UBT).Patients were grouped as: Group-1, untreated patients (n:384); and Group-2, patients who previously treatedwith eradication triple therapy (n:196). C-14 UBT was performed 1-2 months after the completion of eradicationtherapy. Associations of H pylori positivity with age, gender, ABO and Rhesus groups, smoking, dietary habits,and history of gastric cancer in first-degree family members were evaluated. The frequency of H pylori positivitywas significantly higher in group-1 (58%) compared to group-2 (20%), p=0.001. There were no correlationsbetween H pylori positivity and age, gender, ABO groups, Rhesus subgroups, smoking and dietary habits inboth patient groups. The frequency of gastric cancer in family members was significantly higher in patients withH pylori infection among group-1, compared to infected patients among group-2 (56% vs. 28.6% respectively,p=0.03). We observed a significant association between H pylori positivity and the presence of gastric cancer infirst-degree relatives of group-1 patients. Our results provide some confirmation of the presence of a link betweengastric cancer development and H pylori. C-14 UBT is a sensitive, reliable and a widely recommended test forthe detection of H pylori infection and recurrence. We suggest that detection and eradication of H pylori maycontribute to a reduced risk of gastric cancer in the family members of infected patients.