Helicobacter pylori Infection and the Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma: an Updated Meta-analysis of Different Testing Methods

Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori infection may be associated with an increased risk of colorectalcarcinoma. However, as most studies on this subject were relatively small in size and differed at least partially intheir designs, their results remain controversial. In this study, we aimed to carry out a meta-analysis to evaluatethe potential association of H. pylori infection with colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma risk, covering all ofthe different testing methods.
Methods: We conducted a search in PubMed, Medline, EBSCO, High Wire Press,OVID, and EMBASE covering all published papers up to March 2013. According to the established inclusioncriteria, essential data were then extracted from the included studies and further analyzed by a systematicmeta-analysis. Odds ratios were employed to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and therisk of colorectal neoplasms.
Results: Twenty-two studies were included, and the odds ratio for the associationbetween H. pylori infection and colorectal cancer was 1.49 (95% confidence interval 1.30-1.72). No statisticallysignificant heterogeneity was observed. Publication bias was ruled out.
Conclusion: The pooled data suggest H.pylori infection indeed increases the risk of colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma.