The potential bidirectional association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gallstone disease in adults: A two-cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may act as a precipitating factor in gallstone formation, and the potential association between H. pylori infection and gallstone disease (GD) is still unclear and controversial. This study aimed to clarify the potential bidirectional relationship between H. pylori infection and GD.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed in a population that underwent health checkups at the hospital between 2013 and 2018. H. pylori infection status was evaluated by urea breath test (UBT), and GD was diagnosed via ultrasound. Cox regression and propensity score matching (PSM) were used.

RESULTS

Among 1011 participants without H. pylori infection at baseline, 134 participants were infected with H. pylori. Among 1192 participants without gallstones or cholecystectomy at baseline, 60 participants developed gallstones or cholecystectomy. The hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for incident H. pylori infection comparing the GD versus the no GD group was 1.84 (1.19, 2.85). The age- and sex-adjusted HR (95% CI) for incident GD comparing H. pylori-positive subjects to H. pylori-negative subjects was 1.74 (1.01, 2.98). Consistent results were also found with PSM and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This cohort study demonstrated a potential bidirectional association between H. pylori infection and GD, which provides a basis for indicating the risk of GD and implementing the clinical strategies for GD. For the prevention and treatment of GD, H. pylori infection should be carefully considered and evaluated.