Gastric metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the relationships between gastric metaplasia occurring during the healing and scarring stages of duodenal ulcers and Helicobacter pylori by examining the course of gastric metaplasia in H. pylori-eradicated and non-eradicated patients.

METHODS

One hundred and six H. pylori-positive patients with active duodenal ulcers were assigned to either a non-eradication group or an eradication group. The non-eradication group received lansoprazole for 6 wk, followed by an H2-receptor antagonist. The eradication group also received amoxicillin and metronidazole for 1 wk, in addition to lansoprazole, after initial endoscopic examination. In both groups, biopsy specimens were obtained from the ulcer margin in the active stage and from the center of the scar in the scarring stage. Specimens were examined microscopically as well as by rapid urease test to assess the extent of gastric metaplasia and to detect the presence of H. pylori.

RESULTS

The extent of gastric metaplasia increased as the ulcers healed. The extent of gastric metaplasia was of a lesser degree in the non-eradication group than in the eradication group at the time of healing, and this tendency became increasingly apparent in the course of follow-up, resulting in reduced defense mechanisms against acidity to promote the recurrence of ulcers. In the eradication group, among those in whom eradication was successful, gastric metaplasia presented a well-developed appearance with abundant intracellular mucus and remained in this condition for a prolonged period, resulting in adequate defense mechanisms against acidity to prevent the recurrence of ulcers.

CONCLUSION

By the eradication of H. pylori, gastric metaplasia becomes well-developed and remains so for a prolonged period. Thus, the eradication of H. pylori appears to play a role in the prevention of ulcer recurrences by developing adequate defenses against acidity.