The prevalence of reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection in troops stationed in southern China

Abstract

Objective To assess the prevalence of reflux esophagitis(RE) in troops stationed in southern China,and explore the relationship between RE incidence and Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection.Methods Ninety-one confirmed gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) patients were selected,with lower score in 47,(Sc: 12-15),moderate score(Sc: 16-20) in 34,and high score(Sc > 20) in 10.Sixty non-GERD servicemen with Sc < 12 served as control group by stratified random sampling method.All the 151 subjects underwent gastroscopy.Hp infection was detected by 14C urea breath test(14C-UBT) and rapid urease test(RUT).Hp infection was confirmed by the positive results of the both tests.Results The diagnostic rate of RE was significantly higher in GERD group(42.9%,39/91) than in control group(3.3%,2/60,P < 0.05).No statistical difference in RE was found among those in different GERD scores(P > 0.05).In GERD group,thirty-nine RE patients were found with 22 cases in grade A,13 in grade B,3 in grade C and 1 in grade D.Of the 39 RE patients,35(89.7%) were in low grade(grade A and B).Eight patients(8.8%) in GERD group were found to suffered from Barrett’s syndrome.No significant correlation was shown between the degree of RE and GERD scores(r=0.276,P > 0.05).There were no significant difference in infection rate of Hp between the RE patients(59.0%,23/39) and those in control group(61.7%,37/60,P>0.05).Conclusions The prevalence of RE is high in troops stationed in southern China.No correlation is found between the rate of RE and Hp infection.