Association between helicobacter pylori seropositivity and hepatic encephalopathy

The knowledge on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) contribution in the pathology of
the liver and biliary tract diseases in human is very limited. The aim of this study was to assess
the probable association between H. pylori seropositivity and hepatic encephalopathy.
Methodology: This is a case control study conducted through three groups, cirrhotics with
hepatic encephalopathy (HE), cirrhotics without HE and healthy controls. All subjects were
examined serologically for determination of IgG class antibodies to H. pylori based on ELISA
technique.
Results: H. pylori seropositivity was present in 88% cirrhotic patients with hepatic
encephalopathy, 86% cirrhotics without hepatic encephalopathy and 66% healthy controls.
Conclusion: According to our results, H. pylori seropositivity rate in cirrhotic patients with or
without hepatic encephalopathy was higher than healthy controls. But H. pylori seropositivity
rate was not significantly different among cirrhotics with hepatic encephalopathy and those
without it