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. 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. H. pylori seropositivity was present in 88% cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy, 86% cirrhotics without hepatic encephalopathy and 66% healthy controls. 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

Role of infection and exchange transfusion in fulminant hepatic failure.

We report three patients with fulminant hepatic failure following sepsis managed by exchange transfusion. The literature on the role of infection in the pathogenesis of fulminant liver failure and of exchange transfusions in its management is reviewed.