Study on the correlation between subclinical hepatic encephalopathy and Helicobacter pylori infection / 中国医师进修杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the status of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) and the level of blood ammonia. Methods Sixty-five SHE patients and healthy volunteer were selected. In all subjects Hp was assessed by rapid urease test (RUT) and histological examination. It would be regarded as Hp infection if both the RUT and histological examination were positive. The level of blood ammonia was detected and number connection test (NCT), digit symbol test (DST)and electroencephalogram (EEG)was performed. The patients could be diagnosed with SHE whichever of the three tests was abnormal. The patients with Hp infection were randomized received one-week standard treatment. Bacterial eradication was assessed with <'14>C-urea breath test after the treatment of 6-8 weeks, meanwhile above mentioned examinations were reassessed. Results The ratio of Hp infection in SHE patients (46.2%, 30/65 )was higher than that in healthy controls ( 33.3 % ,20/60), but there was no significant difference(P> 0.05).The blood ammonia level before and after eradication had no significant difference(P> 0.05 ). No improvement was observed in above mentioned examinations after treatment. Conclusion There is no relationship between the level of blood ammonia and Hp infection in SHE.