Association of Severity of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Peripheral Blood Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume.

AIM: To determine the correlation of Helicobacter pylori infection with peripheral blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NLR, MPV, platelets, leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were calculated and the differences between groups were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were included in the study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was statistically lower in H. pylori-positive patients than in H. pylori-negative patients (1.94 ± 0.79 vs 2.67 ± 2.35 respectively, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference between H. pylori-negative patients and H. pylori-positive patients of severe intensity in terms of MPV. However, peripheral blood lymphocytes and platelets were statistically significantly higher in H. pylori-positive patients of severe intensity (lymphocytes 2150 ± 826 vs 2954 ± 2436 respectively, p = 0.000 and platelets 258247 ± 69494 vs 265611 ± 113397 respectively, p = 0.02) compared with H. pylori-negative patients. CONCLUSION: A moderate increase in the intensity of H. pylori does not lead to a significant change in MPV as measured by hemogram; however, it gives rise to a statistically significant fall in NLR. Presence of severe H. pylori-positive intensity leads to a statistically significant increase in peripheral blood lymphocytes and platelets compared with H. pylori-negative patients.How to cite this article: Guclu M, Agan AF. Association of Severity of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Peripheral Blood Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):11-16.

Relationship of peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and irritable bowel syndrome

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Materials and methods: A total of 107 patients suffering from constipation-predominant IBS, diagnosed in accordance with the ROMA III criteria and having complete blood count tests, were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent total colonoscopy in order to rule out any probable underlying organic colonic pathology. Results: The control group consisted of 106 healthy people with no medical complaints. The peripheral blood NLR was 2.80 ± 2.52 on average in the IBS group. The NLR average was 2.37 ± 1.65 in the control group, and the average NLR ratio in the patient group was statistically significant (P < 0.03) and higher than that of the control group when the patient and the control groups were compared. Conclusion: Peripheral blood NLR as a reliable, precise indicator of inflammation in constipation-predominant IBS patients, detected with a simple complete blood count, was slightly elevated but statistically significant compared to the control group.

Testing for hepatitis B and C virus infection before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: justification for dedicated endoscope and room for hepatitis patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic interventions have become a significant tool in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to avoid transmission of associated diseases, cleaning and disinfection/sterilization procedures of endoscopes and accessories are crucial. Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections are among the most common viral infections globally and maintain their position as a serious public health problem. METHODOLOGY: One thousand patients visiting our gastroenterology department were diagnosed and, except for cirrhosis, were enrolled in this study. For patients with HBsAg and Anti-HCV positive, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alanine Aminotransferase, hemogram and prothrombin time were examined and ultrasonography was performed. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy three patients (57.3%) were female and 427 patients (42.7%) were male. Among 1000 patients in total, 39 patients were detected to have hepatitis (3.9%). Of these patients, 28 (2.8%) had HBsAg (+), 10 (1%) had Anti-HCV (+), 1 (0.1%) had both HBsAg (+) and Anti-HCV (+). CONCLUSIONS: It would be beneficial to include a determination of hepatitis serology of patients prior to endoscopy in daily practice. In addition, like dialysis machines, there is a need for further studies evaluating the cost effectiveness of using separate endoscopy devices allocated to groups of patients with HBV, HCV or to those who do not carry hepatitis.

A recent evaluation of empirical cephalosporin treatment and antibiotic resistance of changing bacterial profiles in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the recent changes in microorganisms causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients, antibiotic resistance, and response to empirical cephalosporin therapy. A total of 218 patients with ascites secondary to cirrhosis were enrolled. Parenteral cefotaxime or cefepime was given to patients who had a neutrophil count of 250/mm(3) or more or a positive bacterial culture of ascitic fluid. Antibiotic failure was defined by an absence of clinical improvement and an insufficient decrease in neutrophil count of ascites (<25% of initial value) by the third day of therapy. Of all the patients, 44.6% had culture-negative neutrocytic ascites, 24.8% had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and 10.1% had monomicrobial nonneutrocytic bacterascites. Growth in culture was observed in 76 patients (34.9%). The two most common isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (33.8%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS; 19.7%). The two cephalosporins were effective against E. coli (82%) and but not against CoNS (44%), while levofloxacin showed reasonable activity against both E. coli (71%) and CoNS (90%) in vitro. We confirmed a recent increased incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Levofloxacin seems to be a good alternative treatment for patients with uncomplicated spontaneous ascites infections.

Thrombopoietin or interleukin-6 has no effect on thrombocytopenia of cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to compare the level of thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients with HBV and those with HCV, and to investigate whether the reduced serum level of IL-6 in patients with HCV is responsible for the lower platelet count compared to those with HBV through the effect on serum thrombopoietin level. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-three patients with liver cirrhosis, 28 of who were HBV- seropositive (Group A), 25 of who were HCV- seropositive (Group B) and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Platelet count in group B [75 (1.5-99) K/microL] were lower than those of group A [140 (62-374) K/microL] (p < 0.001). The median levels of serum thrombopoietin in patients [group A: 31.9 (31-113) pg/mL and group B: 38.0 (31.2-102) pg/mL] and controls [31.3 (31-153) pg/mL] did not show statistically significant difference. The patients compared to controls, had higher serum IL-6 levels [3.6 (2-1150) vs. 2.0 (2-9.9) pg/mL], (p < 0.01), which showed similarity in group A and B patients [3.65 (2-1150) vs. 3.3 (2-45) pg/mL], (p=NS). Serum thrombopoietin level was not correlated with serum IL-6 levels in any group. Serum thrombopoietin and IL-6 levels had no relationship with platelet count and with Child-Pugh score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that cirrhotic patients with HCV had lower platelet count than those with HBV and controls, and this difference does not appear to be related with either serum thrombopoietin or IL-6 level.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

A mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is known as one of the causes of hyperhomocyteinemia. The oxidation products of homocysteine can initiate lipid peroxidation, which has a central role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to assess the possible role of the MTHFR C677T mutation in the progression of simple steatosis to an advanced form of NAFLD. Thirty-four patients with NAFLD diagnosed by histologic analysis and 282 healthy controls were included in the study. The discrimination of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from another NAFLD was made by NAFLD activity score (NAS), and a NAS>or=5 was considered NASH. Patients with either NASH or nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and controls were evaluated for frequency of the MTHFR C677T mutation. The frequency of the MTHFR C677T mutation was 53.5% (CT, 44.7%; TT, 8.9%) in controls and 41.5% (CT, 37.7%; TT, 3.8%) in patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-1.12). There was no statistical difference in the frequency of this genotype between patients with NAFL and those with NASH (36% [CT, 28%; TT, 8%] vs 46.4% [CT, 46.4; TT, 0%]; OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.22-1.96). According to this study, the MTHFR C677T mutation does not seem to be a risk factor for the progression of NAFL to NASH.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gallbladder functions in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate gallbladder function in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. METHODS: The functions of gallbladder were investigated every 30 min for 4 h. In addition, ejection fraction of the gallbladder was calculated from the fasting and post-prandial volumes. RESULTS: In IBS patients and healthy controls, fasting gallbladder volumes were 19.64 +/- 3.09 mL and 20.04 +/- 1.82 mL, and residual volumes after 3 h were 3.36 +/- 6.82 mL and 9.74 +/- 1.50 mL. Except for the residual volume after 3 h, all these results were not statistically significant. Residual volume after 3 h was statistically significantly lower in the IBS patients than in the controls (P < 0.001). Ejection fraction of the gallbladder was significantly higher in the IBS patients than in the controls (84% vs 55%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gallbladder contraction in patients with IBS was not different from that of a control group at post-prandial second hour but was signigicantly more pronounced at the end of 3 h when compared with controls. Ejection fraction of the gallbladder was higher in IBS patients when compared with controls.

Helicobacter pylori eradication lowers serum homocysteine level in patients without gastric atrophy.

AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori (H pylori)infection caused hyperhomocysteinemia by altering serum vitamin B(12), serum folate and erythrocyte folate levels and whether eradication of this organism decreased serum homocysteine level. METHODS: The study involved 73 dyspeptic H pylori-positive patients, none of them had gastric mucosal atrophy based on rapid urease test and histology. Out of 73 patients, 41 (56.2%) showed a successful eradication of H pylori 4 wk after the end of treatment. In these 41 patients, fasting serum vitamin B(12), folate and homocysteine levels, and erythrocyte folate levels before and 4 wk after H pylori eradication therapy were compared. RESULTS: The group with a successful eradication of H pylori had significantly higher serum vitamin B(12) and erythrocyte folate levels in the post-treatment period compared to those in pre-treatment period (210+/-97 pg/mL vs 237+/-94 pg/mL, P<0.001 and 442+/-212 ng/mL vs 539+/-304 ng/mL, P = 0.024, respectively), but showed no significant change in serum folate levels (5.6+/-2.6 ng/mL vs 6.0+/-2.4 ng/mL, P = 0.341). Also, the serum homocysteine levels in this group were significantly lower after therapy (13.1+/-5.2 micromol/L vs 11.9+/-6.2 micromol /L, P = 0.002). Regression analysis showed that serum homocysteine level was positively correlated with age (P = 0.01) and negatively with serum folate level before therapy (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Eradication of H pylori decreases serum homocysteine even in patients who do not exhibit gastric mucosal atrophy. It appears that the level of homocysteine in serum is related to a complex interaction among serum vitamin B(12), serum folate and erythrocyte folate levels.

Predictors of vitamin B12 deficiency: age and Helicobacter pylori load of antral mucosa.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with non atrophic gastric mucosa and any relationship between the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency and demographic, hematologic, and histopathologic parameters. METHODS: Three hundred and ten patients with no gastric mucosal atrophy on histologic evaluation were included in the study. Chronic inflammation, neutrophil activity and H. pylori load were scored using the Sydney classification system. Variables that might influence or predict the presence of vitamin B12 deficiency (age, gender, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, serum folate level, scores of histologic parameters) were evaluated by univariate/multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The percentages of patients with vitamin B12 concentrations of < 250 pg/mL, < 200 pg/mL, and =100 pg/mL were 67.4%, 46.8% and 6.5% respectively. Patient age and all three histologic were inversely related to vitamin B12 deficiency (p<0.05). By multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with serum vitamin B12 deficiency were age and antral H. pylori load (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The higher frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in this study compared with a western study may be a reflection of the effect of H. pylori infection on serum vitamin B12 level. In addition, age was shown to be an independent risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency irrespective of gastric atrophy. It is already known that the presence of H. pylori on gastric mucosa influence serum vitamin B12 levels. Hematologic parameters are not useful in predicting the deficiency of this vitamin.

Serum positive cagA in patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease from two centers in different regions of Turkey.

AIM: To investigate and compare frequencies of serum positive cagA in patients from two separate regions of Turkey who were grouped according to the presence of peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia. METHODS: One hundred and eighty Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with peptic ulcer disease or non-ulcer dyspepsia were included in the study. One hundred and fourteen patients had non-ulcer dyspepsia and 66 had peptic ulcer disease (32 with gastric ulcers and/or erosions and 34 with duodenal ulcers). Each patient was tested for serum antibody to H. pylori cagA protein by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: The total frequency of serum positive cagA in the study group was 97.2 %. The rates in the patients with peptic ulcers and in those with non-ulcer dyspepsia were 100 % and 95.6 %, respectively. These results were similar to those reported in Asian studies, but higher than those that have been noted in other studies from Turkey and Western countries. CONCLUSION: The high rates of serum positive cagA in these patients with peptic ulcer disease and non-ulcer dyspepsia were similar to results reported in Asia. The fact that there was high seroum prevalence regardless of ulcer status suggests that factors other than cagA might be responsible for ulceration or other types of severe pathology in H. pylori-positive individuals.