Correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and pulmonary Wegener's granulomacytosis activity

Wegener's granulomatosis is a clinicopathologic entity of unknown origin characterized histologically by necrotizing granulomatous angiitis that affects any organ system. The disease most commonly involves the upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys. Wegener's granulomatosis is a disease which requires a long-term use of steroids and NSAIDs. Because of that patients frequently develop gastroduodenal mucosal lesions and concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of H. pylori infection on clinical features in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroidal drugs, and cyclophosphamide. Thirty six patients with systemic Wegener's granulomatosis were tested for the presence of H. pylori infection and 25 of them turned up H. pylori positive. The severity of Wegener's granulomatosis disease, prevalence of gastroduodenal lesions, and the type and duration treatment seem to depend upon H. pylori infection.