[Chronic gastritis. Pathogenesis, clinical aspects and therapy]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pathology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chronic gastritis is classified into three types: autoimmune (A), Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (B), and reflux (C).
• Gastritis A is rare, autoimmune, and linked to pernicious anemia.
• Gastritis B, prevalent with age, is caused by HP infection and associated with peptic ulcer disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate the types of chronic gastritis based on clinical and histopathological features.
• To explore the association of gastritis types with peptic ulcer disease, non-ulcer dyspepsia, and malignancy risk.
• To review diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for different gastritis types.

Main Methods:

• Clinical and histopathological examination for gastritis classification.
• Review of existing literature on gastritis, H. pylori, peptic ulcers, and malignancy.
• Analysis of diagnostic tests including endoscopy, biopsy, serology, and breath tests.

Main Results:

• Gastritis B (HP-positive antral gastritis) is a prerequisite for ulcer formation.
• All gastritis types increase malignancy risk, correlated with hypoacidity, chronicity, and intestinal metaplasia.
• HP eradication is effective for gastritis B and prevents peptic ulcer relapses.

Conclusions:

• Understanding HP's role in gastritis B revolutionizes peptic ulcer disease management.
• Treatment strategies vary by gastritis type, with HP eradication crucial for Type B.
• Further trials are needed for gastritis and non-ulcer dyspepsia treatment justification.