[Relationship between Helicobacter pylori status and the development of reflux esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus]

To date, there are many studies on the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here we reviewed the relationship between H. pylori status and the development of reflux esophagitis (RE) or Barrett's esophagus (BE). According to many case-controlled studies, H. pylori infection may play a protective role in the development of RE. However, the frequency of RE development does not increase following successful H. pylori treatment based on the previous studies including meta-analysis and systematic review. Even though RE newly develops after H. pylori eradication, endoscopic findings reveal mild such as grade A or B according to the Los Angeles Classification System. With regard to BE, there is an inverse significant relationship. Since there are few studies indicating that BE increases after treatment of H. pylori, the eradication should be recommended for patients with H. pylori infection irrespective of the presence of RE or BE even in terms of the prevention of gastric cancer.