[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, correlations between alcohol consumption and gastroduodenal damage]

We studied the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, and that of upper gastro-intestinal tract lesions in chronic alcoholics. 73 chronic alcoholic, 74 duodenal ulcer and 40 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients were included. The prevalence and severity of HP infection and gastritis, profile of endoscopic lesions and the correlation between severity of alcohol consumption and that of HP infection were determined. HP was found in 31.5% of alcoholics, 83.78% of duodenal ulcer (p < 0.05) an 47.50% of non-ulcer dyspepsia cases (p > 0.18). The Genta score was in the same groups 0.47 +/- 0.09, 1.91 +/- 0.22 (p < 0.05), and 0.65 +/- 0.14 (p > 0.98). Endoscopy revealed oesophagitis in 23.6%, nonerosive gastritis in 24.5%, erosive gastritis in 13.6%, gastric ulcer in 17.5% and duodenal ulcer in 28.6% of alcoholics. Multiple findings were present in 51.8% and no lesion was found in 6.4% of the cases. Severity of gastritis was also lower in alcoholics as compared to duodenal ulcer patients. There was no correlation between severity of drinking and that of HP infection. Thus, heavy alcohol intake is associated with lower prevalence and severity of HP infection. However, alcoholics have significant, often multiple endoscopic lesions suggesting the role of other aetologic factors in addition to HP infection.