There is no difference in the disease severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease between patients infected and not infected with Helicobacter pylori

Background: The role of Helicobacter pylori in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. Aim: To compare the severity of GERD in infected vs. non-infected patients, as part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial that examines the impact of H. pylori eradication on GERD-related outcomes. Methods: Consecutive GERD patients underwent urea breath testing and completed validated GERD symptom severity, and quality of life questionnaires as well as, 24-h pH-metry. These parameters, as well as demographics and endoscopic findings were assessed in double-blinded fashion and compared between H. pylori-infected and non-infected subjects. Results: Helicobacter pylori-infected GERD patients (n = 50) were significantly older and less educated than non-infected patients (n = 51). They also used proton pump inhibitors less often but had no difference in symptoms (as measured with both the Spechler's Activity Index and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale), quality of life, endoscopic findings or 24-h pH-metry findings. Conclusion: This prospective, double-blind study demonstrates, using excellent GERD quantifying measures including validated symptom severity scores, endoscopy, and 24-h pH-metry, that there exist no clinically significant differences in clinical or laboratory-related GERD manifestations between H. pylori-infected and non-infected GERD patients.