Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in long-term dialysis patients

Background: Helicobacter pylori has been reported to play an important role in the development of gastritis and gastric ulcer. Methods: This study included 168 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD; 30 non‐dialysis patients, 138 patients receiving dialysis; mean duration of dialysis: 57.3 ± 61.7 months) and 138 control volunteers. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori infection by measuring H. pylori antibody (IgG) levels. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 62.3% in the control group, 53.3% in the non‐dialysis patients, and 36.9% in the dialysis patients. The percentage decreased with a reduction of renal function. In addition, the proportion of H. pylori‐positive patients decreased with the duration of dialysis, and the antibody titre was also significantly decreased. There was no association between long‐term oral administration of H2RA (H2 receptor antagonist) and the incidence of H. pylori infection. Conclusion: Among dialysis patients, the proportion of H. pylori‐positive patients was low. An aetiological factor other than H2RA agents was suggested. Renal failure or dialysis treatment may influence H. pylori infection.