Gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori: lack of influence of infection on oesophageal manometric, 3-hour postprandial pHmetric and endoscopic findings.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease according to manometric and pHmetric findings.
METHOD: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with reflux symptoms and endoscopic evidence of mild oesophagitis, were recruited. Manometry and ambulatory pHmetry were performed in all patients, as well as the 3-hour postprandial pHmetry, as a more flexible and well tolerable test.
RESULTS: There were no significant differences between Helicobacter pylori positive and negative patients regarding age, sex ratio and endoscopic severity of oesophagitis. There was no difference in prevalence of abnormal oesophageal peristalsis between the two groups (Fisher's exact test, p=NS). Differences were also not found regarding lower oesophageal sphincter pressure between the two groups (mean PLOS 12.86+/-4.39 mmHg and 13.1+/-4.61 mmHg respectively; p=0.840). Finally, the mean values of DeMeester score were 60.38+/-48.04 and 67.64+/-51.04 respectively (p=0.576).
CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection does not influence oesophageal peristalsis, the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and the acidity of refluxates into the oesophageal lumen, in patients with established gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (esophagitis grade A and B).