Association of Helicobacter Pylori With Development of Peptic Ulcer Disease Among Cirrhotic Patients: An Evidence From Population-Based Study

There is evidence to suggest higher bleeding complications, delayed healing, and a greater ulcer recurrence rate in patients with liver cirrhosis compared with the general population. 1 Chronic liver disease and its complications are major health problems. In a study by Kamalaporn et al., the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in cirrhotic patients reported by endoscopy screening studies was approximately 5% to 20% when compared with 2% to 4% in the general population. 2

The reasons for the increased ulcer rate in cirrhotic patients are unknown. Oxidative stress that causes gastric tissue damage in cirrhosis may be one of the components causing gastric lesions and hemorrhage. 3 Studies have shown that PUD has been the cause of upper GI bleeding in almost 10% of cirrhotic patients 4 An episode of upper GI bleeding can actually worsen the prognosis of cirrhotic patients. 5 Eradication therapy may be beneficial because it diminishes the risk of recurrent PUD. 6