Relationship Between Gastric Helicobacter pylori Infection and Colorectal Polyps: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most prevalent bacterialinfections worldwide. It is well-established as a contributing factor to various conditions, including chronicgastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between H.pylori infection and the presence of colorectal polyps.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the General Surgery Endoscopy Unit of İzmir KatipÇelebi University between January 2019 and December 2022. Patients who underwent both gastroscopy andcolonoscopy were included in the study. The demographic data of the patients, along with their H. pylori status,as well as the number, size, location, and pathology of any polyps, were recorded. A logistic regression modelwas employed to analyze the relationship between the prevalence of H. pylori infection and the occurrence ofcolorectal polyps.Results: A total of 310 patients were included in the study, of whom 122 (39.4%) were men and 188 (60.6%)were women. Colorectal polyps were identified in 133 cases, while 173 cases showed no evidence of polyps.The rate of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in patients with colorectal polyps compared to thosewithout polyps (P<0.001). Furthermore, advanced age and the presence of multiple polyps were significantlymore prevalent in the H. pylori-positive group (P=0.002 and P=0.023, respectively). However, when polypswere evaluated by size, location, type, and pathological subgroup, the rates of H. pylori infection did not differsignificantly between the groups. Similarly, when examining the type of adenoma and the degree of dysplasia,H. pylori positivity showed no significant difference across the groups (P=0.742 and P=0.751, respectively).Conclusion: The findings of our research imply that infection with H. pylori in the stomach may contribute toa heightened likelihood of developing colorectal polyps. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with H. pylori mightgain preventive advantage from undergoing colonoscopic evaluation to detect polyps and mitigate the risk ofcolorectal malignancy.