First-degree relatives of patients with early-onset gastric carcinoma show even at young ages a high prevalence of advanced OLGA/OLGIM stages and dysplasia

Summary Background First‐degree relatives (FDRs) of early‐onset gastric carcinoma (EOGC) patients are at increased risk of cancer development. OLGA/OLGIM (Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) classifications have been proposed for the identification of individuals at high risk of gastric cancer development. Aim To estimate the prevalence and severity of premalignant conditions and lesions in FDRs of EOGC patients. Methods A case–control study was conducted encompassing 103 FDRs of EOGC patients (cases) and 101 age‐ and gender‐matched controls, all submitted to upper GI endoscopy and OLGA and OLGIM used for staging as well as modified versions with exclusion of the biopsies from incisura angularis in the analysis. Results Helicobacter pylori infection was present in 82% of cases (P = 0.001). Atrophy was present in 70% of cases (OLGA stages I–IV). High‐risk stages (III–IV) were identified only in cases (19%) (P