Does Helicobacter pylori Protect against Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children?

Summary Background Helicobacter pylori infection and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children seem to have a reversed association with socioeconomic status (hygienic condition) and allergy conditions. While Hp infection (Hp) is highly associated with poor hygiene and/or poor socioeconomic status, but not with allergic conditions (asthma, rhinitis, etc.), EoE has the opposite epidemiological relationship (high association with allergy but low with low hygienic conditions). Aim To investigate the association between Hp infection and EoE in children. Methods A retrospective chart review of all children who undergo the first upper endoscopy procedure in the gastroenterology clinic, between 2007 and 2012, was performed. Demographic, endoscopic and histological data were collected. The data was divided into 4 diagnostic groups: Hp infection, EoE, reflux esophagitis, and children who had normal histology. The relationship between Hp positive children and the other groups was performed. Results A total of 966 charts were available for review. Esophagitis, idiopathic gastritis, EoE, and Hp infection were detected in 268 (28%), 480 (49%), 62 (6%), and 31 (3%) children, respectively. The mean age of the EoE group was significantly lower compared to all reference groups (p