Context
Limited clinical data suggest Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis.
Objectives
The effect of Hp eradication on hepatic steatosis (magnetic resonance imaging), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI (Homocysteine, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis Index) in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients.
Methods
Thirteen adult patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, asymptomatic for gastrointestinal disease, underwent 13C urea breath test; Hp positive patients received eradication therapy until repeat test become negative. Hepatic fat fraction, standard biochemical tests and calculation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI were performed at baseline and month 12.
Results
Hepatic fat fraction was similar for between and within group comparisons. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score showed a non-significant trend towards decrease in Hp(+) [-0.34 (-1.39-0.29) at baseline and -0.24 (-0.99-0.71) at month 12; P = 0.116], whereas increase in Hp(-) group [-0.38 (-1.72-0.11) and -0.56 (-1.43-0.46), respectively; P = 0.249]. HSENSI was significantly decreased only in Hp(+) group [1.0 (1.0-2.0) at baseline and 1.0 (0-1.0) at month 12; P = 0.048].
Conclusions
Hp eradication had no long-term effect on hepatic steatosis, but showed a trend towards improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and HSENSI. These results warrant larger studies with paired biopsies.
Helicobacter pylori ; Fatty liver; Magnetic resonance imaging