HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN NASAL POLYPOSIS

Abstract

Background: Nasal polyposis is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology. Recently concern regarding GER or
Helicobacter pylori as a possible pathologic cause of nasal polyps has been increasing. The present study was planned to investigate the
presence of Helicobacter Pylor in Nassal polyps by PCR , rapid Urease test and serology. Design: Case control study. Setting: ENT ward of
Shiraz, Khalilli Hospital, Iran. Period: April 2006 to March 2008. Materials and Methods: 37 patients with nasal polyps who had undergone
nasal endoscopic sinus surgery and 38 control subjects who had undergone septoplasty and turbinectomy. Biopsy specimens of nasal polyps
and inferior turbinates were assessed by PCR and Rapid Urease test. Blood sample of both study and control subjects were evaluated for anti
H.pylori Ig G by ELISA. HP status was regarded as positive, if 2 tests were positive. Results: Seropositivity was more common in the patients
with nasal polyps (72.97%) than in the control patients (31.57%) (P-value= 0.000) RUT was positive in 9 (24.3%) of 37 patients with nasal
polyps, but was not positive in control group (P-value= 0.001). only 3 of (8.1%) of 37 patients with nasal polyps were positive for both RUT and
ELISA (P-value =0.115). PCR was negative in all patients and controls. Conclusions: Polypoid tissue can be colonized by some other agents
containing a urease enzyme other than Helicobacer Pylori. So, result of RUT can be false positive, and addition test may be performed. In the
our study by using PCR , we were not able to confirm presence of Helicobacter pylori in the nasal polyps. However, further epidemiologic studies
using different and specific diagnostic tests with control of documented GER is recommended.