Endoscopic and histopathological findings in patients with Helicobacter pylori in a regional hospital in Honduras

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that the global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection reaches 50% of the population, with even higher rates in regions with poor sanitary conditions. This pathogen is the primary etiological agent of chronic gastritis and is closely associated with the development of gastric adenocarcinoma. Objective: To identify the most common endoscopic and histopathological findings, and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection at Hospital Regional de Occidente. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study based on the review of records and biopsies of patients diagnosed with H. pylori (Jan-July 2024). Results: Seventy-one patients with H. pylori infection were identified, aged between 18 and 77 years. Females predominated (66%). Women aged 77 years or older and men between 68 and 77 years were the most frequent groups. The most common place of origin was the department of Copán (77.5%). The most common endoscopic indication was anemia syndrome under investigation (26.6%). Among the endoscopic findings, erosive gastritis prevailed affecting the antrum was the most common (28.2%). Histopathological findings included atrophy (15.5%), incomplete intestinal metaplasia (25.2%), low-grade dysplasia (9.9%), and intestinal adenocarcinoma (8.5%). Discussion: The prevalence of H. pylori infections was higher in women over 77 years of age. The most common findings included erosive antral and diffuse gastritis. In biopsies, mild architectural changes predominated, with incomplete intestinal metaplasia as the most frequent lesion.