Ethem Tankurt

YMDD motif variants in inactive hepatitis B carriers detected by Inno-Lipa HBV DR assay

Introduction:  Mutations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase, especially occurring at the highly conserved YMDD region, are related to resistance to lamivudine. Although these mutations are frequently secondary to lamivudine use, they can also occur naturally. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of YMDD variants that exist naturally in patients who are inactive HBV carriers.

Relationship between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and Helicobacter pylori infection in bleeding or uncomplicated peptic ulcers: A case-control study.

Background and Aims: Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use has been closely associated with an increased risk of bleeding peptic ulcers, while the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection has been reported to be lower in bleeding ulcers than in non‐bleeding ones. However, whether an interaction exists between NSAID use and H. pylori infection has not clearly been elucidated yet. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of NSAID use and H. pylori infection, to predict risk factors in bleeding peptic ulcers and to determine whether NSAID use and H. pylori infection interact with each other.

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers – a 10-year, single-centre experience

Introduction Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) occurs throughout the world and causes gastroduodenal diseases. There is data indicating a change in the prevalence of H. pylori infection worldwide. The prevalence of H. pylori is 80% in Turkey, while it is higher in many developing countries, and the rate of infection varies throughout the world. In many developing countries, the prevalence of infection exceeds 90% by adulthood. Aim To determine the change in the rate of H. pylori infection in gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers for a 10-year period in a single centre. Material and methods The study population included 550 patients (342 in 2004, 208 in 1994) with gastric and duodenal ulcers. Results In 2004 there were 125 (36.5%) patients with gastric ulcer and 217 patients with duodenal ulcer (64.5%). CLO test positivity was 39.2% in patients with gastric ulcers and 60% in patients with duodenal ulcers. In 1994 there were 208 patients (159 duodenal ulcers, 49 gastric ulcers). Urease test was positive in 74.2% of patients with duodenal ulcer and in 65.2% of patients with gastric ulcer. The decrease in the rate of urease positivity in patients with gastric ulcer was statistically significant (p = 0.01) during this 10-year period. Conclusions In the present study we found that the urease positivity decreased significantly in patients with gastric ulcer between 1994 and 2004.