Roberto Higa

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Argentina: results of a nationwide epidemiologic study.

: Our aim was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Argentina, in the general population and by age groups, and to determine the value of various epidemiologic variables as predictors of Hp infection. The study comprised 754 subjects (443 women 158.7%], 311 men [41.3%]) from both genders, consecutively recruited from health centers where patients were undergoing routine medical analyses. Average age was 32 +/- 22 years. The pediatric group included subjects < or =18 years of age (n = 261). Stratification was based primarily on climatic factors and secondarily on sanitary and demographic considerations. Hp infection status was assessed through a quick serologic test. The overall Hp infection prevalence in Argentina was 35.7 +/- 3.8%. The age was statistically significant using a multiple regression test (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the socioeconomic (p < 0.05) and educational level (0 < 0.01) in the adults and the water sources (p < 0.01) in the pediatric group were all statistically significant according the multiple regression test. The overall Hp infection prevalence in Argentina was 35.7 +/- 3.8%. Age was a predictor of Hp infection status. There is evidence of low infection prevalence in children. a higher prevalence in adolescents, and a more noticeable increase at 40 years of age. Furthermore, the socioeconomic and educational level in adults and the water sources in the pediatric group explained, in part, the occurrence of Hp infection.

Uninvestigated Dyspepsia in Latin America: A Population-Based Study

We sought to assess the prevalence, severity of symptoms, and risk factors of uninvestigated dyspepsia in a population-based study in Argentina. Eight hundred thirty-nine valid questionnaires were evaluated. Dyspepsia was present in 367 subjects (43.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39.8–46.6); 110 (13.6%) had overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The group with dyspepsia without GERD consisted of 257 subjects (29.6%; 95% CI, 26.5–32.7), 183 (71.1%) had ulcer-like dyspepsia, and 74 (28.9%) had dysmotility-like dyspepsia. Symptoms were considered very severe in 1.9%, severe in 14.0%, moderate in 59.5%, and mild in 24.5% of the subjects. Dyspepsia was associated with a score >14 on the psychosomatic symptom scale (PSC) (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.75–3.61), a family history of diseases of the esophagus or stomach (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.19–2.52) and an educational level >12 years (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.05–2.29). Dyspepsia is especially prevalent in Argentina. In a significant proportion of dyspeptic subjects, the severity of symptoms interferes with daily activities. A higher PSC, positive family history, and a higher educational level are risk factors for dyspepsia.