Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Seroconversion in Helicobacter pylori-Seronegative Koreans

Kwon, Hyun Gyung; Lee, Sun Young; Kim, Ji Hye; Lee, Sang Pyo; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Sung, In Kyung; Park, Hyung Seok; Shim, Chan Sup

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seroconversion may develop in seronegative adults. Although a positive correlation has been reported between alcohol consumption and seroconversion in Korea, an inverse correlation has been reported in other countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for seroconversion in Korea.
METHODS
We included Korean adults who were H. pylori-negative negative in their annual serum immunoglobulin G and pepsinogen assays, and in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Subjects with a history of H. pylori eradication or gastrectomy were excluded. The criteria for heavy alcohol consumption were â‰¥ 15 drinks/week for males and â‰¥ 8 drinks/week for females.
RESULTS
Of 267 H. pylori-seronegative subjects, 26 (9.7%) exhibited seroconversion at a mean follow-up time of 39.0 ± 19.1 months. Seroconversion was positively correlated with alcohol consumption (p = 0.001), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (p = 0.015), a higher body mass index (p = 0.033), a longer follow-up period (p = 0.038), and a greater number of follow-up tests (p = 0.004). Heavy drinking (odds ratio 6.754, 95% confidence interval 1.892-24.102, p = 0.003) and social drinking (odds ratio 4.360, 95% confidence interval 1.130-16.826, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for seroconversion. During follow-up, subjects with seroconversion had higher serum levels of pepsinogen II (12.0 ± 7.8 ng/mL) than others (9.1 ± 5.3 ng/mL) (p = 0.038).
CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol consumption is related to seroconversion in Koreans. H. pylori transmission might be prevented by reducing alcohol consumption and controlling drinking habits.