Objective: To assess whether corpus gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori protects against erosive esophagitis in an area with high prevalence of H. pylori infection.
Methods: Biopsies obtained from gastric corpus and antrum in 151 patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied for presence of H. pylori and endoscopic evidence of gastritis. Presence and grade of esophagitis at endoscopy was recorded.
Results: Fifty-four (36%) patients had endoscopic esophagitis. Patients with severe esophagitis (>or= grade II) less often had active gastritis (15/45 vs. 55/98; p=0.02) and had a lower density of H. pylori (p=0.0003) than those without esophagitis.
Conclusion: Active corpus gastritis due to H. pylori infection may protect against erosive esophagitis in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Middle East.