Association Between Helicobacter pylori and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Siwei Liu, Changjiang Li, Siyan Xu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Fifteen studies were included. H pylori infection was more frequent among patients with LPRD than among those without it (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.63; P = 0.002), while H pylori-positive patients also had a higher prevalence of LPRD than H pylori-negative patients (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31; P = 0.001). The authors characterize the evidence as limited and call for studies of eradication treatment.
Key findings
- H pylori infection was more frequent in patients with LPRD than in non-LPRD patients (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12-1.63; P = 0.002).
- LPRD prevalence was higher among H pylori-positive than H pylori-negative patients (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07-1.31; P = 0.001).
- Pooled H pylori prevalence was 49% (95% CI, 36-61) in LPRD and 35% (95% CI, 23-49) in non-LPRD patients.
Why it matters
The findings suggest an association between H pylori infection and LPRD, which may be relevant when considering how these conditions overlap. However, the review does not establish that infection causes LPRD or that eradication improves it. Variation in populations and diagnostic and testing methods may also affect the observed association.
What to keep in mind
The authors describe the evidence as limited and note heterogeneity related to population race, LPRD diagnostic approach, H pylori testing methods, age, and sex. The review does not establish treatment efficacy.