The Association betweenHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis

Abstract

Purpose.Helicobacter pyloriis a common gastric disease-inducing pathogen. Although an increasing number of recent studies have shown thatH. pyloriis a risk factor for liver disease, the potential association betweenH. pyloriinfection and chronic hepatitis C still remains controversial. The aim of our meta-analysis was to evaluate a potential association betweenH. pyloriinfection and chronic hepatitis C.Methods. We searched the PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases between January 1, 1994, and May 1, 2015.Results. This study included a total of 1449 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 2377 control cases. The prevalence ofH. pyloriwas significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C than in those without chronic hepatitis C. The pooled odds ratio was 2.93. In a subgroup analysis, the odds ratios were 4.48 for hepatitis C virus- (HCV-) related cirrhosis and 5.45 for hepatocellular carcinoma.Conclusion. Our study found a strong association betweenH. pyloriand chronic hepatitis C, particularly during the HCV progression stage; thus, we recommend active screening forH. pyloriin patients with chronic hepatitis C.