Association betweenHelicobacter pyloriInfection and Chronic Urticaria: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background. Some studies have shown the possible involvement ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection in chronic urticaria, but the relationship remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively assess the association betweenH. pyloriinfection and chronic urticaria.Methods. Observational studies comparing the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in patients with chronic urticaria and control subjects were identified through a systematic search in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to July 2014.H. pyloriinfection was confirmed by serological or nonserological tests. For subgroup analyses, studies were separated by region, publication year, andH. pyloridetection method to screen the potential factors resulting in heterogeneity.Results. 16 studies involving 965 CU cases and 1235 controls were included. Overall, the prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was higher in urticarial patients than in controls (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.12–2.45;P=0.01). This result persisted in subanalysis of nine high-quality studies (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.03–1.80;P=0.03). Subgroup analysis showed that detection method ofH. pyloriis also a potential influential factor for the overall results.Conclusions. Our present meta-analysis suggests thatH. pyloriinfection is significantly, though weakly, associated with an increased risk of chronic urticaria.