Skull Base 2006; 16 - A058
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-958591

Helicobacter pylori Colonization in Nasal Polyps

Anastasia Konstantinou 1(presenter), George Banos 1, Athanasios Sakelaridis 1
  • 1Halkis, Greece

Aim: The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the presence of H. pylori in sinonasal polyp by both the urease test (CLO test) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of sera.

Material: The present study was conducted in 15 patients (ages 22 to 64) with nasal polyps and 10 controls with middle concha bullosa (CB), undergoing sinus surgery (FESS) at our hospital. Patients who had used antacids, bismuth compounds, H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, or antibiotics within the previous 4 weeks were excluded from the study. The presence of dyspeptic complaints was not a selection criterion in this study.

Method: Biopsy specimens of the removed polyps and the mucosal part of the middle conchas were examined by CLO test. In addition, blood samples of both the study and the control groups were evaluated for anti-H. pylori (Ig)G antibodies by ELISA.

Results: Helicobacter pylori was detected in 6 of 15 patients with nasal polyps (weakly positive by the CLO test), but it was not detected in patients with CB. Five of six patients with positive results for H. pylori had gastroesophageal reflux-related complaints. No significant statistical difference was observed for HP antibodies by ELISA between the two groups (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.59).

Conclusion: Although our study involved only a small group of patients, the results demonstrate a link between H. pylori and nasal polyps. If any association is confirmed in the future, this may have a major impact on the pathology and management of nasal polyps.