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Abstract #3522 Published in IGR 4-2
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori may be beneficial in the management of chronic open-angle glaucoma
Kountouras J; Mylopoulos N; Chatzopoulos D; Zavos C; Boura P; Konstas AGP; Venizelos JArchives of Internal Medicine 2002; 162: 1237-1244
BACKGROUND: The authors have documented a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with glaucoma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of H pylori eradication on the two most commonly used glaucoma parameters: intraocular pressure and visual field. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with glaucoma and 30 age-matched anemic controls underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopies and gastric mucosal biopsies to detect the presence of H. pylori infection by histologic analysis and rapid urease test (CLOtest; Delta West, Draper, UT). Saliva samples were also tested by CLOtest. Serum anti-H pylori-specific IgG was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. H. pylori-positive patients received a triple eradication regimen (omeprazole, clarithromycin, and amoxicillin treatment), and all patients were observed for two years while remaining under the same antiglaucoma therapy. RESULTS: H. pylori was detected in 88% of glaucoma cases and in 47% of controls (p < 0.001). H. pylori eradication was successful in 83% of treated patients. At the two-year clinical end point, glaucoma parameters (mean intraocular pressure and mean visual field parameters) were improved in the subgroup of patients where H. pylori eradication was successful (p < 0.001 for intraocular pressure; p ≤ 0.01 for visual field parameters), but not in the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication may positively influence glaucoma parameters, suggesting a possible causal link between H pylori and glaucoma.
Dr. J. Kountouras, 8 Fanariou St, Byzantio, Thessaloniki 551 33, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece. jannis@med.auth.gr
Classification:
9.2.2 Other risk factors for glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.2 Primary open angle glaucomas)
11.20 Other (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
