Reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia after Helicobacter pylori eradication - a prospective study for up to 10 years

Abstract

Background: Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are premalignant conditions for gastric cancer. Their reversibility by Helicobacter pylori eradication remains controversial. Aim: To evaluate the reversibility of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia by H. pylori eradication with long-term follow-up. Methods: 598 subjects were prospectively enrolled and followed for up to 10 years. They were categorised as H. pylori-negative (n = 65), H. pylori non-eradicated (n = 91), and H. pylori-eradicated (n = 442). Histological assessment was performed for antrum and corpus by Sydney classification. Results: Histological follow-up was performed regularly at 1, 2, 3-4 and ≥5 years, with mean follow-up of 1.07 ± 0.21, 2.29 ± 0.83, 3.93 ± 1.02, and 6.45 ± 1.28 years, respectively. Atrophic gastritis in antrum and corpus gradually and significantly (both P