FREQUENCY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI ANTIBODIES (IgG) IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE

ABSTRACT
Background: Ischemic stroke results from atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries. Atherosclerosis is consequence of
the processes of vascular injury, inflammation, and thrombosis; however, the stimulus that triggers the inflammatory
response remains unclear. Persistent infectious agent Helicobacter pylori play an important role in atherosclerosis.
Objective: To determine the frequency of H. Pylori antibodies (IgG) among cases of ischemic stroke
Materials and methods: This descriptive cross sectional was done at Department of Neurology, Lady Reading Hospital,
Peshawar from 27th August, 2013 to 27th February, 2014, recruiting 145 patients with ischemic stroke presenting
within 72 hours of either gender. There serum IgG levels for Helicobacter Pylori antibodies (IgG) was measured,taking
titers more than 20 U/ml as positive.All the data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 and results were presented in the
form of tables and graphs.
Results:There were 97 (66.90%) males and 48 (33.10%) females with an overall age of 46.58 years ± 9.42SD. Mean
± Standard deviation of H. pylori antibodies level (IgG) was 2.19U/ml ± 7.22SD. The Helicobacter Pylori antibodies
(IgG) more than 20U/ml was present in 91 (62.76%) patients with ischemic stroke. Helicobacter Pylori antibodies (IgG)
more than 20U/ml were more in males than females(60 (41.38%) vs. 31 (21.38%)) andmaximum in the age group of
51 to 60 years i.e. 30 (20.69%)patients.
Conclusion: Routine screening for H. pylori infection and measure should be taken to manage this risk factor as as
large number of patients (62.76%) present with chronic infection of H. pylori and ischemic stroke in our set up.
Key words:Ischemic Stroke; Helicobacter Pylori antibodies; Atherosclerosis.