Features of endoscopic and histopathological findings of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with blepharitis

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) leads to gastric diseases as well as causing many extra-gastric involvements. Although contradictory findings are reported in some studies; it is indicated that some eye-related diseases are linked to H pylori. In our study, we aimed at investigating the relationship between presence of blepharitis and H Pylori positivity.
METHODS: Demographic data, drug, smoking and alcohol use, endoscopic, histological findings and presence of blepharitis were documented. Endoscopic and histopathological findings are compared between patients with blepharitis and control group. The data is analysed statistically. Values with p>0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS: 36 patients with blepharitis and 84 patients without blepharitis were included in the study. Presence of helicobacter pylori was found significantly in higher rate at patients with blepharitis. Esophagitis, gastric ulcerand bulbitis were found significantly in higher rate atpatients with blepharitis. There is no difference between the groups in terms of other endoscopic findings.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: While causing gastro duodenal diseases, particularly peptic ulcer and stomach adenocarcinoma by interaction between bacterial virulence factors and host and/or environmental factors, H pylori is known to be related to many extra-gastric involvements. Thus, in the presence of eye diseases such as blepharitis, we consider that; it is necessary to investigate presence of H pylori and treatment shall be done when positivity is detected.