Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Associated with Gallstones: A Hospital based Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The gastroduodenal environment, specifically the role of Helicobacter pylori infection, has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributing factor to gallstone formation.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with gall stone formation. The specific objective was to determine the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and gall stone formation.

Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology, and Department of Microbiology of a tertiary teaching healthcare facility in India between July 2023 and November 2024.

Results: The study analyzed 230 patients, finding 26 (11.3%) with gallstones. The mean age of patients with gallstones was significantly higher (56.4 years) compared to those without (47.0 years), with a p-value of <0.001. Gender differences were not significant, with similar male-to-female ratios in both groups. Alcohol consumption and smoking were more prevalent in the gallstone group, with significant differences (p = 0.031 and p = 0.023, respectively). The mean BMI was higher in the gallstone group (24.9 kg/m² vs. 23.1 kg/m²), also statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST), but ALP and GGT levels were significantly elevated in the gallstone group (p = 0.003). Lipid and protein markers (total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and hemoglobin) showed no significant differences between the groups. The gallstone group had a higher prevalence of positive anti-HCV status (61.5% vs. 42.2%, p = 0.042), Helicobacter pylori infection (38.5% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.034), and fatty liver (65.4% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.022). However, no significant link was found between gallstones and gallbladder polyps (p = 0.353).

Conclusion: Our findings highlight significant associations between gallstones and factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, higher BMI, hepatitis C virus infection, Helicobacter pylori infection, and fatty liver disease.