Helicobacter pylori Infection among Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative gut bacterium associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer, whose prevalence is still common in developing countries. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the gold standard, first-line investigation for evaluating gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary health care centre among the patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from 5 January 2020 to 5 January 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 99% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 1,975 patients, Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 561 (28.41%) (25.79-31.03, 99% Confidence Interval). The indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was mostly dyspepsia 256 (45.68%) followed by abdominal pain 205 (36.54%). The most common endoscopic finding was gastritis 445 (79.32%) followed by hiatal hernia 93 (16.58%). The commonest biopsy finding was chronic active gastritis 478 (85.20%). Conclusions: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings. The persistence of H. pylori emphasizes the need of continuous research to address ever evolving H. pylori infections and resistance that are developing against available treatment modalities. Keywords: endoscopy; Helicobacter pylori; upper gastrointestinal tract.

Pachydermoperiostosis: a case report of initial improvement with etoricoxib.

Introduction and importance: Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a syndrome characterised by the triad of pachydermia, digital clubbing and periostosis of long bones and its scarce incidence and similarity in clinical features with acromegaly makes the diagnosis challenging. The elevated PGE2 levels have been hypothesised as one of its mechanisms and therapies have been targeted to inhibit this prostaglandin. Case presentation: A 25-year-old man with no comorbidities presented to OPD with a 10-year history of bilateral pain and swelling of the hands and feets associated with hyperhidrosis, grade IV clubbing and marked skin thickening on his forehead. X-rays revealed hyperostosis of the metacarpals, proximal and middle phalanges and periosteal bone formation with cortical thickening of the ankle joint. Tests done to rule out differentials such as thyroid acropachy, acromegaly, psoriatic arthritis were normal and a clinical diagnosis of PDP, a rare genetic disease characterised by pachyderma, digital clubbing and periostosis was made. Clinical discussion: The patient was managed conservatively with etoricoxib for 6 months on a follow-up basis. The symptoms were improving and a repeat X-ray showed partial improvement of soft tissue thickening and periostosis. Conclusion: PDP is a rare diagnosis with no clear consensus on a management approach. Its management with selective COX-2 inhibitors such as etoricoxib should be considered but its long-term effects should be studied further.