Acute gastritis with hypochlorhydria: report of 35 cases with long term follow up.

BACKGROUND Between 1976 and 1987, 35 cases of acute gastritis with hypochlorhydria (AGH) were seen in our research laboratory. The aims of this study were to determine the natural history of AGH and the role of Helicobacter pylori in its pathogenesis. METHODS Archived serum and gastric biopsy samples obtained from AGH subjects were examined for evidence of H pylori colonisation. Twenty eight of 33 (85%) surviving AGH subjects returned a mean of 12 years after AGH for follow up studies, including determination of H pylori antibodies, basal and peak acid output, endoscopy, and gastric biopsies. A matched control group underwent the same studies. RESULTS Archived material provided strong evidence of new H pylori acquisition in a total of 14 subjects within two months, in 18 within four months, and in 22 within 12 months of recognition of AGH. Prevalence of H pylori colonisation at follow up was 82% (23 of 28) in AGH subjects, significantly (p<0.05) higher than in matched controls (29%). Basal and peak acid output returned to pre-AGH levels in all but two subjects. CONCLUSIONS One of several possible initial manifestations of H pylori acquisition in adults may be AGH. While H pylori colonisation usually persists, hypochlorhydria resolves in most subjects.