JOCS
Journal of Comprehensive Surgery

The aim of the Comprehensive Surgery is to publish original research articles of the highest scientific and clinical value at the international level in all surgical fields.

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Original Article
Helicobacter pylori infection and acute pancreatitis severity: findings from a retrospective cohort study
Abstract
Aims: While Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a well-known pathogen in gastroduodenal diseases, its potential role in acute pancreatitis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between HP infection and disease severity in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 143 adult patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis between January 2014 and October 2024 were analyzed. HP status was determined via histopathological examination of gastric biopsy specimens. Patients were stratified as HP-positive or HP-negative. Clinical severity was evaluated using the Ranson score and BISAP score. Radiologic severity was assessed using the Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) and the revised Atlanta classification. Laboratory parameters, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and length of hospital stay were also compared between groups.
Results: Of the 143 patients, 55 (38.5%) were HP-positive and 88 (61.5%) were HP-negative. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of Atlanta classification subtypes (p = 0.256), clinical severity scores, or key laboratory values. HP positivity was not associated with ICU admission or longer hospitalization. However, in subgroup analyses, HP-positive patients with biliary pancreatitis demonstrated higher clinical severity scores (Ranson and BISAP), while no differences were observed in non-biliary cases.
Conclusion: H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with the overall clinical or radiological severity of acute pancreatitis. However, exploratory subgroup analyses suggested higher clinical severity scores in patients with biliary pancreatitis, which should be interpreted cautiously. These findings indicate that the relationship between H. pylori infection and acute pancreatitis severity may vary depending on etiology and requires further investigation.

Keywords : Helicobacter pylori, acute pancreatitis, disease severity, atlanta classification

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Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Ankara Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee (Date: 09.10.2024, Decision No: 258/2024).

Informed Consent

This retrospective study used pre-existing anonymized patient data. No additional intervention was performed, and there was no direct patient contact. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived by the ethics committee.

Author Contributions

Concept: YHP, BÇ; Design: YHP, BÇ; Control: YHP, BÇ; Resources: YHP, BÇ; Materials: YHP, BÇ; Data Collection and/or Processing: YHP, BÇ; Analysis and/or Interpretation: YHP, BÇ; Literature Review: YHP, BÇ; Writing the Article: YHP, BÇ; Critical Review: YHP, BÇ.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this study.

Financial Disclosure

The authors received no financial support for the conduct or publication of this research.


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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 4, 2026
Page : 88-93
https://doi.org/10.51271/JOCS-0083
Article Information
Received : 24 Eyl 2026
Accepted : 24 Eki 2026
Published : 28 Eki 2026
Corresponding Author :

Yunus Halil Polat: Department of Gastroenterology, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Polat YH, Çakal B. Helicobacter pylori infection and acute pancreatitis severity: findings from a retrospective cohort study. J Compr Surg. 2026;4(4):88-93. doi:10.51271/JOCS-0083

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