[Peptic ulcer disease in liver cirrhosis: role of Helicobacter pylori infection and therapeutic approach].

Peptic ulcer has frequently been associated with liver cirrhosis. The death rate for peptic ulcer in cirrhotics has been reported to be five times higher than in general population. The underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Different factors have been claimed to be involved, such as alterations in serum gastrin level, gastric acid secretions, mucosal blood flow and decreased prostaglandin production in gastric mucosa. Moreover, Helicobacter pylori infection, when accurately assessed, is detectable in most peptic ulcer cirrhotics. Since the H. pylori infection strongly correlates with peptic ulcer in general population, it is necessary to clarify the role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer in cirrhosis before eradication can be proposed as a preventive measure.