Evaluation of Changes in the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio after Helicobacter pylori Eradication

Introduction: Low-grade inflammation is associated with important chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been widely used as a biomarker for systemic inflammation. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is widely recommended because H. pylori causes chronic inflammation and increases the risk of developing peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association between H. pylori infection and NLR. Methods: Forty-four patients undergoing upper endoscopy, rapid urease test, and routine blood examination were recruited, and 23 of them were evaluated after eradication therapy. Results: NLR significantly decreased after eradication (p < 0.01). The NLR values were 2.16±0.97 and 1.72±0.65 at baseline and 2 months after eradication, respectively. There was no significant difference in the grade of atrophic gastritis, presence of peptic ulcers, hyperplastic polyps, sex, and age between the patient groups. NLR significantly reduced after H. pylori eradication, and an increase in NLR might depend on systemic inflammation induced by H. pylori infection to a certain degree. Conclusions: Changes in NLR might provide additional information to confirm H. pylori eradication.