Elucidating the age-related parabolic incidence of nodular gastritis: Insights into Helicobacter pylori positivity and gastric functionality.

BACKGROUND: Age, biomarkers including pepsinogen and gastrin, and Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) might be risk factors in nodular gastritis (NG), however, the detailed relationship between the risk factors and inflammation in NG remains explored. Thus, we aimed to determine the association of age, pepsinogen and gastrin levels and NG patients infected by H pylori. METHODS: A total of 768 cases of NG patients were identified in the endoscopic procedure records spanning from 2019 to 2023 at the Baotou Medical College, who were divided into 7 age-based groups: 8 to 17, 17 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and 71 to 80 years. Results pertaining to serum gastric function test, endoscopic findings, histological examinations, and C13 urea breath tests were systematically compiled from the patients' medical records. RESULTS: The prevalence of 768 NG patients exhibited a "parabolic pattern" with increasing age. Peaks were observed 41 to 50 group, especially in female patients. Among these patients, 73.6% were female patients. Besides, there was a significant difference in pepsinogen I (PGI)/pepsinogen II (PGII) ratio between the mild infection and the others group. Additionally, a similar significant difference was observed between the moderate infection group and the other groups. The logistic multiple regression analysis facilitated the combined assessment of various biomarkers such as PGI, PGII, PGI/PGII, and gastrin-17 (G-17), resulting in a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 97.9%. CONCLUSIONS: NG patients demonstrated a parabolic distribution pattern based on age. And, the elevated levels of PGI, PGII and G-17 observed in patients could signify their contributory role in the initiation and progression of NG.