Can Serum C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio be Used as a Marker of Chronic Helicobacter Pylori Infection?

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative bacterial agent that colonizes the gastric mucosa and leads to chronic infections. Various techniques are available for the detection of H. pylori; however, many of these methods are invasive, costly, and can only be performed in tertiary laboratories. It is necessary to find cost-effective and non-invasive novel indicators that can identify H. pylori infection and its activity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), which is frequently analyzed in laboratory settings, and the presence of H. pylori, as well as the activation of H. pylori infection. METHODS: The medical records of patients who had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The data were analyzed using suitable tests with the IBM SPSS 27 software. RESULTS: The study included 613 patients, comprising 375 females (61.2%) and 238 males (38.8%). Among the participants, 327 (53.3%) tested positive for H. Pylori, while 286 (46.7%) tested negative. All patients presented with dyspeptic symptoms, and other indications for UGISE included anemia, gastroesophageal reflux, epigastric discomfort, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, and scanning. Upon comparing the laboratory results of H. pylori-positive and -negative patients, no significant change in CRP values was observed (p > 0.05). The albumin level was statistically considerably elevated in H. pylori-negative pa-tients relative to -positive patients (p = 0.009). The CAR in H. pylori-positive patients was statistically substantially elevated compared to negative ones (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We assert that CAR may serve as a valuable biomarker for confirming the presence of H. pylori infection and for reflecting the systemic inflammatory status of patients.