Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease whose treatment is essential due to various complications, such as pain, inflammation, and disturbance in patients' quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy on QOL and arthritis symptoms in patients with OA who are infected with H. pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, 62 OA patients were categorized into two groups based on diagnostic tests: H. pylori positive and negative. The negative group received only standard OA treatment, while the positive group underwent eradication therapy in addition to standard treatment. Patients were assessed and compared before, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after treatment using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and European Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Comparison of the two groups revealed a significant reduction in physical function, joint stiffness, pain, total WOMAC, and VAS scores in the H. pylori positive group over the study period (P < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the negative group (P > 0.05). QOL scores improved significantly in the eradicated group (P < 0.05). Significant improvements were seen between the eradicated and noneradicated subgroups in physical function, pain, total WOMAC, and VAS scores, with more significant improvements in the eradicated group (P < 0.05). After the intervention, self-care and QOL scores differed significantly between the groups, with the eradicated group showing better outcomes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In OA patients with H. pylori infection, eradication therapy improves specific symptoms, pain, and QOL.