Clinical Recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Autoimmune Gastritis

Aim: to present clinical guidelines describing the clinical, laboratory, endoscopic and histological characteristics of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) and to provide information support for decision-making on diagnosis, prognosis assessment and choice of management tactics for patients with AIG. Key points. AIG is an organ-specific autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of antibodies to parietal cells and/or intrinsic factor, in which inflammation and atrophy are limited to the gastric mucosa, functionally manifesting as hypo- and achlorhydria. There is evidence of an increase in the incidence of AIG worldwide. AIG is often associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (up to 40 % of cases), type 1 diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome. Data on laboratory diagnostic methods, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and histological examination of biopsies are presented, with an analysis of the endoscopic and histological picture typical of AIG. When AIG is combined with H. pylori infection, eradication therapy is recommended. In addition to symptomatic treatment and treatment of anemia, long-term rebamipide therapy is recommended to potentiate the protective properties of the gastric mucosa. Endoscopic monitoring of patients with AIG is recommended at intervals of once every 3 years.