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Helicobacter pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain in Turkish children

H Ozen1, G Dinler, Y Akyön

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara-Turkey.

Helicobacter
|October 31, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is common in children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). Eradicating H. pylori significantly improves symptoms in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is typically acquired in childhood.
  • The link between H. pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in children with RAP.
  • To assess the efficacy of H. pylori eradication therapy in resolving RAP symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • 141 children with RAP and 21 controls underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with gastric biopsies.
  • H. pylori infection was confirmed by a combination of histology, smear, culture, and rapid urease testing.
  • H. pylori-positive patients received triple therapy (omeprazole, clarithromycin, metronidazole).

Main Results:

  • H. pylori infection was present in 60.3% of children with RAP versus 20.8% in controls (p=.0037).
  • Symptom resolution occurred in 87% of children after successful H. pylori eradication, compared to 41% in whom eradication failed (p=.0035).

Conclusions:

  • Children with RAP in Turkey show a higher prevalence of H. pylori infection.
  • H. pylori eradication therapy appears beneficial for managing recurrent abdominal pain in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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