[Helicobacter pylori in children in Hospital Nacional de Niños, San José de Costa Rica]

Patricia Rivera1, A Carranza, F Hernández-Chavarría

  • 1Servicio de Patología, Hospital Nacional de Niños, San José, Costa Rica.

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 31.8% of Costa Rican children with dyspeptic symptoms. This highlights the need to test young children for H. pylori, especially in developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection is common in developing countries.
  • Gastritis is linked to H. pylori in Costa Rican adults, but pediatric data is scarce.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of H. pylori in Costa Rican children with dyspeptic symptoms.
  • To address the gap in pediatric H. pylori epidemiology in Costa Rica.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 264 children (3 months–17 years) undergoing upper endoscopy for dyspepsia.
  • Collected biopsies for H. pylori isolation and histopathological examination.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori was identified in 31.8% of the children.
  • 96 children had gastritis; H. pylori was present in 73 of them.
  • H. pylori was also found in 11 children with normal gastric mucosa.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori infection is prevalent in Costa Rican children with gastric discomfort.
  • Testing for H. pylori is crucial in young children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly in developing countries.

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