[Long-term observation of children with previously proved Helicobacter pylori infection]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is a common cause of gastritis and duodenitis in children.
• Long-term sequelae and reinfection rates after treatment require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term reinfection rate of Helicobacter pylori in children and adolescents post-eradication therapy.
• To evaluate the sustained efficacy of HP treatment and its impact on gastric symptom recurrence.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 29 children (9-20 years) with diagnosed HP infection was followed.
• Urea Breath Test (UBT) was used to confirm HP eradication initially and at 3 and 5-year follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Initial HP eradication was confirmed in 24 out of 29 patients (82.8%).
• After 3 years, 7 patients (24.1%) showed positive UBT results, indicating either treatment failure (5 patients) or reinfection (2 patients).
• UBT results remained consistent at the 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The rate of HP reinfection after successful therapy is low in pediatric populations, even in highly endemic areas.
• Eliminating HP significantly reduces the recurrence of gastric symptoms, although complete remission is not universal.