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Gastritis in Saudi Arab children

Mohammad I El-Mouzan1, Asaad M Abdullah, Ibrahim A Al-Mofleh

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. drmouzan@gmail.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|May 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in Saudi children, with symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting being common. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and diagnosis of childhood gastritis in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood gastritis data from developing countries is scarce.
  • Gastritis is a significant gastrointestinal condition in children globally.
  • Understanding regional patterns is crucial for effective healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and report the clinical patterns and prevalence of childhood gastritis.
  • To specifically examine the occurrence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis in Saudi children.
  • To compare findings with international data.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric endoscopy data from King Khalid University Hospital (1993-2002).
  • Inclusion criteria: children under 18 with histology-proven gastritis.
  • Data collected on patient demographics, symptoms, endoscopic findings, and H. pylori status.

Main Results:

  • Histology-proven gastritis was found in 175 out of 851 children (20.6%).
  • Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom (42%), followed by vomiting.
  • Prevalence of H. pylori gastritis increased with age, reaching 69% in adolescents (16-18 years).
  • Endoscopic findings were normal in 42% of cases with histologic gastritis.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood gastritis in Saudi Arabia shares similarities in clinical presentation with global patterns.
  • A notably high prevalence of H. pylori gastritis was observed in Saudi pediatric patients.
  • The study underscores the importance of H. pylori testing in pediatric gastritis cases in this region.
Abstract

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