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Helicobacter pylori infection with a duodenal ulcer in a 6-year-old boy

Miharu Hajikano1, Yasuhiro Katsube, Yuko Takita

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. miharu@nms.ac.jp

Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku Zasshi
|November 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A pediatric case of peptic ulcer disease linked to Helicobacter pylori infection highlights the efficacy of stool antigen testing in children. Successful eradication therapy was confirmed using this reliable diagnostic method.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is uncommon in young children but can present with gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Iron-deficiency anemia and occult gastrointestinal bleeding are potential manifestations of PUD in pediatric patients.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy presented with anemia, dark stools, and fatigue, indicative of gastrointestinal blood loss.
  • Endoscopic examination revealed gastric erosions and a duodenal ulcer.
  • Multiple diagnostic tests confirmed active Helicobacter pylori infection.

Findings:

  • Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed in a pediatric patient presenting with symptoms of anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • The patient's father had a history of H. pylori-associated gastric ulcer, suggesting potential familial transmission.
  • Triple-agent eradication therapy successfully treated the H. pylori infection and resolved the peptic ulcer disease.

Implications:

  • This case underscores that peptic ulcer disease can occur in young children.
  • The stool antigen test is a valuable and reliable tool for diagnosing H. pylori infection in preschool-aged children.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection are crucial for managing PUD in pediatric populations.

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