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Childhood protein-losing enteropathy associated with Helicobacter pylori infection
H A Cohen1, R P Shapiro, M Frydman
1Departement of Pediatrics, Hasharon Hospital, Golda Medical Center, Petah Tiqwa, Israel.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection was identified in a child with protein-losing gastropathy. Treatment with erythromycin led to recovery, suggesting H. pylori may play a role in this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Protein-losing gastropathy (PLG) is a rare condition characterized by excessive protein loss from the gastrointestinal tract.
- The etiology of PLG in children is diverse, often involving inflammation or mucosal damage.
Observation:
- A pediatric case of protein-losing gastropathy was diagnosed.
- Helicobacter pylori was identified in the gastric biopsy specimen of the affected child.
Findings:
- Treatment with erythromycin resulted in clinical improvement and resolution of ultrasonographic findings.
- Repeated biopsies confirmed the eradication of Helicobacter pylori following treatment.
- This case represents a rare association between H. pylori and PLG in a pediatric patient.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential role for Helicobacter pylori in pediatric protein-losing gastropathy.
- Further investigation of H. pylori in PLG cases is warranted.
- Ultrasonography and urea breath tests are recommended for diagnosis and follow-up.
Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori was found in a gastric biopsy specimen of a child with protein-losing gastropathy. Through erythromycin therapy, clinical and ultrasonographic recovery was associated with the disappearance of the pathogen on repeated biopsy. The association of H. pylori with protein-losing gastropathy has been reported only once in children, to our knowledge. Although the causative correlation between the pathogen and the disease has not been proven yet, we suggest that future cases of protein-losing gastropathy be studied for the presence of H. pylori and followed up by ultrasonographic investigation and urea breath test. Appropriate treatment should be given to suspected cases.