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Childhood peptic ulcer disease in Jamaica
M G Lee1, B Robinson, T Golding
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica, W. Indies.
Insights
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in children is uncommon but presents with recurrent abdominal pain. Most pediatric PUD cases respond well to medical treatment, with surgery rarely needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Health in Children
Background:
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is infrequently diagnosed in pediatric populations.
- Understanding PUD epidemiology in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric peptic ulcer disease.
- To highlight the importance of considering PUD in children with persistent abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 31 pediatric patients diagnosed with PUD between 1979 and 1988.
- Analysis of patient demographics, ulcer type, presenting symptoms, family history, treatment modalities, and follow-up outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study identified 31 children (21 girls, 10 boys; mean age 9 years) with PUD.
- Recurrent abdominal pain was the primary symptom (68%), with a mean duration of 20 months. Bleeding occurred in 23% of patients.
- Twenty-nine patients achieved successful medical treatment, while two required surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric PUD, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent abdominal pain in children.
- The majority of pediatric peptic ulcer cases can be effectively managed with medical therapy.
- Long-term outcomes were generally favorable, with most patients remaining well post-treatment.
Abstract:
Thirty-one children with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) were diagnosed in two major hospitals in Jamaica between 1979 and 1988. There were 21 girls and 10 boys with a mean age of 9 years. There were 26 duodenal ulcers and 5 gastric ulcers. Five patients (19 per cent) with a duodenal ulcer had a family history of peptic ulcer. Recurrent abdominal pain was the predominant presenting feature in 68 per cent and pain was present for a mean of 20 months. Bleeding occurred in seven patients (23 per cent). Twenty-nine patients were successfully treated medically. Two with duodenal ulcers required surgery. The majority of patients have remained well after a mean follow-up of 14 months. Although uncommon in children peptic ulcers should be considered in patients with recurrent abdominal pain. The majority will respond to medical treatment.