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Tu Cam Nguyen1,2, Ngoc Le Chau Tang3, Giao Kim Ngoc Le4
1Department of Gastroenterology, City Children's Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent in Vietnamese children, with 80% testing positive. This high rate correlates with a significant burden of peptic ulcers, emphasizing the need for early detection programs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant cause of gastroduodenal diseases globally.
- Understanding the infection burden in pediatric populations is crucial for disease prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of H. pylori infection in symptomatic Vietnamese children.
- To determine the association between H. pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 336 children (aged 4-16) undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Ho Chi Minh City were enrolled.
- H. pylori infection was diagnosed using a combination of culture, histopathology, rapid urease test, and PCR for the urease gene.
- Exclusion criteria included recent use of proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics, and prior endoscopic procedures.
Main Results:
- H. pylori infection was detected in 80% of the enrolled children.
- Peptic ulcers were present in 19% of the children, with prevalence increasing with age.
- The cagA+ H. pylori strain was more frequently found in children with peptic ulcers.
Conclusions:
- Symptomatic Vietnamese children exhibit a high prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated peptic ulcers.
- Implementing early H. pylori detection programs is vital to mitigate ulcer risks and potentially prevent gastric cancer in the long term.
Background:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) remains a major cause of gastroduodenal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the burden of this infection, particularly peptic ulcer disease in Vietnamese children.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive children referred for esophagogastroduodenoscopy at two tertiary children's hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, from October 2019 to May 2021. Children treated with proton pump inhibitors during the last two weeks or antibiotics for four weeks, and those having a previous or interventional endoscopy were excluded. H. pylori infection was diagnosed with either a positive culture or positive histopathology combined with a rapid urease test, or with a polymerase chain reaction of the urease gene. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and written informed consent/assent was obtained.
Results:
Among 336 enrolled children aged 4-16 (mean: 9.1 ± 2.4 years; 55.4% girls), H. pylori infection was positive in 80%. Peptic ulcers were detected in 65 (19%), increasing with age, and 25% with anemia. cagA+ strains were detected at a higher rate in children with ulcers.
Conclusions:
Prevalence of H. pylori and peptic ulcers is high among symptomatic Vietnamese children. It is crucial to have a program for early detection of H. pylori to reduce ulcer risk and gastric cancer later.