Pediatric autoimmune gastritis: An international, multicentric study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Immunology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is infrequently described in pediatric populations.
• Understanding the early manifestations and features of pediatric AIG is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the presenting clinical, laboratory, and histopathological features of autoimmune gastritis in children.
• To identify patterns of AIG in pediatric patients and explore potential associations with comorbidities and infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, longitudinal, multicenter cohort study.
• Inclusion of pediatric patients (<18 years) with histologically confirmed AIG.
• Analysis of laboratory and clinical data at onset and follow-up, comparing H. pylori-exposed vs. naïve and PCA-positive vs. negative groups.

Main Results:

• Fifty-one pediatric AIG patients (median age 13 years) were analyzed; most had overt AIG.
• Common comorbidities included atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, and asthma, suggesting a link with T helper 2 (Th2) disorders.
• Histological findings revealed collagenous gastritis in 7.8% and eosinophilic gastritis in 9.8%; H. pylori infection was rare.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric autoimmune gastritis can manifest with distinct histological patterns, including collagenous and eosinophilic gastritis.
• A potential association between pediatric AIG and Th2-mediated disorders warrants further investigation.
• Autoimmune gastritis is a significant condition in children that can lead to complications.