Duodenal ulceration presenting in childhood longterm follow-up

Forty-one children diagnosed as suffering from duodenal ulceration by endoscopy and barium studies have been reviewed 5 to 15 years (mean 8.6 years) later. Mean age at diagnosis was 8.6 years. All were managed medically as children. Fifty-one percent are now asymptomatic, off all treatment; the rest have chronic symptoms typical of duodenal ulcer. Six patients (15%) required surgery, four as emergencies for complications and two for failure of medical management.