[Helicobacter pylori gastric infections in children]

P H Benhamou1, N Kalach, J Raymond

  • 1Hôpital Saint Vincent-de-Paul, Paris.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|November 26, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to recurrent abdominal pain in children. Triple therapy is more effective than dual therapy for eradicating H. pylori.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is associated with recurrent abdominal pain in children.
  • Understanding the clinical, bacteriological, and therapeutic aspects of H. pylori in pediatric patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical, bacteriological, and therapeutic features of children with H. pylori infection.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens for H. pylori eradication in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A study of 121 children was conducted in Paris.
  • Endoscopic biopsies were analyzed for histology, bacteriology, and urease testing.
  • Treatment decisions were based on positive diagnostic results.

Main Results:

  • H. pylori was detected in 47 patients, with abdominal pain being the most common symptom (35.5%).
  • Nodular gastritis was observed in 53.1% of positive cases, with weight loss or delayed weight gain in 27.6%.
  • Dual therapy (amoxicillin-metronidazole) showed low eradication rates, while triple therapy (including H2 antagonist or PPI) was more effective.

Conclusions:

  • H. pylori-related gastritis is a significant cause of abdominal complaints in children.
  • Recurrent abdominal pain is the primary symptom, and antral nodularity is a notable endoscopic finding.
  • Triple therapy offers higher H. pylori eradication rates compared to dual therapy in pediatric patients.
Abstract

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