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Helicobacter pylori infection in children with antral gastrin cell hyperfunction
G Rindi1, B Annibale, M Bonamico
1Dipartimento di Patologia Umana ed Ereditaria, Università degli Studi, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Antral gastrin cell hyperfunction (AGCH) in children may be linked to elevated G/D cell ratios. Helicobacter pylori infection can complicate this rare syndrome, worsening peptic symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Antral gastrin cell hyperfunction (AGCH) is a rare syndrome causing high gastrin levels and peptic symptoms without tumors.
- The exact cause of AGCH is unknown, but Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is a suspected factor in sustained hypergastrinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Hp infection in pediatric AGCH patients.
- To analyze Hp status, G cell function, acid secretion, and antral G and D cell populations in children with AGCH.
Main Methods:
- Studied six children with gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, and abdominal symptoms.
- Assessed Hp status via ELISA, urease test, and histology.
- Evaluated gastrinemia, acid secretion (BAO, MAO, PAO), pepsinogen I, and performed endoscopy and antral histology.
Main Results:
- All patients exhibited high basal gastrinemia, increased post-meal gastrin, and elevated acid output.
- Three children tested positive for Hp infection, showing duodenal erosions/ulcers and gastritis.
- All patients had increased G cell counts and elevated G/D cell ratios, indicating AGCH.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric AGCH is characterized by an elevated G/D cell ratio.
- Hp infection may be an overlapping factor that complicates the clinical presentation of AGCH in some children.