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A 2-year study of Helicobacter pylori in children
J Raymond1, M Bergeret, P H Benhamou
1Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital St. Vincent de Paul, Paris, France.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection was found in 18.1% of children undergoing upper fibroscopy. Testing for H. pylori is recommended for pediatric patients with recurrent abdominal pain, weight loss, or a family history of peptic ulcer disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial pathogen.
- Pediatric H. pylori infections can present with various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in children undergoing upper fibroscopy.
- To identify clinical அறிகுறிகள் associated with H. pylori infection in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted from September 1990 to October 1992.
- Upper fibroscopy was performed on 426 children (2 days to 16 years old).
- H. pylori detection was performed, and clinical data were collected.
Main Results:
- H. pylori was detected in 77 children (18.1%).
- Recurrent abdominal pain, weight loss, and family history of peptic ulcer were more frequent in H. pylori-positive children.
- Micronodular gastritis was observed in 40.2% of infected children.
- H. pylori was found in 55.2% of children evaluated for short stature.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori should be considered in the evaluation of children with recurrent abdominal pain, especially with associated symptoms or family history.
- The role of H. pylori in pediatric short stature requires further investigation.
Abstract:
From September 1990 to October 1992, Helicobacter pylori was searched for in 426 children, 2 days to 16 years old, requiring upper fibroscopy for various symptoms. H. pylori was detected in 77 children (18.1%). Recurrent abdominal pain was present in 63.3% of the patients with H. pylori versus 48.6% of a control group of 74 age-matched children negative for H. pylori, weight loss was present in 6.5% of the patients versus 0% of the control subjects, and a family history of peptic ulcer was present in 14.2% of the patients versus 5.4% of the controls. Micronodular gastritis was observed in 31 children with H. pylori infection (40.2%). Among the 24 children (31.1%) with H. pylori infection and a normal mucosa at endoscopy, 18 (75%) complained of recurrent abdominal pain. H. pylori was also found in 21 of 38 children (55.2%) being examined because of short stature. These findings indicate that H. pylori should be looked for in children with recurrent abdominal pain with or without weight loss or a family history of peptic ulcer. Its relevance in short-stature syndrome requires further clarification.