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Helicobacter pylori in an institution for disabled children in Hong Kong
1Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Insights
Institutionalized children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in Hong Kong show a significantly higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. This finding highlights an increased risk for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is a common cause of gastrointestinal diseases.
- Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities may have unique risk factors for infections.
- Previous research on H. pylori prevalence in institutionalized disabled children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in institutionalized Cantonese children with profound neurodevelopmental disabilities.
- To compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection in this group with age-matched controls.
- To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal bleeding in this population.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for anti-H. pylori antibodies was performed on 157 institutionalized children and 50 age-matched controls.
- Endoscopy was conducted on seropositive children with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Anthropometric data was collected and analyzed to assess nutritional status.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher seroprevalence of H. pylori infection was observed in institutionalized children (55.4%) compared to controls (8%, P > 0.0002).
- H. pylori infection was confirmed via endoscopy in all tested seropositive children with gastrointestinal bleeding.
- No significant difference in anthropometric measurements was found between seropositive and seronegative children, despite evidence of malnutrition.
Conclusions:
- Institutionalized Cantonese children with profound neurodevelopmental disabilities are at an increased risk of H. pylori infection.
- H. pylori infection is a significant concern in this vulnerable population, potentially contributing to gastrointestinal issues.
- Further research is warranted to explore preventative strategies and management of H. pylori in institutionalized disabled children.
Abstract:
Anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were determined in 157 institutionalised Cantonese children, mean age 9.5 +/- 3.9 (SD) years, with profound neurodevelopmental disabilities. Eighty-seven (55.4%) were H. pylori seropositive compared with four of 50 (8%, P > 0.0002) of an age-matched control group, mean age 7.2 +/- 4.3 (SD) years. Eight of 15 seropositive children with a recent history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding underwent endoscopy and in all cases gastric infection with H.pylori was confirmed. Anthropometric data from institutionalised children revealed marked malnutrition but showed no significant difference between seropositive and seronegative children. Disabled children receiving long-term residential care in Hong Kong are confirmed to be at increased risk of H.pylori infection.