Related Experiment Videos
Helicobacter pylori infection in children with abdominal ailments in a developing country
R E Begue1, J L Gonzales, H Correa-Gracian
1Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, USA. beguei@aol.com
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection is common in children in Lima, Peru, affecting nearly half of those evaluated. Higher infection rates were seen in older children and those with recurrent abdominal pain or gastritis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent pathogen in developing nations, particularly affecting children.
- Understanding its prevalence and clinical associations in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori infection in children undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Lima, Peru.
- To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and specific gastrointestinal conditions in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study evaluated 107 children (mean age 7.4 years) undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- Gastric biopsies were collected and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry stains to detect H. pylori.
Main Results:
- Helicobacter pylori infection was identified in 52 (49%) of the evaluated children.
- Infection rates significantly increased with patient age (P = 0.004).
- Children with recurrent abdominal pain (P = 0.04), nodular gastritis (P = 0.007), and chronic active gastritis (P < 0.0001) showed higher H. pylori prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Helicobacter pylori infection is highly prevalent in symptomatic children in Lima, Peru.
- The study highlights a significant association between H. pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain and gastritis in pediatric patients.
- Age is a key factor influencing H. pylori infection rates in this population.
Abstract:
Helicobacter pylori commonly infects children in developing countries. To determine the frequency of this infection and its potential role in specific gastrointestinal entities, all patients requiring upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the evaluation of abdominal ailments in a gastroenterology practice in Lima, Peru, were evaluated during a 1-year period. Gastric biopsies were obtained for each child and were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry stains. Of the 107 evaluable patients (mean age 7.4 years, 58% boys), 52 (49%) were infected. The infection rate increased with older patients (P = 0.004). Children with recurrent abdominal pain (P = 0.04), an endoscopic finding of nodular gastritis (P = 0.007), and a histologic finding of chronic active gastritis (P < 0.0001) were infected more commonly.