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Helicobacter pylori and abdominal symptoms: a population-based study among preschool children in southern Germany
G Bode1, D Rothenbacher, H Brenner
1Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
Insights
Helicobacter pylori infection in children is generally asymptomatic, with no clear link to gastrointestinal symptoms. Infected children reported fewer symptoms than uninfected peers in this study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacterial infection.
- Its association with gastrointestinal symptoms in children requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastrointestinal symptoms in a healthy pediatric population.
- To assess the prevalence of H. pylori in preschool children.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study involving preschool children in Germany.
- H. pylori infection status determined by 13C-urea breath test.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms assessed via parental questionnaires and a symptom score.
Main Results:
- A total of 945 children participated (response rate 79%).
- The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 13.4% (127 children).
- No positive association was found between H. pylori infection and specific gastrointestinal symptoms; infected children reported fewer symptoms.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection in preschool children is predominantly asymptomatic.
- The study found no evidence linking H. pylori infection to specific gastrointestinal symptoms in this age group.
Objective:
To determine the relation of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastrointestinal symptoms in a healthy population-based sample of children.
Design:
Population-based cross-sectional study of preschool children.
Setting:
Screening examination for school fitness by physicians of the Public Health Service in Ulm, a city with 100 000 inhabitants in southern Germany.
Participants:
One thousand two hundred one preschool children.
Main Outcome Measures:
Infection status was determined by 13C-urea breath test. Information on gastrointestinal symptoms was collected from children's parents by a standardized questionnaire and integrated into a symptom score. Results. Nine hundred forty-five children participated in the study (response rate, 79%). Overall, 127 children (13.4%) were infected. H pylori infection was not positively related to specific gastrointestinal symptomatology. Infected children had even fewer symptoms when compared with uninfected children.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate that H pylori infection in children is mostly asymptomatic and not associated with specific gastrointestinal symptoms.