Peptic Ulcers and Erosions in Children at a Pediatric Unit in Turkey.

Objective: To study the characteristics of peptic ulcer and erosion in pediatric patients. Methods: Over a period of seven years, 1,026 children underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in our pediatric gastroenterology unit. Results: Peptic ulcers and erosions were found in 59 (7.2%) patients [ulcers in 42 (5.1%) and erosions in 17 (2.1%)]. Thirty (50.9%) children presented with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Helicobacter pylori positivity was found in 27 patients (45.8%), and ulcerogenic medication use was found in 13 (22%) patients. Conclusion: The main risk factors for childhood peptic ulcer and erosions were H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use.

Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors in Two Children.

Background: Enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and neuroendocrine tumors are relatively rare in childhood.Case characteristics: A 15-year-old girl who presented with epigastric pain and a 6-year-old boy who was admitted with hematochezia. Endoscopy revealed nodules in the stomach in Case 1, and polyploidy lesion in the rectum in Case 2. Outcome: Enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia in Case 1 and neuroendocrine tumor in Case 2. Message: A low index of suspicion for neuroendocrine tumors in children can result in delay in the detection of these rare but potentially malignant diseases.