RESUMEN
Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter Pylori [H. pylori] infection in children presenting with recurrent abdominal pain [RAP]
Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Quetta over a period of 10 months from 01-08-2011 to 31-05-2012
Material and Methods: A total of 83 children with recurrent abdominal pain were included in this study. Blood samples of patients were analyzed in laboratory of CMH Quetta for H. pylori Antibody [Ab] titers
Results: Mean age of the patients was 8.12 +/- 3.46 years. Distribution of gender showed that 44 patients [53.1%] were male while 39 patients [46.9%] were female. Mean duration of symptoms was 15.8% +/- 3.7 months. H. pylori infection was present in 27 [32.5%] patients. Topical ciprofloxacin is more effective in earlier control of congestion and discharge of ear in CSOM; [p value <0.001 and <0.005 respectively] as compared to Neomycin
Conclusion: H. pylori infection is common in children with RAP and presentation of epigastric pain in these patients can be considered as a warning sign to screen for H. pylori infection