Helicobacter pylori infection in children with growth failure

ABSTRACT

To examine if helicobacter pylon infection has a role in growth failure in children. 26 children patients with growth failure and 14 normally growing children of the same age group. socioeconomic level and sex ratio as controls were included in the study. All were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, anthropometry, laboratory investigations and upper endoscopy with gastric biopsy taking for diagnosis M helicobacter pylon infection by histopathology. Positive cases for helicobacter pylon infection were treated by eradication therapy; the group of children with growth failure were followed for 6 months and reevaluated. Helicobacter pylon infection was diagnosed in 77% of children with growth failure, while it was diagnosed in 43% of normal children [p<0.05]. After 6 months of eradication therapy, there was significant increase in height, weight and hemoglobin [p<0.001 for each]. Helicobacter pylon infection is a causative factor in growth failure in children