Helicobacter pylori infection in children with chronic abdominal pain

ABSTRACT

During a six-month period [September 1992 to March 1993],the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] was assessed in 100 children [age range 3-18 years] with chronic abdominal pain [abdominal pain for longer than 3 months]. Upper endoscopy was abnormal in 33% and gastric antral mucosal histopathology showed gastritis in 62%. Culture, urease test and Gram's stain for H. pylori were positive in 33%, 44% and 44% respectively. Four patients under 5 years of age had gastric mucosal colonization by H. pylori. H. pylori associated with gastric disorder occurred mainly in children older than 5 years. A significant correlation was found between H. pylori gastric colonization and histopathological signs of gastritis. This study suggests a pathogenic role for H. pylori in the development of gastroduodenal diseases and chronic abdominal pain in children in southern