Relationship between helicobacter pylori and recurrent abdominal pain [RAP]

ABSTRACT

H. pylori is an important cause for RAP in children; it is a significant predisposing factor for the development of peptic ulcer, gastric lymphoma and adenocarcinoma [Glassman et al., 1989]. This study was designed to point out the importance of H. pylori as a cause of RAP in children. It included 130 children classified into a target group [65 children with RAP] and 65 healthy children without GIT symptoms as a control group. This study revealed risk factors for H. pylori infection [e.g. RAP, increasing age, unexplained GIT symptoms, family history of peptic ulcer and low socioeconomic standard]. Seropositivity for H. pylori was SS higher than for the control group. It was concluded that serologic tests can be considered ideal for screening children with RAP. It identifies those who warrant further investigation to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in seronegative children [Gabtree et al., 1991]