Helicobacter pylori infection among children with gastrointestinal symptoms:: a high prevalence of infection among patients with reflux oesophagitis

Aim: To investigate the link between H.pylori infection and dyspepsia in children, and association with reflux oesophagitis. Patients and Methods: H.pylori status was detected by rapid urease test and/or culture in 130 consecutive symptomatic children coming for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: 40 - aged 8-12 years (55% boys); 90 - aged 13-18 years (21% boys). Endoscopic findings were analyzed. H.pylori prevalence in the age group 8-12 years was compared to the prevalence among 55 asymptomatic children, aged 7-12 years (13C-urea breath test). Statistical analysis: chi(2) test, Fisher's test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of H.pylori infection among patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was 54%. It was significantly higher among patients with reflux oesophagitis compared to patients with hyperaemic gastropathy: OR = 5.5; p = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.15-26.3. In logistic regression analysis, no significant difference between the prevalence of H.pylori infection between asymptomatic and symptomatic children could be demonstrated (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 0.62-5.14). Conclusions: The prevalence of H.pylori was significantly higher among patients with reflux oesophagitis compared to patients with hyperaemic gastropathy alone. Adjusting for age the prevalence of H.pylori infection was not higher among symptomatic children compared to asymptomatic children of the same age.