Helicobacter pyloriinfection 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: χ2 test, Fisher's test, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of H.pylori infection among patients with gas…