The Relationship Between Helicobacter Pylori and Reflux Esophagitis in Children

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori (HP) in patients with esophagitis and to investigate the relationship between HP and the presence and severity of esophagitis. METHODS: 361 patients with recurrent dyspeptic complaints admitted to Van Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic between August-2017/April-2019 were included in the study. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and esophageal and gastric tissue biopsies were obtained. Demographic data, clinical complaints, endoscopic appearance and histopathological data of all patients were documented. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of HP. The groups were compared for the presence and severity of esophagitis. RESULTS: 35.5% of the cases were male and 64.5% were female. The mean age was 11.6+-1.6 years. The most common presenting complaints were nausea (56.8%), retching and belching (39.6%), regurgitation (39.1%) and stomach pain (38.2%). HP was positive in 63.3% of the cases and esophagitis was found in 23% of the cases. Esophagitis was detected in 21.9% of HP positive cases and 24.6% of HP negative cases. 96% of the patients with HP positive esophagitis had grade A, 2% had grade B and 2% had grade C esophagitis. There was no statistically significant difference between HP positivity with presence and severity of esophagitis (p>0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion HP positivity did not affect esophagitis and esophagitis severity in children. Addition, we have shown that the presence of HP does not play a role in the pathogenesis and complications of GERD.

Keywords

• helicobacter pylori
• reflux esophagitis
• grade.