Ultrasonographic indices of skin changes in children with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroduodenitis combined with food allergy

Abstract

Introduction. To date, there are no early diagnostic criteria for skin changes in children with combined pathology of the gastrointestinal tract and food sensitization. Objective. To determine the ultrasound parameters of skin changes in children with Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastroduodenitis (CGD) combined with food allergy (FA). Methods. 168 children with H. pylori-associated CGD in combination with FA, aged between 7-15 years, were involved in a study of ultrasound parameters of skin change. Skin ultrasound was performed by ultrasound scanners with linear sensors, with variable frequency, 3.5-12.0 MHz. Average values are given in the form (M ± m), where M is the mean value of the index, m is the standard error of the mean, n – the volume of the analyzed group. Results. In the acute period, children with H. pylori-associated CGD combined with FA were characterized by pronounced thickening of the skin (epidermis, derma), unclearness of the layers of the skin, increased echogenicity of the epidermis, diffuse reduction of echogenicity of the dermis and heterogeneity of its structure, characteristic hypoechoic strip between the epidermis and dermis, stronger intra-dermal and subcutaneous arterial and venous circulation. In the subacute period, the ultrasonographic skin changes in the affected children faded and were less pronounced in remission. Conclusions. The peculiarity of the ultrasound structure of the skin in children with H-pylori-associated CGD in combination with FA is a pronounced thickening of all its layers, the presence of a hypoechoic strip in the superficial layer of the dermis and the strengthening of intradermal and subcutaneous arterial and venous blood flow.

Keywords

• H. pylori-associated chronic gastroduodenitis
• food allergy
• ultrasound skin markers