Mast cell density in gastric biopsies of pediatric age group and its relation to inflammation and presence of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between mast cell density, histological severity of gastritis, and presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the antral mucosa of pediatric patients. Methods The study included 352 (192 male and 160 female, Results Mast cell density was 12.6 ± 0.87 in 0.25 mm2 (0–81). Means of severity of gastric inflammation in H. pylori-positive and negative patients were 1.7 ± 0.6 and 0.6 ± 0.7, respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Mast cell density was not correlated with presence and degree of inflammation, activity, presence and score of H. pylori in the antrum (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between mast cell density and allergy. Discussion We concluded that there may be some other ways for contribution of mast cells in pathologic processes involving gastrointestinal tract in children.