Helicobacter pylori infection among children with recurrent abdominal pain

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections worldwide and it is more prevalent in developing countries. Its association with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children is still controversial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluate its association with RAP and response to proper eradication therapy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 185 children aged <18 years who attended the outpatient department in Rapareen Teaching Hospital presented with a history of RAP. Only 150 children fulfilled the criteria to be included in the study and later they were divided into two groups according to the presence of H. pylori infection or not. Results: The prevalence of infection among healthy children was 11 (11%), whereas among 150 children with RAP included in the study, the prevalence of positive H. pylori was 36 (24%) and was statistically significant. Family history of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in 24 (16%) children among those who tested positive and treatment shown to have great impact on clinical and laboratory results in 17 (77.3%) and 13 (72.2%) children, respectively, during follow-up compared to those who did not receive therapy. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is significantly higher among children with RAP and children who have excellent response to proper eradication therapy proved by high rate of negative stool test for H. pylori after treatment.

Keywords

• abdominal pain
• children
• helicobacter pylori