Helicobacter pylori (HP) associated gastritis and peptic
ulcer have been initially reported in adult patients. Recently,
this association has also been demonstrated in children.
We investigated 18 children (8-14 years old) with recurrent
abdominal pain. In 7 patients gastroduodenoscopy revealed
gastritis and HP was identified. Giemsa stain was more
sensitive than urease testing in identifying the bacteria. In
5 of the 7, a nodular appearance of the antral mucosa was
observed. The histological examination suggests lymphoid
hyperplasia as the cause of the nodularity. All 7 patients
became symptomless after a triple therapy with omeprazole,
clarithromycin and amoxycillin for 2 weeks.
We conclude that nodular gastritis is a peculiar type of gastritis
in children. It is frequently found in association with
HP infection. Two weeks triple therapy is an effective treatment
in children with HP infection.
Key words: Helicobacter pylori, nodular gastritis, peptic
ulcer disease, childhood
(EN)
