All issues > Volume 47(3); 2004

Clinical Lecture

Korean J Pediatr. 2004;47(3):235-239. Published online March 15, 2004.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children : Recommendations for Diagnosis and Treatment

Yon Ho YH Choe¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Yon Ho YH Choe ,Email: cyh@smc.samsung.co.kr

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection is mainly acquired in childhood. The prevalence of infection is still highest in children in the developing world. There has been a need for clinical guidelines for H. pylori infection in children. Therefore, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition and the European Paediatric Task Force on H. pylori achieved consensus and developed clinical practice guidelines for the child with H. pylori infection, respectively. Although gastroduodenal endoscopy remains the diagnostic standard method for this infection, noninvasive tests, including serology, urea breath test and stool antigen test, showed good results in the different age groups. All children with a duodenal ulcer who have H. pylori infection should receive treatment for the infection. Children with iron-deficiency anemia which is refractory to iron therapy should be screened for H. pylori infection and if infected, treatment may be of benefit. In children, so far, there is no evidence demonstrating a link between H. pylori-associated gastritis and recurrent abdominal pain. In H. pylori-infected children with nonulcer gastritis, treatment of the infection has shown no proven benefit in symptom relief. Compliance and antibiotic resistance are main factors affecting the outcome of treatment.

Keywords :Helicobacter pylori, Gastrointestinal disease, Children, Diagnosis, Treatment