Abstract

Based on gastric and duodenal endoscopy as well as on histopathologic and immunomorphologic examination of biopsy specimens we assessed the incidence of gastritis in children with collagenosis. We also studied the role of, the local immune system of gastric mucosa in the pathogenesis of gastritis. The study included 23 children aged 8-17 treated for collagenosis. We also studied the role of, the local immune system of gastric mucosa in the pathogenesis of gastritis. The results were compared with those of a similar study covering 15 children with gastritis who did not suffer from collagenosis. In children with collagenosis the involvement of the immune system was significantly greater than in children with gastritis who did not suffer from collagenosis. Large amount of CD lymphocytes (CD 3+ CD 4+ CD 8+) and increased marker expression of CD 11a, CD 45 RO, HLA-DR and, to a lesser degree, CD 15 suggest immune system involvement in the pathogenesis of gastritis in children with collagenosis. We found a statistically significant correlation between the endoscopic and immunomorphological images. We found no correlation between CD antigen expression and HLA-DR antigen expression and histopathological assessment of the mucosa. Glycosteroids used in the treatment of collagenosis partly reduced CD antigen expression in the gastric mucosa but did not affect HLA-DR antigen expression.The study was carried out within the framework of ST-60/AMG.

Keywords: gastritis, GALT, collagenosis, children