Abstract

This study presents 44 cases of gastritis and/or duodenitis coexistent with Helicobacter pylori colonization in children. The diagnosis was established on the basis of endoscopy examination of gastric and/or duodenal mucosa, histopathological examination of the mucosa, CLO-test and bacteriologic culture. A group of 37 children were treated with triple therapy (DE-NOL, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole), 7 patients received Omeprazol. Eradication of H. pylori and regression of symptoms was observed in 20 and 7 cases, respectively. Ascertaining the effects of treatment in all cases was not possible; we were unable to obtain patients' consent for a follow-up endoscopy for some children, mainly among those patients in whom treatment led to the regression of symptoms. Reliable, non-invasive tests for the detection of H. pylori infections are needed to fully evaluate therapy for this problem.

Keywords: gastritis in children, Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment