Nodular gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection in childhood

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.