Clinical Endoscopic and Histological Characteristics of Helicobacter Pylori Positive and Negative Armenian Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain and/or Dyspepsia

Abstract BackgroundRecurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and dyspepsia are common complaints in children. These symptoms are often associated with Helicobacter pylori (Hp)infection. Aim of the present study was to prospectively analyze clinical, endoscopic and histological characteristics of Hp+ and Hp- children with RAP and/or dyspepsia. MethodsPatients aged 2-18 years with RAP and/or dyspepsia, referred for upper endoscopy to Arabkir MC from November 2015 to December 2017, were involved in the study. Histology was assessed according to the updated Sydney system. Gastric and duodenal specimens were stained by modified Giemsa staining for Hp infection. One antral biopsy was cultured in Hp selective media. Results150 patients were included into the study: 70.7% Hp+,29.3% Hp-. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more common in Hp+ patients (p<0.05). Gastric nodularity (p=0.02), erosions in the stomach (p=0.056), and duodenal erosions (p=0.019) were more common in Hp+. Chronic active (p=0.027) and non-active gastritis (p=0.002), cumulative findings of metaplasia/dysplasia/atrophy in the stomach (p=0.014) and chronic non-active duodenitis (p=0.016), were significantly more common in Hp+ patients. ConclusionHp infection prevalence is high in Armenian children with dyspepsia and/or RAP. Clinical symptoms, endoscopic findings and histopathological findings were significantly different in Hp+ patients as compared to Hp- patients.