A Rapid lateral flow stool antigen immunoassay for the diagnosis and eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in children with recurrent abdominal pain

Abstract

Background/Aim:Several diagnostic tests are used for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection. Aim of this study was to evalute the usefulness of novel, rapid stool antigen test (Rapid HpSA test LINEAR Chemical) based on lateral flow immunoassay and 14C- urea breath test (UBT) for diagnosing and conforming H.pylori infection eradication in children. Methods:One hundered and nine children who have undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to abdominal symptoms were included in the study. 14C-UBT and Rapid HpSA test were performed to all children. Patients were defined as H.pylori –infected when histology was positive for H.pylori. H. pylori-infected patients were offered a tripple therapy regimen that included clarithromycin and amoxicillin (15 days) plus omeprazole (30 days). Endoscopy, 14C-UBT and Rapid HpSA tests were repeated 4-6 weeks after stopping the treatment.Results: The mean age of the children was 12.1 years (range:5-17 years). Of the 109 children, 40 (36.6%) were H.pylori-infected. Sensitivity of Rapid HpSA and 14 C UBT were 65% and 92.5% (p=0.0003), specificity of Rapid HpSA and 14 C UBT were 92.3% and 85.5% (p=0180). Seventeen children were evaluated after therapy. Eradication rate was 70.5%. After eradication, sensitivity of Rapid HpSA and 14 C UBT were 60% and 100%, specificity of Rapid HpSA and 14 C UBT were %100. Conclusion: H.pylori was detected in 40 (36.6%) of 109 children. 14C UBT was more reliable than The Rapid HpSA test for the diagnosing and confirming eradication of H .pylori infection in children.