CHRONIC GASTRITIS IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS; HELICOBACTER PYLORI OR CELIAC DISEASE?

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine the frequency of Celiac disease (CD) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, and the effect of Hp and chronic gastritis on patients with false positive CD serology in our center. Material and Methods: We included 194 patients who had both stomach and small intestine biopsies and were diagnosed with chronic gastritis, between January 2021 and December 2022 in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Hp- positive and Hp-negative. Additionally, we evaluated the frequency and association of Hp in cases who were serologically suspected with CD but whose biopsies were not compatible with celiac disease histopathologically. Results: Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 76 of 194 gastric biopsies examined (39.1%). Hp positivity was detected in only 15 of 27 patients (55.5%) diagnosed with CD and CD serology was positive in 39 of 194 patients (20.1%), but histopathological changes compatible with CD were detected in only 27 (13.9%). Conclusion: Although the relationship between chronic gastritis and Hp is clear, the relationship between Hp and CD remains unclear. We believe that studies with larger patient groups investigating Hp virulence and its effect on CD pathophysiology are needed to reveal this relationship.