Helicobacter pylori infection and allergic diseases in pediatric age. A retrospective study

Abstract

s / Digestive and Liver Disease 46 (2014) e85–e127 e119 HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND ALLERGIC DISEASES IN PEDIATRIC AGE. A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY Angela Lanzafame ∗, Stefania Tomarchio, Martina Filippelli, Salvatore Leonardi, Elena Lionetti Unit of Pediatric Pneumo-Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis, University of Catania, Catania, Italy Objective: The recent spread of allergic diseases in industrialized countries has been associated with a reduced prevalence of infectious diseases. To evaluate the hypothesis that Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection can protect from allergic diseases, we determined the prevalence of Hp infection and atopic diseases in a pediatric population. Methods: 95 patients [male: 49 (51.6%), median age: 8 years, range: 1–18 years] living in the province of Catania were enrolled. The status of atopy was evaluated by performing skin prick test and radioallergosorbent test for principal allergens; Hp status was assayed through the detection of bacterial antigens in diluted fecal samples. Results: Overall, 17 out of 95 children enrolled (17.9%) were positive forHp infection; 4.8% (2/42) of atopic patientswereHppositive, as compared to28.3% (15/53) of non-atopic (P<0.01,OR=0.1). Conclusions: As in other geographic areas with a high standard of living, even in the province of Catania the prevalence ofHp infection in the 1–18 aged population is low. Our study shows that the prevalence ofHp infection is significantly higher in non-atopic subjects, confirming a protective role of Hp infection versus atopic diseases. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dld.2014.07.143 EVALUATION OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE ENTEROGRAPHY IN PEDIATRIC CROHN DISEASE: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT-STUDY Martina Vallorani1,∗, Alessandra Palpacelli 1, Matilde Rossi1, Simona Gatti 1, Giovanni Pieroni2, Veronica Albano1, Carlo Catassi1 1 Dipartimento di Pediatria, Ospedale Salesi/Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy 2 Dipartimento di Radiologia, Ospedale Salesi/Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona,