Pediatric Gastritis, Gastropathy, and Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Abstract

1. Desiree Sierra, MD* 2. Mary Wood, MD* 3. Sneha Kolli, MD* 4. Lina Maria Felipez, MD† 1. *Department of Medical Education and 2. †Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL * Abbreviations: H2RA: : histamine 2 receptor antagonist IBD: : inflammatory bowel disease NSAID: : nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug PPI: : proton pump inhibitor PUD: : peptic ulcer disease Providers should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer disease in children, select the proper diagnostic tests needed to confirm the diagnosis, and describe adequate treatment regimens to start once the diagnosis is confirmed. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the mechanism and pathogenesis of gastritis, gastropathy, and peptic ulcer formation. 2. Recognize the symptoms of and risk factors for gastritis, gastropathy, and peptic ulcer disease. 3. Understand which patients warrant referral to a gastroenterologist for possible endoscopy. 4. Review the role of Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease. 5. Review the treatment of peptic ulcer disease with and without the presence of H pylori. Gastritis, gastropathy, and peptic ulcer disease (PUD), collectively known as acid peptic disease, are often described as a spectrum of the same disease. Although these conditions are more common in adults, their incidence in the pediatric population is clinically significant. Left untreated, gastritis can progress to PUD, which can result in serious complications such as perforation, bleeding, bowel strictures, and obstruction. Studies describing the role of Helicobacter pylori , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and other causes have helped to further expand our understanding of gastritis and PUD in children. Direct visualization and the ability to biopsy with endoscopy have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The incidence of PUD in children is lower than that in adults. Based on several international studies, the incidence in children varies from 2% to 8%. (1)(2) The incidence of bleeding ulcers is lower and is estimated to be between 0.5 and 4.4 of 100,000 individuals. (3) These rates …