Potential Complications of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children of a Non-Urban Community

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections world-wide and has several adverse consequences particularly on health of pediatric patients. Objectives: The current study addressed various clinical presentations associated with H. pylori infections among children of a rural community. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the number of cases (H. pylori- positive) were 120 (52.5% boys and 47.5% girls) and the control group (H. pylori-negative) were 100 cases aged 7 - 12 years old (Mean 9.9 ± 3 years). H. pylori infection was defined by positive results for H. pylori stool antigen test and serum IgG or urea breath test. All pediatric participants were assessed for weight, height, sideropenic anemia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Results: The results showed that recurrent abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting and anorexia were 81 (67.5%), 24 (20%) and 15 (12.5%), respectively in H. pylori-infected patients, compared to 28 (28%), 8 (8%) and 4 (4%) in control group. Weight and height were 20.4 ± 1 kg and 128.1 ± 1 cm in case group compared to 25.6 ± 1.7 kg and 133.8 ± 2 cm in control group. Sideropenic anemia was 36.7% in patients compared to 15% in control. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study findings revealed that pediatric H. pylori infection is associated with recurrent abdominal pain, anorexia and recurrent vomiting, also adversely affects the growth of children in various modalities; in particular weight, height and progressive incidence of sideropenic anemia.