Helicobacter pylori and eradication response in Jordanian children; A cross-sectional longitudinal observational study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the modalities of H. pylori diagnosis and management in Jordan and to elaborate on the feasibility of following international guidelines in diagnosing and managing H. pylori in children in our region. Methodology: This is a case series of children with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Gastric and duodenal biopsies were collected when pre-endoscopic or intra-endoscopic findings suggested H-Pylori gastric infection. Results: The study included 116 children and adolescents, 52 (45%) were male and 64 (55.2%) females. Factors associated with failure of first eradication therapy; abdominal pain as a presenting symptom was significantly associated with the need for a second course of eradication. (p=0.037). Also, weight loss was significantly associated with the need for a second eradication therapy (p=0.028). Conclusion: Presenting symptoms and consequences of H pylori acquisition can be a serious pathological issue. Therefore, diagnostics and treatment of the infection, as well as proper documentation of the eradication success, can be beneficial.