PEPTIC DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD IN ASIR PROVINCE

The records of 15 patients (10 females and five males) with peptic disease, i.e., peptic ulcer and/or chronic gastroduodenitis who were endoscoped at Asir Central Hospital between 1989G and 1991G were reviewed. The patients' ages ranged between two and 12 years. All the patients were studied radiologically by barium meal (except for two), followed by endoscopy. Histopathology and culture for Helicobacter pylori were done in six patients. Thirty-three percent (five patients) had positive family history of peptic ulcer. Radiological examination was abnormal in only 38% of the patients (five out of 13). Four out of six patients (67%) were positive for H. pylori. Patients confirmed to have peptic disease were treated using H-2 blockers (ranitidine) and antacid and one was referred for surgery. The response to treatment was quite favorable in 87%. Endoscopy was uneventful in all the patients. It is concluded that peptic disease in childhood in Saudi Arabia is not uncommon and should be kept in mind. A significant number of the patients have a family history of peptic disease in the first degree relatives. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the pediatric age group in expert hands is a safe procedure with minimal complications. H-2 blockers and antacids are effective in the treatment of peptic disease in childhood.