Helicobacter pylori and Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia in Children

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis and is associated with gastric and duodenal ulcer disease in children. Eradication of H. pylori leads to healing of chronic gastritis and to long-term healing of duodenal ulcer disease. However, there are no specific characteristic symptoms of non-ulcer dyspeptic H. pylori infected children. H. pylori eradication therapy has a small but statistically significant affect in H. pylon positive non-ulcer dyspepsia in adults. There is no compelling evidence at the present time, however, for treating children with Helicobacter pylori infection and either non-ulcer dyspepsia or functional recurrent abdominal pain. Nevertheless, given our current state of knowledge, it is necessary to appreciate the tension which exists between the public health perspective and the need for a cautious and prudent approach required when caring for the individual patient This article discusses current consensus views on Helicobacter pylori infection in children and makes particular reference to its role in the aetiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia in children.