The effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on functional dyspepsia in Turkish children

The usefulness of transabdominal ultrasound elastography in Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children

Background

Helicobacter pylori can colonize the submucosal layer as well as the mucosa in the stomach. Inflammation and erosions cause both mucosal and submucosal thickening in patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis. Elastography is a method for measuring the elasticity and hardness of tissues by visualization of their response to the applied force. Hard tissues respond to applied compression differently compared to soft tissues. Hard tissues displace as a whole without deforming as opposed to soft tissues. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic performance of transabdominal ultrasound elastography in detecting Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children.

Methods

Nineteen children (group 1) with Helicobacter pylori gastritis, 33 children (group 2) with Helicobacter pylori (-) gastritis and 37 healthy children (group 3) were included the study. These groups were compared in terms of their strain index values. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed with a single transducer at 1.8-6.2 MHz frequency range.

Results

Both group 1 and 2 had significantly higher strain index values compared to the control group (2.7, 2.2 and 1.4 respectively). Additionally, the mean strain index value was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2.

Conclusion

Transabdominal ultrasound elastography has diagnostic value in differentiating Helicobacter pylori (+) gastritis from Helicobacter pylori (-) gastritis as well as in the diagnosis of gastritis in children.

Effect of Whole-Course Continuous Nursing Intervention Combined with a Nursing Practice Teaching Method on Quality of Life of Children with Functional Dyspepsia and Parents’ Satisfaction Based on Smart Health

With the development of information technology, it has become a part of people’s lives. WeChat is not only a popular chatting tool in daily life but can also be used in the medical field. Functional dyspepsia is a common pediatric disease, with complex pathogenic factors, which are usually attributed to abnormal gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal dysfunction. In our research, we aim to investigate the effects of whole-course continuous nursing intervention combined with a nursing practice teaching method on the quality of life (QOL) of children with functional dyspepsia and parents’ satisfaction. One hundred and twenty children with functional dyspepsia admitted to our hospital (February 2019–February 2020) were retrospectively analyzed and equally divided into the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) according to the order of admission. The CG received whole-course continuous nursing intervention, and the EG received whole-course continuous nursing intervention combined with the nursing practice teaching method. Children’s psychological states and QOL and parents’ satisfaction of both groups were compared. After discharge, compared with the CG, the negative emotion scores in the EG were remarkably lower ( $P<0.001$ ). After discharge, compared with the CG, the QOL scores ( $P<0.001$ ), the proportion of children with good and excellent QOL ( $P<0.05$ ), and parents’ satisfaction ( $P<0.001$ ) in the EG were remarkably higher. For children with functional dyspepsia, whole-course continuous nursing intervention combined with the nursing practice teaching method can improve their negative emotions, QOL, and parents’ satisfaction, which should be popularized in practice.

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pediatric age

The management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children is a consistent problem in clinical practice. Over the years, many questions have been raised regarding symptoms associated with the infection, the diagnostic methods and type of treatment. What is most controversial is determining the criteria that enable us to initiate and carry out the study in children. In the last 10 years, pediatricians have followed the joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines published in 2011 and updated in 2017 in the management of H. pylori in children. This document aims to unify the study indication criteria as well as the diagnosis and treatment recommendations for H. pylori infection in children and adolescents, so they can be used in both Primary and Hospital care.

Clinical Relevance of Helicobacter pylori Infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative helical, microaerophilic bacterium which colonizes the antrum and body of the stomach, surviving in its harsh environment through mechanisms of acid resistance and colonization factors. It infects approximately 50% of the world population. Although the prevalence of this infection varies from country to country, as well as between different ethnic, social or age groups, it is estimated that about 50% of the human population only carries this microorganism. While H. pylori has been found to play a major etiological and pathogenic role in chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, its importance for many types of extra-gastric disease needs to be further investigated. The choice of tests to diagnose H. pylori infection, defined as invasive or non-invasive, depends on the clinical indication as to whether to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Focusing on bacterial eradication, the treatment should be decided locally based on the use of antibiotics and documented antibiotic resistance. The author provides an overview of the current state of knowledge about the clinical aspects of H. pylori infection, especially its diagnostic and therapeutic management.

[Management of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pediatric age]

The management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children is a consistent problem in clinical practice. Over the years, many questions have been raised regarding symptoms associated with the infection, the diagnostic methods and type of treatment. What is most controversial is determining the criteria that enable us to initiate and carry out the study in children. In the last 10 years, pediatricians have followed the joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines published in 2011 and updated in 2017 in the management of H.pylori in children. This document aims to unify the study indication criteria as well as the diagnosis and treatment recommendations for H.pylori infection in children and adolescents, so they can be used in both Primary and Hospital care.

Helicobacter pylori Infection Mass Screening for Children and Adolescents: a Systematic Review of Observational Studies

PURPOSE

Population-based Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) screening and eradication for adults in areas with a high incidence of gastric cancer have been shown to be effective. The current status of H. pylori screening for young people, however, has not been sufficiently evaluated.

METHODS

A systematic review of population-based H. pylori screening of young people was performed using four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI) and independently evaluated by two investigators. Studies were evaluated with regard to the country, region, screening method, target age, number of screened people, and rate of positive screening.

RESULTS

From 3231 studies, 39 studies were included (14 English original studies published in peer-review journals, 6 Japanese original studies, and 19 conference reports). These studies originated from 10 countries, with the largest number stemming from Japan (29 studies) followed by Germany (2 studies). Screening was performed using the urea breath test, blood antibodies, stool antigens, and urine antibodies. Five countries used the breath test as the first screening method, five used blood samples, two used stool antigens, and only Japan used urinary tests.

CONCLUSION

Screening for H. pylori in young people was reviewed based on reports from several countries, and findings suggest that local authorities considering screening for H. pylori in young people need to scrutinize the age and potential methods. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of mid- to long-term H. pylori screening for young people.

Efficacy of a novel sequential treatment regimen containing bismuth for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Turkish children

BACKGROUND

Eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) with standard triple therapy are gradually decreasing all over the world, including in children, due to the development of strains resistant to antimicrobials. Sequential therapy can be used as an alternative method to increase eradication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 75 patients ≥ 8 years of age with H pylori gastritis were included in the study. According to Rome IV criteria, 38 patients had functional abdominal pain and dyspepsia, and 37 patients had alarm findings suggesting organic disease. Patients were treated with a novel sequential therapy consisting of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-lansoprazole (1 mg/kg/day, maximum 30 mg daily), amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/d in two doses, maximum 2 × 1000 mg) for 7 days followed by PPI-lansoprazole (1 mg/kg/d, maximum 30 mg daily), metronidazole (20 mg/kg/day in two doses, maximum 2 x 500 mg), tetracycline (50 mg/kg/d divided into four equal doses, maximum 4 x 500 mg), and bismuth subsalicylate (262 mg QID in patients ≤ 10 years of age, 524 mg QID in patients > 10 years of age in days 8-14). Eradication status was evaluated by H pylori stool antigen test 8 weeks after the completion of treatment.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 15.1 ± 2.4 years and 51 (68%) were female. No patient discontinued therapy due to side effects. All patients had antral gastritis (76.0%) or pangastritis (24.0%). The peptic ulcer rate was 6.6%. Eradication therapy was given to all patients with or without peptic ulcer. H pylori eradication was achieved in 69 (92.0%) patients and symptoms improved in 61 of those eradicated.

CONCLUSIONS

As a first-line treatment for H pylori eradication in children, administering a novel sequential therapy including bismuth for 14 days provides a high rate of eradication.

Comparison of clinical symptoms after Helicobacter pylori eradication in functional dyspepsia patients based on endoscopic view of antral gastropathy

Functional dyspepsia is a common gastric disease that can be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate antral endoscopy of individuals who presented with functional dyspepsia, H. pylori infection status and the effects of eradication therapy on the symptoms. Following the diagnosis of dyspepsia as per Rome III criteria, 260 individuals who were eligible for the study underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were divided into four groups of 65 according to the endoscopic view, grades I, II, III and IV (negative). Stool antigen test was also performed for all patients to identify H. pylori infection. The early signs of dyspepsia were assessed by a standard questionnaire. In all groups, omeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin and metronidazole were used for eradication treatment, and 1 month after the treatment, a faecal antigen test was repeated to evaluate the eradication of H. pylori. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical symptoms before treatment. The highest response to eradication treatment was seen in individuals with antral gastropathy grade III (66.2%) and the lowest response was in patients without antral gastropathy Grade IV (32.3%). This difference was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant relationship between the participants in terms of family history, age, gender and response to treatment. Eradicating H. pylori reduces the symptoms of dyspepsia. The response of eradication therapy was greatest among the patients with grade III antral gastropathy.

Diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections in children and elderly populations

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with various gastric and extra-gastric diseases. Importantly, this infection is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer (GC). H. pylori eradication can effectively prevent H. pylori infection-associated diseases in H. pylori-positive patients, including children and elderly subjects. However, a limited selection of antibiotics, a higher reinfection rate, and certain spontaneous clearance rates, to some extent, restrict the choice of H. pylori treatments in pediatrics. In addition, it is imperative to perform an accurate diagnosis of H. pylori infection in children by determining the presence of the H. pylori infection and the underlying cause of symptoms. In elderly patients, poor tolerance to drugs and higher sensitivity to adverse effects are major concerns during H. pylori therapy. Recent studies have demonstrated that H. pylori eradication could significantly lower the GC risk in the elderly population. The benefit and risk of H. pylori eradication in elderly patients should be comprehensively considered and balanced. If available, susceptibility-based tailored therapies may be preferable in eradicating H. pylori. In addition, to increase the eradication rate and reduce adverse effects, new therapeutic strategies (e.g., probiotic supplementation, berberine supplementation, dual therapy) for H. pylori infection are being extensively investigated. The impact of H. pylori eradication with antibiotics on the microbiota in children has been explored, but further high-quality studies are crucial to delineate the extent of H. pylori eradication affecting the microbial community in children. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of H. pylori diagnosis and treatment in children and the elderly population and aim to provide insights into the efficient management and treatment implementation in these populations.

Review: Helicobacter pylori in pediatrics

Despite a decrease in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, it still poses a significant health burden worldwide. This review summarizes important pediatric studies on H pylori published from April 2018 to March 2019. Epidemiologic studies have reported different prevalences in different parts of the world and have mainly confirmed traditional risk factors. Several studies on pathophysiology attempted to identify risk markers in childhood for gastric cancer development later in life. One of the most interesting studies evaluated the relationship between eosinophilic esophagitis and H pylori infection; however, an inverse relationship was not confirmed. The high resistance of H pylori and, consequently, low eradication rates, is still a major concern and susceptibility testing before treatment has again been highlighted. Potassium-competitive acid blockers are promising new acid-suppressant drugs but their role in H pylori eradication schemes is still to be determined.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among junior high school students in Grudziadz, Poland

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the junior high school students in city Grudziądz, Poland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study among second junior high school students was conducted from September 2008 to June 2015 during seven consecutive school years. The studied group was 3241 students 13-17 years old. The ¹³ C-urea breath test (UBT) was administered to all participants for current H. pylori infection. Clinical, sociodemographic, and hygienic risk factors for H. pylori positivity were analyzed in children with positive and negative UBT.

RESULTS

Urea breath test was performed and results were obtained for 3067 of 3241 children, including 723 children (23.6%) with positive result (group 1) and 2344 children (76.4%) with negative result (group 2). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was not different in subsequent seven school years (P = 0.06) and depending on the gender (P = 0.57). In group 1 the cough and in group 2 the epigastric discomfort occurred more frequent (P = 0.04 and P = 0.002, respectively). In multivariate analysis, factors positively associated with prevalence of H. pylori were age >16 years (OR = 2.556; 95%CI 1.293-5.025), living in old town district (OR = 1.374; 95%CI 1.097-1.723), consumption of raw vegetables (OR 1.305; 95%CI 1.038-1.642) or unboiled water (OR = 1.444; 95%CI 1.138-1.832) and using collective catering facilities (OR 1.338; 95%CI 1.039-1.724). Having a cat was protective against H. pylori (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.614-0.991).

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past 10 years, the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Polish adolescents has decreased. H. pylori infection remains problem closely associated with socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. Our results are important to develop prevention strategies for H. pylori-related diseases.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children and Adolescents

About one-third of all children worldwide is infected with H. pylori and its prevalence is low in developed and high in developing countries. H. pylori is mainly acquired during childhood and transmission of the bacterium commonly proceeds from person to person, especially among family members. The most frequent transmission route is from the mother to children. Various gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases are reported to be associated with H. pylori in children and adolescents, but the strongest recommendation for testing and treating is introduced only with children and adolescents having peptic ulcer disease. Iron deficiency anemia and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura are also considered for testing and treating, but the effectiveness is somewhat controversial. Invasive diagnosis is recommended, whereas none of the available diagnostic tests have 100% accuracy for reliable diagnosis, and therefore at least two or more tests should be performed. Urea breath test is the most reliable among the non-invasive tests. Because the number of antibiotics-resistant H. pylori strains is increasing, it is desirable to conduct a drug susceptibility test before treatment and to select the corresponding regime. H. pylori has been proven to be a major cause of gastric cancer and 'screen-and-treat' strategies are recommended in communities at high risk of gastric cancer. However, the application to children and adolescents is controversial. An effective vaccine is desirable, but not yet available. Screen-and-treat for adolescents has started in a few areas in Japan, where conditions are well established. New prevention strategies for gastric cancer are awaited worldwide.