The Role of Helicobacter Pylori in Children With Recurrent Abdominal Pain

20 Purpose: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Jordanian children with recurrent abdominal pain and to test for resolution of the pain with Helicobacter pylori irradication. Methods: The records of 130 children underwent Esophageogastroduodenoscopy because of recurrent abdominal pain over a period of 27 months were reviewed. This included clinical data, endoscopic examination reports and histopathological sections of gastric tissue obtained. Results: 40 patients(30.77%) had the organism proved by histology. These patients were treated with omeprazole or ranitidine plus amoxicillin or clarithromycin plus nitronidazole. Follow up visits that were usually scheduled a month after completion of treatment revealed resolution of symptoms in 35 patients(91.35%). The 5 patients with persistent symptoms had a repeated course of medications with bismuth added and became symptom free. Conclusions: A significant prevalence(30.77) of Helicobacter pylori exists in Jordanian children with recurrent abdominal pain