[Primary gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori in children].

The aim of this paper was to investigate whether a correlation between dyspeptic symptoms and infection due to Helicobacter pylori could be established. We conducted a prospective study with 27 children who had Helicobacter pylori associated antral gastritis with endoscopic and histologic alterations, without any other peptic lesions. Helicobacter pylori was detected by rapid urease test and histology with hematoxylin and eosin and Giemsa stain. Endoscopy revealed antral nodularities in 20/27 (74%) and enantema in six cases (23%). During histological examination active chronic superficial gastritis was confirmed in 26 cases (96%). Twenty seven children were treated with antimicrobial therapy, eight of which presented infection eradication, six presented nodularities regression and symptoms remission in four. Of the 19 non-eradicated patients, eight (42%) became asymptomatic and 11 maintained symptoms. Statistical analysis to compare symptoms remission was not significant. Taking into account the results presented herewith, we concluded that antral nodularity was the most common endoscopic finding, and there was no sufficient evidence of a correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspeptic symptoms.