[The factors determining the course and outcome of chronic duodenitis in adolescents and young people].

Causes involved in progression of duodenal lesions have been analyzed in 55 adolescents with chronic duodenitis. Five-year follow-up revealed factors with potential influence on the outcome: sex, acid-peptic factor, mucosal contamination with Helicobacter pylori, an initial morphological form of duodenitis. The latter developed into peptic ulcer in 15% of the male patients. Progression of duodenitis was associated with emergence of chronic gastritis. Motor biliary function deteriorated in 39% of the female patients with duodenitis. The prediction of chronic duodenitis outcome in adolescents facilitates the choice of adequate preventive measures.