Does disordered upper gastrointestinal motility predispose to Helicobacter pylori colonization of the stomach in children?

Helicobacter pylori is an important factor in the pathogenesis of chronic gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcer disease. However, the basic causal mechanisms of H pylori colonization on the gastric mucosa are still unclear. The authors evaluated the prevalence of H pylori colonization in 266 children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during a 12-month period. The indications for endoscopy were follow-up of esophagitis related to gastroesophageal reflux (n = 17), suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux (n = 51), abdominal pain (n = 28), vomiting (n = 30), follow-up of esophageal atresia (n = 46) and duodenal atresia (n = 28), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 28), and miscellaneous (n = 38). The methods used to detect H pylori colonization were histology and the rapid urease test. H pylori colonization was demonstrated in 31 (11.6%) of the 266 patients. In two patient groups, a high prevalence of colonization was identified. In patients with an operated duodenal atresia, 36% (10 of 28) had H pylori on the gastric mucosa. The organism was demonstrated on the gastric mucosa in 47% (8 of 17) of the patients with gastroesophageal reflux-related esophagitis; five of the eight patients had neurological impairment. In the other patient groups, the prevalence of H pylori infection ranged from 2% to 14%. The present study suggests that, in children, the disturbed esophagogastroduodenal motility, which is commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux and duodenal atresia, predisposes to H pylori infection.