Abstract: Inflammatory bowel disease in childhood has become the subject of intense scientific debate during the last two decades, when there has been a significant rise in its incidence. There is a commonly agreed view that the disorder in children has peculiarities both in terms of underlying mechanisms and clinical management. This review highlights the emerging pathophysiologic concepts and clinical issues in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease and their effects on the management of children with this disorder are discussed. Particular emphasis is given to the link between the improvement of the research in the pathogenetic mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic strategies able to promote a change in the natural course of the disorder.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) after an episode of acute bacterial gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study of children 3 to 19 years old with a positive result on a bacterial stool culture. 44 patients in each arm (unidirectional alpha of 0.05, power of 0.80). Children presenting at two pediatric hospitals (United States and Italy) for AGE who tested positive for bacteria on stool culture (2001-2005) were contacted at least 6 months after the episode. Exposed children were matched with control subjects of similar age and sex consulting to the same hospitals for trauma or well-child visit within 4 weeks of the index case. Symptoms were evaluated with a validated questionnaire for FGIDs assessing pain, diarrhea, and disability. RESULTS: 88 patients (46 boys; mean age, 8.1 years; age range, 3-19 years) were recruited. Bacteria included Salmonella (54%), Campylobacter (32%), and Shigella (14%). 36% of exposed patients and 11% of control subjects complained of abdominal pain (P < .01). 87% had irritable bowel syndrome and 24% had dyspepsia. 56% reported onset of pain following the AGE. CONCLUSION: There is a significant increase in cases of FGIDs after bacterial infections in children.
Abstract: Patterns of childhood gastroesophageal reflux (GER) have been studied extensively; however, the mechanisms underlying its occurrence in neurologically impaired children (NIC) are poorly understood. Concurrent esophageal manometry and pH monitoring was conducted in 10 un-operated children (7 male; mean age: 59.5 months) with sequelae birth asphyxia and esophagitis. Reflux episodes were scored when esophageal pH decreased to <4 for at least 5 s. When the rate of decrease of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was >1 mmHg/s, the decrease of LES pressure was defined as LES relaxation. The time relationship of the pharyngeal manometric swallowing signal to LES relaxation onset was then evaluated in order to distinguish between LES relaxations associated with swallowing (type II or III, associated with one or more swallows, respectively) and those that occurred independently of swallowing (type I). RESULTS: Esophageal manometry and pH monitoring were conducted for a mean duration of 91.5 min. Basal LES pressure averaged (+/-SD) 9.2+/-4.8 mmHg; in 4 of 10 patients (40%) the LES pressure was largely undetectable, varying between 0 and 2 mmHg. Mean LES pressure was inversely correlated with age (r=0.7, P=0.02). The total number of reflux episodes/h averaged 32.1+/-12.1 LES pressure reached 0 mmHg in 98% of reflux episodes. Type I LES relaxations were present in 3.15+/-1.1 reflux episodes/h, whereas type II LES relaxation occurred in 2.3+/-2.4 episodes/h. Acid reflux episodes appeared during absent basal LES tone periods, without phasic LES relaxations, in 74%. CONCLUSIONS: Absent basal LES tone is the main mechanism of GER in a subgroup of NIC, especially in older children. Transient LES relaxation, the most common known event associated with acid reflux in neurologically normal children, seems to precede a minority of reflux events in NIC.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical validity and applicability of the Paris Consensus on Childhood Constipation Terminology (PACCT) versus the Rome II criteria for pediatric functional defecation disorders (FDDs). STUDY DESIGN: Children from infancy to 17 years who had been referred to a tertiary center for chronic constipation were recruited for the study. A prospective longitudinal design was used. The Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS) for parents of children age 0 to 4 and 4 to 17 years and for children age 10 to 17 years was used for diagnosis of FDDs. RESULTS: Children (n = 128; mean age, 67.2 months; 62 males) were screened consecutively. FDDs were diagnosed significantly more often by PACCT than by the Rome II criteria (112 [88.9%] vs 60 [47.6%]; P = .001). The agreement Cohen's kappa test showed kappa = .173. A statistically significant difference was reported between Rome II and PACCT in the 4- to 17-year-old group (P = .001). Scybalous, pebble-like stools and defecation with straining were the main symptoms reported (80%), followed by painful defecation (66%). CONCLUSIONS: The PACCT criteria show greater applicability than the Rome II criteria for FDDs. The poor agreement implies that they do not identify the same types of patients. Because such a high percentage of constipated children reported the symptoms of defecation with straining, scybalous pebble-like stools, and painful defecation, including these symptoms in any revised criteria should be taken into consideration.
Abstract: To evaluate the clinical significance of colonic eosinophilia, we conducted a retrospective study of all children older than 1 year evaluated at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from January 1999 to June 2001 with a description of colonic eosinophilia in the pathology report. Medical records were reviewed. Diagnoses were confirmed by contacting the patients. Histological slides (H&E) were reviewed by an investigator blind to the patients' data. Biopsies were grouped according to the site they were taken from and then screened at low power for areas of maximal eosinophilia for further quantitative analysis. Results of manual counts were validated by image analysis using Metaphor Image Analysis Software. Sixty-nine children with colonic eosinophilia were identified (36 male; mean age, 135.2 +/- 55.4 months). Their final diagnoses were inflammatory bowel disease in 32% (group A), irritable bowel syndrome in 33% (group B), food allergies in 10% (group C), and other diagnoses in 25% (group D). The maximal eosinophil count per crypt area was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group A vs groups B, C, and D (34.8 +/- 17.1 vs 21.3 +/- 8.8, 25.4 +/- 16.7, and 24.2 +/- 9.7, respectively). The total cellularity of the lamina propria was considered high only in group A (P < 0.05 vs groups B and C). A mostly equal vertical distribution of eosinophils throughout the lamina propria was found significantly more frequently in group A vs groups C (P = 0.04) and D (P = 0.007). We conclude that children with inflammatory bowel disease have an equal distribution of eosinophils throughout the lamina propria, with intraepithelial and intracryptal eosinophils and with a higher overall total cellularity. In irritable bowel syndrome and patients with a variety of other diagnoses, including allergies, the distribution is mostly superficial, with a lower total cellularity.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Data on the efficacy of eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children are scarce. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of triple therapy with lansoprazole plus amoxicillin and tinidazole vs. dual therapy with amoxicillin and tinidazole in a double-blind randomized multicentre trial, and the usefulness of eradication in terms of long-term symptom resolution. SUBJECTS: We enrolled 43 consecutive children undergoing endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal dyspepsia with H. pylori gastritis. They underwent a 13C-urea breath test, completed a 2-week symptom diary card, and were randomized. Treatment was given in a Redidose box (Redidose Company Ltd., Brighton, UK) containing either lansoprazole-amoxicillin-tinidazole (triple therapy) or placebo plus amoxicillin-tinidazole (dual therapy) for 1 week. The completion of a 2-week symptom diary card and the performance of a breath test were repeated 6 weeks and 6 months after the end of therapy. One to two years later, a structured telephone interview was conducted with 36 of the children. RESULTS: According to the breath test, 6 weeks after the end of therapy H. pylori was eradicated in 15 of 22 children on triple therapy [68.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 45-88] and in 15 of 21 children on dual therapy (71%; 95% CI = 48-89; not significant), and 6 months after the end of therapy it was eradicated in 16 of 22 children on triple therapy (72.7%) and in 15 of 21 children on dual therapy. Six months after therapy, symptoms were analysed in 11 H. pylori-positive and 31 H. pylori-negative children, and it was found that dyspeptic symptoms had disappeared or improved in both groups, with no difference between them. One to two years later, 36 children were interviewed. Epigastric pain had recurred in three of 26 H. pylori-negative and in seven of 10 H. pylori-positive children (p = .001); in three of the latter, pain was severe and required additional treatment. CONCLUSION: One-week triple or dual therapy with two antibiotics achieved similar eradication rates. Soon after treatment, symptoms disappeared or improved in most children irrespective of eradication, but epigastric pain recurred in the majority of the still-infected children within 2 years.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess benefit of surgery in the treatment of childhood constipation in children without aganglionosis or anorectal malformations. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and follow-up questionnaire of 19 children (10 girls, age 7.6 +/- 3.9 years) who underwent surgery after colonic and anorectal manometry had documented abnormal motility. Children at the time of manometric evaluation had symptoms of intractable constipation a mean of 5.1 +/- 2.5 years. Follow-up questionnaires were administered to caregivers a mean of 11.4 +/- 9.3 months after surgical intervention. RESULTS: Proximal colonic abnormalities were seen in 2 patients, abnormalities involving the distal colon and rectosigmoid region in 13 patients, pancolonic abnormalities in 2 patients, and incomplete relaxation of the internal anal sphincter in 2 patients. Surgery led to increase in frequency of bowel movements per week (8.1 v 1.9; P <.005), decrease in soiling episodes per week (2.20 v 4.7; P <.01), and decrease in daily use of medications for constipation (0.8 v 2.3; P <.05). Adverse events included skin breakdown at site of ostomy (9%), fecal incontinence after pull-through procedure (13%), and persistent constipation (4.5%). Parents felt that the symptoms after surgery were completely resolved in 89% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery may be beneficial in the management children with chronic intractable constipation and documented abnormalities in motility.
Abstract: The management of the fecal incontinence in children is difficult, and its social consequences are usually devastating. The general objectives of any bowel program are to produce social continence, predictability, and eventually independence. How to achieve those goals depends in part on the underlying condition. In children, fecal incontinence can occur from a variety of conditions. The most common is overflow incontinence from functional fecal retention, but it can also occur in otherwise healthy children with functional nonretentive fecal soiling or in children with organic causes of fecal incontinence, such as congenital malformations, or any other condition affecting the anorectum, anal sphincters, or the spinal cord. The therapeutic regimen that is recommended in patients with nonretentive fecal soiling consists of explanation and support for the child and parents, a nonaccusatory approach, and a toilet training program with a rewarding system. Biofeedback does not play an important role, and laxatives need to be used with caution, as they may exacerbate the incontinence. For those patients with congenital/neuropathic incontinence a combination of maneuvers to change stool consistency, colonic transit, anorectal function, and rectosigmoid evacuation is used. Stool consistency can be changed with the use of dietary interventions or medications. Stool transit can be slowed (antimotility agents) or accelerated (laxatives) with the use of medications. Anorectal function can be improved with the use of biofeedback or procedures to alter sphincter pressure, and the production of a bowel movement can be induced with maneuvers to empty the sigmoid (suppositories, enemas). With the recent advent of the Antegrade Colonic Enema (ACE), the patient is then able to be predictable and independent. This procedure creates a continent conduit from the skin to the cecum that can be catheterized or accessed for self-administration of enemas. The ACE has revolutionized the treatment of children with fecal incontinence.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of colonic manometry in clarifying pathophysiology of childhood defecatory disorders and to evaluate its impact on management. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of children referred to undergo colonic manometry to a tertiary care Motility Center from 1996 to 2001. Families were followed up a median of 20 months after evaluation (range 3-60 months). RESULTS: A total of 150 colonic manometries were performed in 146 children (74 male, median age 79 months, range 4-225 months). Colonic manometry had been requested to clarify the pathophysiology of lower GI symptoms in 68%; as part of diagnostic workup for chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction in 11%; to decide about reanastomosis of a diverted colon in 7%; and to clarify the pathophysiology of persisting symptoms after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease in 14%. Normal motility was found in the entire colon in 38% of children. In 17%, there was normal motility in the proximal colon with abnormality limited to the dilated distal colon. Abnormal motility was found in 45% of children. After colonic manometry, treatment changes were recommended in 93% of patients. We were able to follow up 65% of the families. When recommendations were followed (96% of the contacted patients), the symptoms improved in 78%, were unchanged in 18%, and were worse in 4% of patients. Among the parents, 88% believed that the suggestions given after colonic manometry had been helpful in improving their children's health. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic manometry may provide information useful in guiding therapy in a subgroup of patients with defecatory disorders.
Abstract: AIM: To assess the benefit of antegrade enemas via cecostomy in children with functional constipation unresponsive to medical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 19 children (12 male, age 10.4 +/- 4.3 yrs) who from 1998-2001 underwent placement of a cecostomy for administration of antegrade enemas. All children were neurologically normal, suffered from functional constipation; all had a history of using multiple medications, having daily soiling, and 65% had prior hospitalizations due to fecal impaction. Sixteen of 19 children had undergone colonic manometry which ruled out colonic inertia. One of 3 irrigation solutions: polyethylene glycol (65%), saline and glycerin solution mix (10%) and phosphate enema (25%) administered through the cecostomy everyday in 14 children or every other day in 5 children. We used a questionnaire to interview caregivers, a mean of 21.1 +/- 24.9 mo after cecostomy placement. RESULTS: In all patients antegrade enemas led to significant improvement of: bowel movements/wk (7.4 vs. 1.4, p < 0.001), soiling accidents/wk (1.1 vs. 6.1, p < 0.001), emotional health score (3.8 vs. 1.8, p < 0.001), overall health score (3.7 vs. 1.8, p < 0.001), number of medications for constipation (0.8 vs. 4.2, p < 0.001), number of missed school days/mo (1.3 vs. 10.5, p < 0.001), and number of physician office visits/yr (7.7 vs. 24.1, p < 0.002). Eight patients have been able to discontinue the use of the antegrade enemas within a mean of 19.9 +/- 14.2 mo after beginning treatment. CONCLUSION: Antegrade enemas are an alternative effective way for treating severe cases of functional constipation unresponsive to medical management.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess whether the endoscopic finding of antral nodularity and serum IgG antibodies to CagA are associated with higher grades of gastric inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The comprehensive data of two previously published trials were reanalysed. One hundred and fifty-three children (median age 9.5 years) who underwent gastroscopy were included. Biopsy specimens from the antrum and corpus were taken to assess Helicobacter pylori status, gastritis score and lymphoid follicles. During endoscopy, antral nodularity was noted. Serum samples were assayed for IgG antibodies to CagA. RESULTS: The presence of antral nodularity (nod+) and positive CagA serology (CagA+) were each found in 32 of the 77 (41.5%) children who had evidence of H. pylori infection. Cross tabulation showed that 20 children (26%) were nod+/CagA+, 12 (15.5%) nod+/CagA-, 12 (15.5%) nod-/CagA+ and 33 (43%) nod-/CagA-. Gastritis score was significantly lower in nod-/CagA- children than in nod+/CagA- (p =.004), nod-/CagA+ (p =.002) and nod+/CagA+ (p <.001), both in the antrum and corpus. Completely normal gastric histology was only found in the nod-/CagA- subgroup of H. pylori-infected children (eight of 33, 24%). Regression analysis showed that antral nodularity and positive CagA serology were related to severe gastric inflammation independently of each other and age. Separate analysis showed that inflammation (p <.001), activity (p <.001) and H. pylori density (p =.002) scores were significantly lower in nod-/CagA- children compared with nod+/CagA+ children. The number of lymphoid follicles in the gastric mucosa was related to antral nodularity (p =.003) and positive CagA serology (p =.043), independently of each other. CONCLUSIONS: Antral nodularity and positive CagA serology are distinct and relevant markers of severe gastric inflammation in children with H. pylori infection. The lack of both findings in the same child reflects low-grade or no gastritis.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The endoscopic pattern of antral nodularity is a peculiar finding in children with Helicobacter pylori infection. The aim of this study was to determine whether this finding is related to more severe gastritis. METHODS: One hundred seventy-four consecutive children (median age 8.7 years) referred for gastroscopy were studied. Biopsy specimens from the antrum and body of the stomach were taken to assess H pylori status, gastritis score, and lymphoid follicles. Clinical diagnosis, major symptoms and endoscopic findings were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-four (48%) children (median age 10.5 years) had evidence of H pylori infection. The endoscopic pattern of antral nodularity was found only in children infected with H pylori (34/84, 40.5% vs. 0/90, 0%, p < 0.0001% 100% specificity, 40.5% sensitivity). Among all children infected with H pylori, the gastritis score was higher (p < 0.0001) in those with antral nodularity (n = 34) than in those without (n = 50). Completely normal gastric mucosal histology was never found in children infected with H pylori with antral nodularity. The presence and number of lymphoid follicles was strongly related to the finding of antral nodularity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic pattern of antral nodularity identifies children with H pylori infection, severe gastritis, and increased lymphoid follicles.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation is thought to be largely regulated by cytokines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, interleukin-8, and interleukin-17 mRNA was examined on gastric mucosal samples from 24 children by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and southern blotting. Biopsy-based tests, serology, and urea 13C breath test were used to assess Helicobacter pylori status. Gastric biopsies were also evaluated for bacterial density, chronic inflammation, and acute inflammatory activity. RESULTS: Interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-8 and interleukin-17 expression was higher in Helicobacter pylori-infected (n=13) than uninfected (n=11) children. Conversely, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 expression did not differ between Helicobacter pylori-infected and uninfected children. In Helicobacter pylori-infected children, interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, interleukin-8 and interleukin-17 expression correlated with bacterial density, and Interferon-gamma and interleukin-12 expression with chronic inflammation score. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that, in children, Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammatory response would favour production of proinflammatory cytokines and development of cell-mediated immunity, namely Th1 response.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The probiotic Lactobacillus GG is effective in promoting a more rapid recovery of acute, watery diarrhea in children with rotavirus enteritis. Very limited information is available, however, on the potential role of such agents in non-rotaviral diarrheal episodes. Furthermore, no evidence is available concerning the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG administered in the oral rehydration solution during oral rehydration therapy. A multicenter trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG administered in the oral rehydration solution to patients with acute-onset diarrhea of all causes. METHODS: Children 1 month to 3 years of age with acute-onset diarrhea were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation. Patients were randomly allocated to group A, receiving oral rehydration solution plus placebo, or group B, receiving the same preparation but with a live preparation of Lactobacillus GG (at least 10(10) CFU/250 ml). After rehydration in the first 4 to 6 hours, patients were offered their usual feedings plus free access to the same solution until diarrhea stopped. RESULTS: One hundred forty children were enrolled in group A, and 147 in group B. There were no differences at admission between the groups in age, sex, previous types of feeding, previous duration of diarrhea, use of antibiotics, weight, height, weight-height percentile, prevalence of fever, overall status, degree of dehydration, and percentage of in- versus outpatients. Duration of diarrhea after enrollment was 71.9 +/- 35.8 hours in group A versus 58.3 +/- 27.6 hours in group B (mean +/- SD; P = 0.03). In rotavirus-positive children, diarrhea lasted 76.6 +/- 41.6 hours in group A versus 56.2 +/- 16.9 hours in groups B (P < 0.008). Diarrhea lasted longer than 7 days in 10.7% of group A versus 2.7% of group B patients (P < 0.01). Hospital stays were significantly shorter in group B than in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Administering oral rehydration solution containing Lactobacillus GG to children with acute diarrhea is safe and results in shorter duration of diarrhea, less chance of a protracted course, and faster discharge from the hospital.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Several studies support the view that Helicobacter pylori is acquired in early life and within families. However, the exact route of transmission remains unknown. Given that H. pylori colonizes only the human gastric mucosa, the hypothesis that history of vomiting in siblings may be a relevant risk factor was tested in a paediatric setting. METHODS: One hundred urban children (age range 0.8-16.6 years, median 9), 44% with evidence of active H. pylori infection, were recruited. A structured questionnaire dealing with socio-economic issues was completed. Vomiting siblings and siblings of vomiting index children were screened for H. pylori by means of (13)C-urea breath test. Serum samples from index children were assayed for immunoglobulin G to hepatitis A (HAV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in order to check for faecal-oral and oral-oral exposure, respectively. RESULTS: Vomiting siblings of H. pylori-infected index children and siblings of H. pylori-infected vomiting index children had a high rate of active H. pylori infection (60 and 67%, respectively). History of vomiting in siblings was positively associated with active H. pylori infection in the index children (multivariate odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.3). Seropositivity for HAV and EBV was found in 1 and 68 index children, respectively. The agreement between active H. pylori infection and EBV seropositivity was not significant (kappa = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: History of vomiting in siblings is an independent risk factor for H. pylori. Nowadays, transmission of H. pylori in urban children may involve the gastro-oral route more than the faecal-oral or oral-oral pathways.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is frequently associated with chronic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is the main etiologic agent of chronic gastritis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of H. pylori, the related symptoms, and the endoscopic and histologic gastric features in children with celiac disease. METHODS: Eight-one (24 boys, 57 girls; age range: 1.4-17.7 years, median 6.8) children with celiac disease were studied. All children had a blood sample taken. In a subgroup of 30 children who underwent endoscopy, three gastric biopsy specimens were taken for histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Giemsa, immunohistochemistry) and urease quick test. Symptom complaints were recorded. Age- and sex-matched (one case, one control) children without celiac disease were used for comparison. Serum H. pylori IgG were measured by means of a locally validated commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay. RESULTS: Overall, 15 of 81 (18.5%) children with celiac disease and 14 of 81 (17.3%) control children were positive for H. pylori. The percentage of H. pylori positivity was similar in children with untreated and treated celiac disease. Recurrent abdominal pain was the only symptom that helped to distinguish between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative children. However, symptoms disappeared in patients with celiac disease after gluten withdrawal, irrespective of H. pylori status. All endoscopic (erythema, nodularity) and histologic (superficial-, interstitial-, lymphocytic-gastritis, activity, lymphoid follicles) findings did not differ between celiac and nonceliac H. pylori-positive children. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence and clinical expressivity of H. pylori infection is not increased in children with celiac disease. The clinicopathologic pattern of the infection is not specifically influenced in this condition.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little information is available about the relationships between Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated protein (CagA) and clinicopathologic features in children. The purpose of this study was to test whether determining serum IgG antibodies to CagA is a useful tool for detecting more severe disease. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven consecutive children (age range, 0.75-17.8 years; median, 9.4 years) referred for gastroscopy were included in the study. Antral and corpus biopsies were taken for gastric histology and H. pylori detection. Major symptoms and endoscopic findings were recorded. A serum sample was drawn from each child and assayed for IgG antibodies CagA by a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Sixty-three (50%) children had no evidence of H. pylori infection, 28 (22%) were H. pylori positive/CagA positive, and 36 (28%) were H. pylori positive/CagA negative. There were no differences in clinical diagnosis and occurrence of any predominant symptom according to H. pylori and CagA status. Findings of antral nodularity were more frequent (p = 0.003) in H. pylori-positive/CagA-positive children than in H. pylori-positive/CagA-negative children. The gastritis score was significantly higher in H. pylori-positive/CagA-positive children than in H. pylori-positive/CagA-negative children (5.7 +/- 1.9 vs. 3.8 +/- 1.6, respectively; p = 0.0003), either in the antral (p = 0.0002) or in the corpus (p = 0.001) mucosa. Inflammation (p = 0.0001) and activity (p = 0.0001) scores were both higher in H. pylori-positive/CagA-positive children than in H. pylori-positive/CagA-negative children, but the H. pylori density score was not significantly different (p = NS). In no case was normal gastric mucosa found in H. pylori-positive/ CagA-positive children. Lymphocytic gastritis (p = 0.0008) and lymphoid follicles (p = 0.000003) were a more frequent finding in H. pylori-positive children than in H. pylori negative children, irrespective of CagA status. CONCLUSION: Testing for serum IgG to CagA detects higher grades of gastric inflammation among children with H. pylori infection. It may be useful in targeting H. pylori-positive/ CagA-positive children for antimicrobial therapy while reducing the need for endoscopy and gastric biopsy.
Abstract: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are widely employed in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. Although several studies in the recent literature prove the efficacy and safety of newly formulated, reduced-osmolarity solutions, and a specific working group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN) has made similar recommendations, such evidence in our Country is lacking. To this aim, we enrolled 38 children (age from 3 to 24 months, average: 8.2) with acute diarrhea lasting from no more than 5 days (average: 2.5). At observation, dehydration was found to be: absent in 12 (31.6%), mild in 19 (50%), moderate in 5 (13.2%), severe in 2 (5.2%). The last 2 patients were admitted and treated i.v., thus excluded from the study. In the 36 remaining children, a pathogen was identified in 25 (69.4%): Rotavirus in 18, Salmonella in 4, EPEC in 2, Cryptosporidium in 1. Stool Clinitest was positive in 7/31 children, all with Rotavirus infection. All the patients received ad libitum for the first 4-6 hours exclusively a reduced-osmolarity ORS formulated according to the ESPGAN criteria. Afterwards, they were fully re-fed and were also given the same ORS until diarrhea stopped. Most of the children accepted the ORS; those who refused it were either not dehydrated and/or older than 15 months. Thirty-three out of 36 children were fully rehydrated after 12 hours, without any side effects. We conclude that such an ORS is safe and effective in the treatment of children with acute diarrhea in our settings.
