Diagnostic of Helicobacter pylori in pediatric patients with Celiac Disease: Preliminary study

SALINAS IBAÑEZ AG, ; CORTIÑAS TI, ; VALLEJOS P, ; GÓMEZ P, ; VEGA AE

Mendoza

Congreso; Reunión Científica Conjunta de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo,; 2010

Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder, the only one with a well-established origin, resulting from a permanent gluten intolerance, which primarily involves the gastrointestinal tract. It may start at any age, both during childhood and adolescence. It is characterized by the presence of chronic inflammation of the small owels mucosa and submucosa and is frequently associated with chronic gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is the main etiologic agent of chronic gastritis. The aim was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori in pediatric patients with untreated CD. Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was done at six children attending the Gastroenterology Service the ?Ramos Mejia? Clinic in San Luis. Histological studies, culture and urease test were carried out with the biopsy samples. Blood sample was taken for analysis of antibodies for CD including: antigliadin antibody (AGA), antitransglutaminase antibody (ATA). The CD was confirmed by positive antibodies and histological studies in all children. The H. pylori infection was detected by positive culture and urease test in 3 out of 6 (50%) children with CD. Although the number of samples is low, this preliminary study shows a significant association between H. pylori infection and CD. The inflammatory and structural changes to the mucosal architecture that are associated with CD might eclipse some of the signs of lymphocytosis induced by H. pylori gastric infection. In this sense, the elimination of H. pylori could decrease lymphocytosis and improve treatment and evolution of the CD.