Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics

This review summarizes the articles published on Helicobacter pylori infection in children between April 2008 and March 2009. Recent evidence highlights the decreasing prevalence trend of H. pylori infection and supports both intrafamilial and extrafamilial transmission. The association with various symptoms is still being debated. Interestingly, H. pylori infection seems inversely associated with allergic diseases. Monoclonal stool antigen tests are widely used and accurate for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, but less accurate in young children. The new biprobe real-time PCR assay applied to stools showed a poor sensitivity in children. Using the urea hydrolysis rate next to the delta over baseline values, the C-13-urea breath test provides excellent results for all age children, even for young children. Treatment of H. pylori infection remains a challenge, considering suboptimal efficacy of current therapy. Among emerging alternatives, sequential treatment appears promising. The adjunction of probiotics to conventional regimens, although eliciting great interest, has shown limited therapeutic benefit.