Diagnosis and treatment of duodenal ulcer in infancy and childhood.

An awareness of the modes of presentation in childhood duodenal ulcer disease is necessary for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Therapy should be based on the rationale of decreasing acid secretion and providing adequate buffering of gastric acid throughout the day. Because of the high incidence of recurrence in children, aggressive diagnosis and treatment of duodenal ulcer are indicated in any child suspected of having the disease.