Long-term aspects of nodular gastritis in children.

BACKGROUND

Close association of nodular gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection has been initially proved by various studies. There have been some studies reporting microscopic and histologic recovery in a short time after eradication therapy. But there is not enough data about the long-term course of this condition. The aim of this study is to document current clinical conditions, presence of H. pylori and results of endoscopic and histologic examination, after a long-term period, in children with endoscopically diagnosed antral nodularity.

METHODS

A total of 35 patients diagnosed as nodular antral gastritis by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during a 2 year period, were invited for re-evaluation and re-endoscopy after 3 years. Histopathologically, H. pylori detected ones had been treated with standard triple eradication therapy. In total, 27 patients were accepted for enrollment in the study. Repeated endoscopy could be performed in all 27 patients.

RESULTS

The persistence of antral nodularity was detected in 18 of 27 patients. Decrease in symptoms, absence of symptoms and presence of H. pylori infection were detected in 6, 8 and 16 (89%) of them, respectively. There was no statistical significance between the first and last endoscopic biopsies when activity, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and presence of follicles were regarded. Malt lymphoma could not be detected in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

There is a strong association between nodular gastritis and H. pylori. Presence of antral nodularity in the long-term period may be related to H. pylori re-infection. New therapeutic approaches are required for treatment and management of the patients diagnosed as nodular gastritis and living in areas endemic for H. pylori infection.