[Follow-up of the quantitative serological response to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in children].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to know the usefulness of a enzyme immunoanalysis (EIA) technique for the monitorization of the serologic to treatment of infection by Helicobacter pylori in Spanish children.

METHODS

17 children with digestive symptomatology in whom the diagnosis of infection by Helicobacter pylori was confirmed and eradication was objectified following a month of treatment with amoxycillin, metronidazole and Bismuth subcitrate were studied. In each patient a biopsy of the gastric mucosa was performed and a sample of serum was withdrawn for initial diagnosis and for control of eradication once treatment had finished (mean time between diagnosis and confirmation of eradication was 79.6 +/- 33.5 days). The samples of gastric mucosa were processed by standard methodology (histologic and/or culture). Serologic determinations (IgG and IgA) were carried out using a EIA technique (Pyloriset EIA-G and EIA-A; Orion Diagnostica).

RESULTS

In 12 of the 17 patients resolution of the clinical symptomatology was produced. A decrease in the levels of IgG was observed in 15 (88.2%) and of IgA in 14 (82.3%) of all the children studied. A significant difference was found between the mean values of the levels of IgG (p < 0.01) and IgA (p < 0.05) in the 17 patients at the time of diagnosis and following eradication.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with the present results the series study of the quantitative level of antibodies IgG and IgA versus Helicobacter pylori is shown as an adequate instrument for evaluating the response to treatment in pediatric patients.