Update in Pathophysiology and Management of Helicobacter pylori in Children

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to review Helicobacter pylori in children describing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations and management. Data summary Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infection worldwide. Helicobacter pylori infection is the main etiological factor for chronic gastritis, most peptic ulcers and gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma. Recently a potential role of Helicobacter pylori in other gastrointestinal as well as several extra-intestinal pathologies is being evaluated. Standard triple therapy should be abandoned in areas of high clarithromycin resistance. Conclusion: Several diseases have been reported to be associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Its role in some hematologic conditions has been fully validated and included in the current guidelines. Further studies are still needed to evaluate the role of Helicobacter pylori in other diseases. Choice of the diagnostic test for each patient depends on several factors. Clarithromycin is critically important as it negatively impacts the efficacy of the chosen therapeutic regimen