Intestinal metaplasia and gastric atrophy in children is not as frequent as adults

Abstract

Objective: Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia are frequently seen among adult patients and are thought to be premalignant. The prevalence of these lesions among children is not well known. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in children. Material and and Methods: Children with gastrointestinal symptoms admitted to our clinic were evaluated. The data about urea breath test, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy macroscopical findings and histopathological evaluation with modified Sydney classification were evaluated retrospectively from patient records. Results: A total of 357 children underwent upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy. Histopathological evaluation revealed no gastric atrophy but intestinal metaplasia in 2 children. Both of the children had positive urea breath test, gastritis and were positive for Helicobacter pylori histologically. One of these children also had a peptic ulcer. The children underwent endoscopy again after H.pylori eradication therapy, and intestinal metaplasia was not seen on the biopsy materials. Conclusion: Precancerous lesions are very rarely reported among children. These are particularly seen together with H. pylori infection and around 10-years of age. Our results show that intestinal metaplasia is seen in H.pylori positive children and the incidence is very low. The reason of low prevalence is suggested to be depending on the host, microorganism and the pathologists. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.