Duodenal Ulcers In Children

Abstract

A series of 20 children between the ages of 7 and 15 with duodenal ulcers is presented. The clinical picture can be subdivided into an early acute and later atypical and typical phases. Barium-meal examination often becomes diagnostic only when the clinical picture shows some features suggestive of peptic ulceration. Surgical treatment is rarely required except for perforations. The influence of home stresses in the aetiology is discussed, particularly loss of the father and pressures put on the child with regard to school examinations. © 1957, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.