Myoelectric functional stomach disorders in children and teenagers with Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection can induce disorders of myoelectric stomach functions and can have an influence on the frequency and grade of intensification of acid pathological gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The GER pathomechanism is also closely connected with stomach motor activity by affecting the tension in the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Aim: The aim of the study was to try to answer whether there are significant disorders in myoelectric stomach functions in children and teenagers with gastritis and/or duodenitis coexisting with H. Pylori infection and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Material and methods: One hundred and one patients over the age of 3 with dyspeptic symptoms who underwent endoscopic examination of the upper part of the digestive tract, pH-metric oesophagus test, and electrogastrographic test (EGG) were qualified for the examination. Helicobacter pylori infection was confirmed in the histopathological test and/or in the urease test and urea breathing test.

Results: Among the examined patients in 50 cases the result of the pH-metric test was abnormal (group A [n = 50]), and in 51 patients the reflux index was below 4% (group B [n = 51]). In the analysis of the difference in percentage of normogastria, bradygastria, tachygastria and arrhythmia appearance before and after a meal in the EGG record in patients with confirmed H. pylori infection in group A (incorrect result of pH-metric test) and in the group of children with the correct result of the pH-metric test (group B) a statistically significantly higher percentage of bradygastria was verified in group A in the record before a meal through the fourth electrode (C4) (p = 0.02).

Conclusions: In children and teenagers with gastritis and duodenitis with coexisting GER, disorders of myoelectric stomach function happen. In this group of patients it would be advisable to administer prokinetic medicine.