Effect of long-term Helicobacter pylori infection on growth of children: a cohort study.

Background: The effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on growth are a controversial issue. We investigated the effects of long-term H. pylori infection on height and weight in children.

Methods: A total of 200 children of 7-18 years old suffering from dyspeptic complaints were classified into two groups: H. pylori positive and negative groups, respectively. Whether the infection was impoved was followed up while performing urea breath test, and according to exposure time to the infection, the children were further divided into group 1 (≤1.5 months), group 2 (>1.5-≤6 months) and group 3 (>6 months). Antropometric measurements were obtained and repeated every six months.

Results: Mean growth velocity scores in the H. pylori positive and negative groups were 0.49±3.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.21-1.18] and 1.98±4.42 (95% CI: 1-2.96), respectively. The difference between both groups was statistically significant (P=0.012). Mean growth velocity scores in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 0.96±3.84, 0.16±4.51 and -0.85±3.09, respectively. Mean growth velocity scores of group 3 were significantly lower than those of groups 0 and 1 (P=0.005 and P=0.041). The mean weight scores in group 3 were similar to those in group 2, but the scores in group 3 were significantly lower than those in group 1 (-1.75±1.05, -1.21±1.37 and -0.88±1.49, respectively).

Conclusion: As the duration of exposure is prolonged in children with H. pylori infection, the negative effect of the infection on both height and weight is evident.