Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 21, 2006; 12(39): 6274-6279
Published online Oct 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i39.6274
Does gastric atrophy exist in children?
Georges Dimitrov, Frédéric Gottrand
Georges Dimitrov, Frédéric Gottrand, Gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition Unit, Clinic of Pediatrics, Hôpital J de Flandre, CHRU de Lille et Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lille 2, Lille, France
Correspondence to: Dr Frédéric Gottrand, Gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition Unit, Clinic of Pediatrics, Hôpital J de Flandre, CHRU de Lille et Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lille 2, Lille, France. fgottrand@chru-lille.fr
Telephone: +59-3-20445962
Received: May 1, 2006
Revised: May 28, 2006
Accepted: June 14, 2006
Published online: October 21, 2006
Abstract

Several clinical reports confirmed that gastric atrophy is a pathology not only limited to adult patients. In pediatrics, it is most often described in association with a H pylori infection but this bacteria does not seem to be the only etiological factor of this preneoplastic state in children. The frequency of gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia in children are unknown because they are not systematically sought during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The lack of specific histological classification of children’s gastropathies makes their diagnosis difficult for pathologists. Based on our knowledge to date, we think that it is necessary to describe, in detail, the natural course of this lesion during childhood. A close and prolonged clinical and endoscopic follow-up is important for children with gastric atrophy.

Keywords: Gastric atrophy; Gastritis; H pylori; Intestinal metaplasia; Gastric cancer; Children