THE ASSESSMENT OF THE STOMACH SECRETORY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC GASTRODUODENAL PATHOLOGY
The long-term persistence of Helicobacter pylori infection with the increased concentration of hydrochloric acid and pep- sins increases the aggressive properties of the gastric juice. These changes may contribute to development of the ulcer dis- ease. Further progression of the pathological process leads to occurrence of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and may end with gastric cancer. 280 children with chronic gastroduodenal pathology have been examined. The presence of Helicobacter pylori has been examined by both rapid urease test and urease breath test. The concentration of pepsinogens in the blood serum and acidity of the gastric juice have been studied in all patients under research. The significant changes in the secretory function of the gastric mucosa have been revealed in children with chronic gastroduodenal pathology. The persistence of Helicobacter pylori, increase of the pepsinogens and hydrochloric acid concentration in the gastric juice leads to development of erosive and ulcerative changes in the mucosa of the duodenum in children. In addition, the long-term course of chronic gastroduodenal pathology with persistence of Helicobacter pylori may cause development of atrophic processes in the mucosa in childhood. It can not be always possible to diagnose these changes by using biopsy of the gastric mucosa. Determination of the level of pepsinogens in the blood serum and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori by non-invasive methods can be effectively used as detection of the severity of the inflammation process in the mucosa of the stomach and duodenum in children.