Manifestations of Asthenia in Children with Chronic Gastritis Associated with CagA-Positive or CagA-Negative Helicobacter pylori Infection
Study Objective: To study the intensity of asthenic symptoms and assess quality-of-life parameters in school-age children with chronic gastritis associated with CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori infection. Study Design: This was a single comparative study. Materials and Methods: Ninety school-age children with chronic gastritis took part in the study. The patients were classified into three groups: Group 1 included patients infected with CagА-positive H. pylori strains; Group 2 consisted of patients infected with CagА-negative H. pylori strains; and Group 3 was made up of patients with chronic gastritis not associated with H. pylori. The intensity of asthenic symptoms and their impact on patients' lives were assessed using the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory. Quality of life was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Study Results: In patients with H. pylori chronic gastritis, especially in cases caused by cytotoxic CagA-positive strains, asthenia and autonomic dysfunction were more pronounced than in non-infected patients. These manifestations of asthenia led to a more significant reduction in quality of life for patients infected with H. pylori, which was especially evident when assessed on scales measuring psychosocial functioning. Conclusion: Along with other factors, infection with CagA-positive strains of H. pylori may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthenia in children with chronic gastritis.