Helicobacter pylori infection in pediatric patients with celiac disease: A single-center experience

Aim: There are numerous studies investigating the relationship between celiac disease (CD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of coexisting H. pylori infection and CD in pediatric patients diagnosed with celiac disease at our clinic versus an age-matched control group. Materials and Methods: A total of 198 patients with celiac disease and 131 sex and age -matched controls undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy due to dyspeptic complaints were included in this study. The prevalence of H. pylori was compared between the groups. Results: Of the 198 patients with CD included in the study, 66 (33.3%) were male and 132 (66.7%) were female, while in the control group, 36 (27.5%) were male, and 95 (72.5%) were female. 89 (44%) of the patients with CD and 70 (53.4%) of the controls were H. pylori-positive. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of Marsh scores between the H. pylori-negative and -positive groups. Conclusion: The association between celiac disease and H. pylori remains controversial. Thus, multicenter studies are warranted to evaluate the role of H. pylori in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.