The urea-C-13 breath test in the course of Helicobacter pylori gastric infection in children.

Helicobacter pylori gastric infection in children is a public health proble m. Classical diagnostic fools such as endoscopy are excessively invasive in the usual clinical context. Serology at this age has multiple drawbacks. T he urea-C-13 breath test seems today the most appropriate alternative metho d. The principle of the test relies upon the indirect detection of H pylori through its high urease activity. The test uses a stable (ie, non radioact ive) isotope, which allows ifs repeated use. The main indications are the d etection and the follow-up of H pylori infection. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.