VALIDATION OF A CHILDRENS C-13-UREA BREAT H TEST FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI

Backgrounds: Aim of this study was to validate a modification of adult s' C-13-urea breath test for children in diagnosis of an infection wit h Helicobacter pylori. Methods: In 30 asymptomatic children results of the breath test were compared with results of an ELISA test specific for Helicobacter pylori. In 10 symptomatic children the breath test re sult was compared with histological results of gastric mucosa. Cold or ange juice was tested by ultrasonic assessment to be suitable as a tes t meal. Results: With the serological or histological result as refere nce method, the cut-off value for children (delta value = 5 parts per thousand) has shown a sensitivity/specificity of 70%/95% or 100%100% r espectively. Cold orange juice meets the criteria of a test meal by in hibiting the gastric emptying for the duration of the breath test sign ificantly. 30 minutes after C-13-urea ingestion has been the optimal p oint of time for the second breath sample collection. Conclusion: Our modification of the C-13-urea breath test for children is suitable to prove an Helicobacter pylori infection.