Growth parameters in children with dyspepsia symptoms and Helicobacter pylori infection

Controversy exists about relationship of H. pylori infection and somatic growth retardation of children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and growth parameters in children. 113 children with dyspepsia (4-18 years) were enrolled. C-13 urea breath test was performed for determination of H.pylori infection. Height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and standard deviation score (SDS) was calculated and growth parameters were compared between two groups of H.pylori positive and those with negative results. The prevalence of H.pylori infection was 52.2%. There was no meaningful relation between calculated SDS (for height and BMI) and H.pylori infection.