Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment for duodenogastric reflux in childhood

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and histopathological features of duodenogastric reflux (DGR) in children and the effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy. Design: Prospective Setting: Cukurova University Medical Faculty Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic and Necmettin Erbakan University Medical Faculty Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic, Adana and Konya, Turkey Subjects: One hundred and four children Intervention: One hundred and four patients with DGR were assessed in terms of their history, physical examination, endoscopy, histopathology and response to UDCA therapy. Main outcome measure: Positive results were obtained by administering UDCA treatment in addition to stomach drugs. Results: Eighty-two (79%) patients had previously used various antacids and proton pump inhibitors for dyspeptic symptoms. Gastritis was detected with upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy in all patients. Symptoms decreased by more than half or resolved completely in 97 patients (93%) at the 3-month follow-up interval. Conclusion: DGR should be considered in the etiology of patients with dyspeptic symptoms who fail to respond to antacid and proton pump inhibitor therapy. The majority of patients with DGR responded well to three months of UDCA therapy.