GASTRIC-ACID HYPERSECRETION IN CHILDREN WITH DUODENAL-ULCER

Abstract

Rates of gastric HCl secretion were compared in 10 children with active duodenal ulcer (DU) and 14 non-duodenal ulcer children. Duodenal ulcer was diagnosed by gastroduodenoscopy or by evidence of an ulcer crater on upper gastrointestinal radiographs. Duodenal ulcer disease was excluded in the comparison group by similar criteria. Basal acid output in DU children tended to be higher, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Maximal acid output was significantly higher in DU children than in the comparison group whether expressed as meq/h (P < 0.025) or as meq/kg per h (P < 0.005). Peak acid output also showed a statistically significant difference (meq/h, meq/kg per h, P < 0.05). Hypersecretion of gastric acid generally occurs in children with duodenal ulcer disease.