Peptic Ulcer
Gastric and duodenal ulcers are not common in children although they may occur in all ages including the neonatal period.
Peptic ulcers in children are more acute than chronic.
The most common etiology of ulcers in children are the following:
– extensive burns ( Curling’s ulcer)
– may be secondary to steroid therapy
– neurologic conditions ( Cushing Rokitansky ulcer)
– from severe infections as sepsis and meningitis
– from malnutrition as in marasmus
– hyperacidity and tension from emotional problems may be the identifiable cause of childhood duodenal ulcers
Clinically in children, peptic ulcers may present as:
– massive bleeding with hematemesis amd melena
– perforation and abdominal distention
– vomiting
– periumbilical or generalized pain of the abdomen
– epigastric pain that is aggravated by food intake