Helicobacter pylori-associated large gastric ulcer during treatment for childhood leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2002 Dec;24(9):759-62. doi: 10.1097/00043426-200212000-00016.

Abstract

During treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, serious gastrointestinal complications rarely occur in children. Helicobacter pylori is not known as a pathogen causing peptic ulcer in children with leukemia who are receiving chemotherapy. We describe a 14-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in whom, during the most aggressive part of treatment, a large, life-threatening H. pylori-associated gastric ulcer developed. H. pylori infection played a role in the origin of the ulcer, as confirmed by the clinical resolution after its specific treatment. This case points to a possible role for H. pylori as a pathogen in children with leukemia who have either evident or occult gastrointestinal bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Helicobacter Infections / complications*
  • Helicobacter Infections / drug therapy
  • Helicobacter pylori*
  • Humans
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Ranitidine / therapeutic use
  • Stomach Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Stomach Ulcer / etiology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dexamethasone
  • Ranitidine