Feasibility Study to Diagnose Helicobacter Pylori in the Paediatric Population Using Non-invasive Fecal Analysis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Gastric biopsies, Stool sampling.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTIONS. Basic parameters: up to 16 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- France
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Feasibility Study to Diagnose Helicobacter Pylori In The Paediatric Population Using Non-Invasive Fecal Analysis: the HEPYCA Study
Overview
Helicobacter pylori infection is a widespread bacterial disease affecting nearly half of the world's population. In children, the infection displays distinct features versus adults, with lower prevalence, variable symptoms, and differing endoscopic and histological appearances. Typically acquired in early childhood, its transmission is closely linked to socio-economic disadvantage and overcrowding. Although most infected children are asymptomatic, some develop epigastric pain, dyspepsia, weight loss, or other gastrointestinal disturbances. Chronic infection may eventually lead to mucosal atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, increasing the risk of gastric cancer later in life. Given the limitations and risks of invasive diagnostic methods-especially endoscopy under general anesthesia-there is a critical need for reliable, non-invasive tests. Recent adult studies indicate that stool-based PCR is a promising alternative for both detecting H. pylori and identifying clarithromycin resistance. The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the intrinsic diagnostic performance of high-resolution melt PCR (HP PCR) in stools, and to compare these results with those obtained from a conventional work-up, such as gastric biopsies, in a paediatric population. In accordance with prevailing rationality, the principal outcome of this study will be an evaluation of the intrinsic diagnostic capabilities of the proposed method. This will be accomplished by conducting a comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR test in stools with those of gastric biopsies (reference test).
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Gastric biopsies
After obtaining informed consent, patients receive routine endoscopic procedures with an additional biopsy taken for research purposes. Invasive screening method used in routine care. - Diagnostic test Stool sampling
Stool samples are taken and sent within 10 days of the endoscopy. Self-collected stool samples are analyzed using antigen testing and molecular techniques to detect H. pylori and associated resistance mutations. Experimental diagnosis.
Primary outcome measures
- Evaluate the diagnostic performance of H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
Secondary outcome measures (9)
- Evaluate the intrinsic diagnostic performance (Se, Sp) of H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the extrinsic diagnostic performance (PPV, NPV) of H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the intrinsic diagnostic performance (Se, Sp) of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the extrinsic diagnostic performance (PPV, NPV) of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the intrinsic and extrinsic diagnostic performance of H. pylori PCR and H. pylori antigen in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the intrinsic diagnostic performance (Se, Sp) of H. pylori PCR in stools [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the extrinsic diagnostic performance (PPV, NPV) of H. pylori PCR in stool [Time frame: 10 days]
- Evaluate the adherence of a stool self-sampling for H. pylori [Time frame: 10 days]
- Analyze resistance profiles to the various antibiotics used in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy [Time frame: 10 days]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age < or = 16 years ;
- Any indication for gastroscopy in children requiring gastric biopsies: gastro-esophageal reflux resistant to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or recurrent on discontinuation of PPIs, hematemesis, refractory anemia or unexplained inflammatory syndrome, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, endoscopic assessment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease with search for H. pylori superinfection ;
- Patients benefiting from a Social Security scheme or benefiting from one via a third part;
- Holders of parental authority who have given their informed consent to participate in the study and child participants of understanding age who have given their assent.
Non-inclusion Criteria:
- Antibiotic treatment less than 4 weeks
- PPIs treatment less than 2 weeks
- Contraindication to endoscopic procedure or biopsy.
Exclusion criteria
- Antibiotic therapy prior to stool collection (between inclusion and stool collection, which may be 10 days later)
- Failure to send/receive stool sample
- Biopsy not performed at endoscopy
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
France · 1 center
- Poitiers University Hospital — Poitiers
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07083804 · 2024-A02366-41