Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent infection, particularly in developing countries, with significant implications for gastrointestinal health in children. Recent studies suggest a potential link between vitamin D and its metabolites in enhancing the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapies through their bactericidal properties. AIM: To investigate the correlation between the vitamin D levels and their influence on clinical management and treatment results of children patients, tested for H. pylori. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a cohort of 128 paediatric patients. They were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether positive (first group - A) or negative (second group - B) for H. pylori. To determine vitamin D levels, venous blood was taken from all participants from both groups. Group 1 included patients whose indexes were up to 10 ng/ml; Group 2 included patients whose indexes were from 10 ng/ml to 20 ng/ml; Group 3 levels were from 20 ng/ml to 30 ng/ml; and Group 4 indexes were over 30 ng/ml. The efficiency of the H. pylori eradication scheme in participants of these groups was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean values in Group A were higher than those in Group B: 17.1 and 14.9, respectively, p-value 0.03. Helicobacter pylori prevalence was higher in participants with vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml. As a result of the study, it was established that vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml in blood serum could be a predisposing factor in the spread of H. pylori in paediatric patients. At the same time, different levels of deficiency below 30 ng/ml did not affect the frequency of H. pylori infection. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data can be used in developing guidelines for clinical management of children patients who are primarily diagnosed with H. pylori and require eradication therapy.