Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).4(156): 50-54. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).5054
Nakonechna Kh. B.
SNC «Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University», Ukraine

For citation: Nakonechna KhB. (2026). Clinical and laboratory predictors of gastric mucosal morphological disorders in children with gastroduodenal pathology. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 4(156): 50-54. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).5054.
Article received: Mar 06, 2026. Accepted for publication: May 12, 2026.

The association between vitamin D status and morphological changes in the gastric mucosa may provide a basis for justifying new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of gastroduodenal disorders in children.
Aim – to determine the prognostic role of clinical features and vitamin D levels in the development of morphological changes in the gastric mucosa in children with gastroduodenal disorders.
Materials and methods. Twenty-nine children aged 6-17 years with chronic gastroduodenal disorders were examined. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I included children with inflammatory changes without gastric mucosal atrophy (n=18), and Group II included children with signs of gastric mucosal atrophy (n=11). Serum vitamin D levels, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) status, disease duration, and frequency of exacerbations were assessed.
Results. The median vitamin D level was significantly lower in children with gastric mucosal atrophy than in those without atrophy (20 vs. 28 ng/mL). Disease duration >2 years and an exacerbation frequency >2 episodes per year were significantly associated with gastric mucosal atrophy. Each 1 ng/mL increase in vitamin D level was associated with a reduced risk of structural remodeling of the gastric mucosa.
Conclusions. A vitamin D level <27.5 ng/mL is an independent predictor of the development of gastric mucosal atrophy in children. No direct association between H. pylori status and the severity of gastric mucosal atrophy was identified. Comprehensive management of gastroduodenal disorders in children requires assessment and timely correction of vitamin D status.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Written informed consent for participation was obtained from the children’s parents.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
Keywords: gastroduodenal disorders, gastric mucosal atrophy, Helicobacter pylori, vitamin D, children.

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