Is There a Relationship Between Helicobacter Pylori and Infantile Colic? Evaluation With Sociodemographic Variables

ABSTRACT Introduction: Infantile colic is a common condition in early infancy, characterised by episodes of inconsolable, high-pitched crying in otherwise healthy infants during the first three months of life. Despite its high prevalence and frequent healthcare utilisation, the etiology of infantile colic remains unclear, and no definitive risk factors have been established. Objective: To investigate the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and infantile colic in infants aged 6 weeks to 3 months and to evaluate other potential risk factors. Methods: This case–control study included 70 infants presenting to an outpatient clinic. Thirty-five infants diagnosed with infantile colic were compared with 35 age-matched healthy infants without colic. Helicobacter pylori positivity and additional potential risk factors were assessed and analysed between groups. Results: Helicobacter pylori positivity was detected in 20% of infants with infantile colic and in 6.1% of infants in the control group. Although H. pylori infection was more frequently observed in the colic group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. No other evaluated risk factor showed a significant association with infantile colic. Conclusion: While Helicobacter pylori infection was detected more frequently among infants with infantile colic, the findings do not support a significant etiological relationship. Larger, well-designed studies are needed to clarify the potential role of H. pylori in the path-ogenesis of infantile colic. Keyswords: Infantile Colic, Helicobacter Pylori, Risk Factors, Etiology, Incidence, Treatment.