Peptic ulcer disease is an uncommon disorder in children. The recent upsurge of interest in peptic ulcer disease in children can be attributed to the importance of studies of children in establishing the role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of ulcer disease. This review of recent publications focuses on the role of the organism in peptic ulcer disease, the epidemiology of H. pylori, its significance as a cause of symptoms, and recent advances in the treatment of this infection. The increasing evidence that chronic H. pylori gastritis is possibly a significant risk factor for the development of gastric carcinoma is also discussed.