Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in children present with a wide range of symptoms. Limited resources in Paediatric Gastroenterology in developing countries like Pakistan cause considerable difficulties in managing children with chronic GI diseases in a timely fashion. This retrospective descriptive study aimed to determine the spectrum and outcomes of chronic GI diseases in children. The study was conducted at the Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI &RC) in Lahore. The duration of the study was from August 2019 to August 2020. A total of 40 children below the age of 15 years with chronic GI diseases were included. The diagnosis was principally established with the assistance of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileo-colonoscopy. Coeliac disease was the most common chronic GI disease. Our systematic approach, in addition to an extensive workup, assisted in the diagnosis and management of the illness, which resulted in a more optimal outcome. Prompt referrals to tertiary centres are recommended where facilities and expertise are available to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases cause a variety of symptoms in children, such as abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and weight loss
The approach consists of taking a detailed history and conducting a thorough clinical examination followed by appropriate investigations so that suitable treatment can be initiated to improve the outcome.[1]
Only duodenal biopsies were performed on all symptomatic children with high anti-TTG level because of resource constraints in our institute to cater for HLA genetic testing for coeliac disease.[3]
Summary
Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan; 2 Department of Pathology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan; 3 Department of Anaesthesia, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, Pakistan.
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