Esophagitis In Children Research Articles

Endoscopic features of eosinophilic lesion of the esophagus in children

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, slowly progressive immune-mediated disease considered a separate clinical and morphological syndrome. The incidence of EoE is currently tending to increase in children. Endoscopy with biopsy is essential for diagnosing EoE in children and adults. The article presents modern endoscopic capabilities in pediatric practice. Attention is drawn to the need to use the available modern endoscopic protocols for the diagnosis of eosinophilic lesions of the esophagus in children; the role of correct and high-quality endoscopic and pathomorphological interpretation of the data obtained for the verification of the diagnosis in EoE is emphasized.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: a review of current guidelines based on case studies

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is still considered a rare disease. However, over the past decades, there has been an increase in publications on the diagnosis and treatment of EoE in both adults and children. Challenges in diagnosing EoE, especially in children, are associated with underestimation of risk factors and non-specific symptoms. For adults, the main symptom is dysphagia combined with eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal tissue (over 15 per field of view); thus, the diagnosis can be verified. The article presents a clinical case of EoE in an adolescent with an early atopic march and long-term retrosternal pain and dysphagia, and criteria for deciding on therapy are provided.

Differential Tfh cell phenotypes distinguish IgE-mediated milk allergy from eosinophilic esophagitis in children

IgE-mediated food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are diseases commonly triggered by milk. Milk-responsive CD4+ T cells producing type 2 cytokines are present in both diseases, yet the clinical manifestation of disease in milk allergy (MA) and EoE are distinct. To identify CD4+ T cell differences between EoE and MA that may be responsible for distinct disease manifestations. The total and milk-specific CD4+ T cell phenotype of children with milk allergy (MA), EoE (active or in remission) and controls was measured using spectral flow cytometry of peripheral blood (all groups) or esophageal biopsies (EoE and control). Circulating milk-responsive T cells could be identified in active (A)-EoE and MA. An increased frequency of Th2A cells was also noted in MA and EoE. In circulating T cells, type 2 cytokine production was elevated in MA, but not EoE. Within the milk-responsive Tfh subset, a dichotomy of phenotype was noted: Tfh13 cells predominated in MA, while IL-10-producing Tfh cells predominated in EoE. In the esophagus, CD4+ T cells were constitutively activated and expressed not only type 2 cytokines, but also IL-10 and IL-21 in A-EoE. There was production of IgG4 from CD38+ plasma cells in close proximity to CD4+ T cells. In vitro activation studies demonstrated that IL-10 and IL-21 elicited strong IgG4 responses in B lymphocytes, while IL-4 and IL-13 promoted IgE production. Our studies demonstrate a dichotomy of Tfh responses that may be the basis for the different clinical manifestations to milk in EoE and MA.

361. PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL MUCOSAL METAPLASIA IN CHILDREN

Abstract Background The urgency of the problem of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in pediatrics is due to the high prevalence of this pathology in children. The problem of GERD in childhood has become especially important, when a direct correlation between the duration of esophagitis and the development of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and, later, esophageal adenocarcinoma has been revealed. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used as one of the elements of complex treatment after antireflux surgeries for direct impact on metaplastic mucosa and restoration of normal esophageal lumen. Due to the increased detection of esophageal malignancies in adult patients, we aimed to investigate this method in the treatment of Barrett's esophagus in children. Methods There were 3 patients diagnosed with esophageal mucosal metaplasia in the thoracic surgery department. Intestinal esophageal metaplasia was detected and histologically confirmed in 1 patient, in 2 patients - gastric metaplasia of cardiac type. All patients were female. The average age of the patients was 15 years. Children underwent multiple sessions of balloon dilatation of esophageal stenosis with temporary positive effect. Taking into account persistent restenosis, presence of metaplasia areas we applied PDT. Intravenous injection of photosensitizer (PS) of chlorine series for 30 minutes was carried out 5 hours before the beginning of PDT. For PDT we used a laser unit with a wavelength of 662 nm, power of 1 W with exposure of 25-30 minutes (at the rate of 300 J/cm2), optical power meter, video gastroscope, spectroanalyzer. Results To achieve the result: complete destruction of metaplasia sites and recanalization of the esophageal lumen, 1 patient with intestinal metaplasia needed 3 sessions, 2 patients with gastric metaplasia of cardiac type - 4 sessions of PDT. In children with gastric metaplasia, an "initiation" method was developed and applied at first PDT session to induce inflammation in the esophageal mucosa. During PDT macroscopic changes of mucosa in the metaplasia area were registered: ischemia, edema and hyperemia, hemorrhagic manifestations, "parchment" mucosa. We were also focused on the amount of PS in tissues according to the graphic images of the spectroanalyzer. During control examinations we noted healing of the metaplasia zone with subsequent regeneration of the epithelium, which was confirmed histologically, and preservation of the normal esophageal lumen. Conclusion Thus, there is a possibility of effective use of photodynamic therapy for esophageal mucosal metaplasia in children and adolescents. Taking into account the minimally invasive technique, comparative cheapness of photosensitizers, equipment for generation of laser radiation, registration of photosensitizer concentration in tissues, it is possible to create the basis for conducting studies in the treatment of this pathology in children. The method of photodynamic therapy in Barrett's esophagus demonstrates high efficiency in its eradication. Increasing the number of observations will allow to make more meaningful conclusions in the future. Eradication of Barrett's esophagus in children meets the requirements of cancer vigilance.

243. IS MUCOSAL CHANGE IN COELIAC DISEASE RESTRICTED TO SMALL BOWEL? STUDY OF OESOPHAGEAL MUCOSAL CHANGES IN CHILDREN WITH COELIAC DISEASE

Abstract Introduction Celiac disease (CeD) may cause changes throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It is not known whether the oesophageal mucosa is involved in CeD. The purpose of this prospective study was to study the mucosal changes in oesophagus in children with CeD. Materials & Methods The mucosal changes in the esophagus was prospectively investigated in 126 children with CeD during 192 upper GI endoscopies performed to obtain duodenal biopsy specimens and was compared with findings in 49 children who underwent endoscopy for upper GI complaints without CeD (non-CeD patients) during one year. Children were diagnosed as cases of CeD based on the modified ESPGHAN criteria and positive serology. Duodenal histologic lesions were classified as proposed by our group. Results The mean age of CeD children (M:F::71:55) at presentation was 6.7 + 3.3 years. 54/126 (42.9%) of CeD and 23/49 (46.9%) of non-CeD patients showed normal oesophageal mucosa. The prevalence of lymphocytic oesophagitis (LyE) was higher in CeD (11.9%) than non-CeD (2.1%) patients. The prevalence of oeosinophilic oesophagitis, follicular oesophagitis, reflux oesophagitis and non-specific oesophageal mucosal changes were similar in both groups. All but one child with LyE showed classic duodenal histologic lesion. Conclusions Our findings showed that the oesophageal mucosa can be damaged in CeD patients and that the prevalence of LyE is higher with CeD. Awareness of potential coexistence of oesophageal lesions in CeD should promote optimal diagnosis of these conditions. Routine oesophageal biopsies may be warranted when investigating for CeD.

Outcomes of Colonic and Gastric Tube Transplants after Caustic Esophageal Burn in Children: A 33-Year Review.

Introduction: Accidental caustic burns of the esophagus in children represent a significant global health challenge, often necessitating esophageal reconstruction. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and morbidity related to esophagus replacement with colonic and gastric tube transplants in a pediatric population followed for caustic stenosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric surgery unit for children treated from January 1989 to December 2022. We compared colonic and gastric tube esophageal replacement. Short term (within 30 days) and mid-term outcomes and complications were reviewed. Statistical evaluation was considered using a Chi-square test for categorical data analysis. Results: A total of 124 children with caustic esophageal burns were included. Among them, 23 (18.5%) had a gastric tube transplant for esophagus replacement and 101 (81.5%) a colonic transplant. During surgical intervention, we found a significantly higher risk of complications when using a colonic transplant (34%, p < 0.001). There was no significant statistical difference in postoperative short term and mid-term complications between the two techniques. Twenty-six (26%) of the children required a reoperation, with a higher risk in the gastric tube transplant group (p < 0.001). Endoscopic dilatation after surgery was also performed on a higher number of children who had received a gastric tube transplant (p = 0.005). Overall, 97.6% recovered full normal oral feeding. Conclusions: We found that colonic and gastric tube replacement are both good options for pediatric esophageal replacement after a caustic injury and show effectiveness over time. Gastric tube transplants carried a slightly higher risk of reoperations and a higher number of dilatations post-surgery. However, our groups are not really comparable, due to the much higher number of colonic transplants. Both surgical options have to be considered during surgery, and the choice depends on the anatomy of the patient. Our future research will focus on assessing long term quality of life and the potential risk of neoplastic complications.

Efficacy of Dietary Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children and Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several dietary approaches have been used to induce remission in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), yielding varied results. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases up to May 2024 to identify studies including dietary interventions for EoE used as monotherapy. Summary estimates with 95% CIs for achieving <15 eosinophils/HPF were calculated for each approach. Fixed or random effects models were used depending on heterogeneity (I2); publication bias risks were assessed using funnel plot analyses. Subgroup analyses results were compared using meta-regression. Forty-three studies with 2825 patients were included in quantitative summaries. The overall rate of histologic remission was 60.6% (95% CI, 54.6-66.5%). Effectiveness rates were 94.5% (95% CI, 92.3-96.4%) for elemental diets, 63.9% (95% CI, 58.5-69.2%) for six-food elimination diets, 54.7% (95% CI, 45.7-63.6%) for four-food elimination diets, 44.3% (95% CI, 36.1-52.8%) for two-food elimination diets, 46.4% (95% CI, 40-52.9%) for one-food elimination diets, and 39.5% (95% CI, 30.3-49.2%) for allergy testing-directed food elimination diets. Overall, superior efficacy was noted in children than in adults and in retrospective compared to prospective studies. Diet therapy remains an effective therapeutic asset for pediatric and adult patients with EoE, with increasing efficacy noted as the levels of dietary restriction increase.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: An update from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the squamous epithelium. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published a guideline in 2014; however, the rapid evolution of knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options have made an update necessary. A consensus group of pediatric gastroenterologists from the ESPGHAN Working Group on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (ESPGHAN EGID WG) reviewed the recent literature and proposed statements and recommendations on 28 relevant questions about EoE. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2022. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. A total of 52 statements based on the available evidence and 44 consensus-based recommendations are available. A revision of the diagnostic protocol, options for initial drug treatment, and the new concept of simplified empiric elimination diets are now available. Biologics are becoming a part of the potential armamentarium for refractory EoE, and systemic steroids may be considered as the initial treatment for esophageal strictures before esophageal dilation. The importance and assessment of quality of life and a planned transition to adult medical care are new areas addressed in this guideline. Research in recent years has led to a better understanding of childhood EoE. This guideline incorporates the new findings and provides a practical guide for clinicians treating children diagnosed with EoE.

Swallowed topical steroid therapy for eosinophilic oesophagitis in children: practical, evidence-based guidance by the BSPGHAN Eosinophilic Oesophagitis Working Group

ObjectiveTo develop evidence-based guidance for topical steroid use in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (pEoE) in the UK for both induction and maintenance treatment.MethodsA systematic literature review using Cochrane guidance was carried...

Reducing Eosinophil Counts in Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children Is Associated With Reduction in Later Stricture Development.

There are limited longitudinal data on the impact of chronic therapy on the natural history of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if patients with well-controlled EoE were less likely to develop fibrostenotic complications. Subjects were identified from a database of pediatric patients with EoE at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia started in 2000. Patients were then searched in adult medical records to identify patients who transitioned care. All office visits, emergency department visits, and endoscopic, histologic, and imaging reports were reviewed for the primary outcome of strictures and the secondary outcomes of food impactions and dysphagia. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed for outcomes. One hundred five patients were identified with the mean follow-up of 11.4 ± 4.9 years. 52.3% (n = 55) had a period of histologic disease control defined as ≥2 consecutive endoscopies with histologic remission. These patients were less likely to develop strictures compared with patients who did not have a period of histologic control (HR 0.232; 95% CI 0.084-0.64, P = 0.005). Patients who were diagnosed at younger ages were less likely to develop strictures. Presentation with dysphagia or impaction was associated with higher rate of stricture development. In this cohort study with > 10 years of follow-up, children with EoE with a period of histologic disease control and diagnosed at younger ages were less likely to develop esophageal strictures. While this suggests histologic remission is associated with reduction of remodeling complications, additional prospective data with long-term follow-up are needed.

Proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and atopy increase the risk of eosinophilic esophagitis in children with esophageal atresia.

To determine whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI)exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children with esophageal atresia (EA). A retrospective chart review of children with EA from January 1, 2005 to December31, 2020 was undertaken at Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick. Children with EA and EoE (cases) were matched (1:2) to children with only EA (controls) to compare PPI exposure. Other early-life factors such as infantile antibiotic exposure and personal or family history of atopy were also analyzed using simple and multivariable logistic regression. Of 184 children with EA, 46 (25%) developed EoE during this period. Thirty-eight EoE participants were matched to 76 controls. Children with EoE and EA received PPI for significantly higher durations (p = .018) and at significantly higher cumulative doses (p = .017) than controls. Food allergy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR],7.317; 95% confidence interval [CI],2.244-23.742), family history of atopy (aOR,3.504; 95% CI, 1.268-9.682), and infantile antibiotic exposure (aOR,1.040; 95% CI, 1.006-1.075) were also significantly associated with an increased risk of developing EoE in the EA cohort. Prolonged duration and high cumulative dose of PPI exposure were significantly associated with subsequent EoE development in children with EA. Food allergy, family history of atopy, and infantile antibiotic exposure in EA were also significantly associated with an increased risk of EoE development.

Understanding of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children - A Comprehensive Study on Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Innovative Treatment Modalities

Introduction:&#x0D; In the late 1960s, probable cases of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) emerged, initially linked to esophageal rings and congenital causes or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Doubts about the GERD association arose due to poor responses to antisecretory therapy. EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern, impacting 1 to 7 cases per 10,000 children.&#x0D; Purpose of the Study:&#x0D; This study aims to comprehensively explore EoE's epidemiology, etiology, subtypes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities.&#x0D; Materials and Methods:&#x0D; The study employs a cross-sectional analysis of pediatric EoE patients, utilizing endoscopic evaluation and histological assessment. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified based on pathogenic characteristics. Clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatments, including endoscopy, are examined.&#x0D; Results:&#x0D; Clinical manifestations span a broad spectrum in the pediatric population. Diagnostic methods include endoscopy, esophageal manometry, impedance-pH monitoring, capsule endoscopy, and string tests. Three distinct EoE subtypes are identified with unique characteristics. Treatment modalities involve dietary management, proton pump inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, biologic therapies, allergen immunotherapy, and endoscopic interventions.&#x0D; Conclusion:&#x0D; Formerly associated with GERD, EoE is now a significant pediatric health concern. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches and diverse treatment modalities, including promising biologic therapies and allergen immunotherapy. Understanding these aspects is crucial for effective management and improved outcomes in patients.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center.

The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is rising in the West. However, data from the Indian subcontinent is limited. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we estimated the prevalence of EoE among children undergoing elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE). We enrolled 200 consecutive children (123 boys, median age 10.25 years [interquartile range 8.25-14.5]) between March 2020 and November 2022 at our center. Clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, and laboratory parameters were noted. A total of 12 mucosal biopsies (3 each from the middle and lower third of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) were obtained. EoE was diagnosed if the peak eosinophil count was ≥15/high-power field (HPF) in absence of gastric and duodenal eosinophilia. The commonest indications for UGIE were gastroesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms (29%), inflammatory bowel disease (22.5%), celiac disease (15%), and abdominal pain (13%). EoE was detected in seven children, suggesting an overall prevalence of 3.5%. Of the 20 children evaluated for dysphagia, 4 (20%) had EoE. Also, two of three (67%) children presented with food bolus impaction along with dysphagia had EoE. Of the seven children with EoE, three (43%) had bronchial asthma, two (28.5%) had peripheral eosinophilia, and one (14%) had elevated serum IgE. Trachealization and linear furrows were found in 57% and 71% cases, respectively. Four children received high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 12 weeks, two received PPI+ stricture dilatation, and one received systemic steroids. All achieved clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological remission. Hospital-based prevalence of EoE among children undergoing elective UGIE was 3.5%. EoE patients had favorable outcomes with PPI.

Гетеротопія слизової оболонки шлунка в стравохід у дітей (випадки з практики)

Heterotopia of the gastric mucosa (inlet patch) is an atypical placement of the gastric mucosa in the upper or middle parts of the esophagus, a congenital anomaly that occurs as a result of a violation of tissue differentiation at an early embryonic stage, approximately at 4th week of intrauterine development. Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper part of the esophagus is observed in adults in all age groups, its frequency ranges from 0.1% to 3.8%. The frequency of occurrence of this condition among children has been insufficiently studied. Purpose - based on the analysis of clinical data, to familiarize doctors with cases of the inlet patch in the esophagus in children with recurrent dyspeptic and respiratory symptoms, regardless of the treatment. Clinical cases. Cases of the inlet patch among adolescents with long-term dyspeptic and respiratory disorders are described. When conducting an endoscopic examination, the patients revealed spots of the inlet patch in the esophagus. Therefore, in patients with symptoms of upper esophageal dysphagia (lump in the throat, heartburn, sour taste, dysphagia, odynophagia, etc.), a gastroscopic examination should be performed especially carefully. The use of endoscopes with high resolution and electronic chronoscopy creates additional diagnostic possibilities when the іnlet patch is detected. Conclusions. Heterotopic mucosa of the upper esophagus in childhood is diagnosed during fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy for dyspeptic and espiratory disorders. A diverse clinical picture in the presence of spots in the inlet patch of the esophagus is caused by the production of hydrochloric acid by heterotopic cells of the gastric mucosa. Despite having treated patients who have complaints of recurrent dyspeptic and respiratory symptoms, one should be alert for a possible inlet patch during endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent of parents and children was obtained for the study. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Modern trends in the formation of comorbid pathology of the esophagus and gastroduodenal zone in children

The article presents modern views on trends and controversial issues in the formation of combined pathology of the gastroduodenal zone and esophagus in children. The purpose of the authors of this study: to identify the features of the formation, course and outcomes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children with pathology of the gastroduodenal zone (GDZ) based on endoscopic and morphological comparisons. Own long-term observations were analyzed depending on the type of pathology, the severity of motor disorders, endoscopic and morphological picture, infection Helicobacter pylori. Possible options for the formation of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and adolescents with various diseases of the gastroduodenal zone were determined. It has been established that the combined nature of the pathology of the esophagus and gastroduodenal zone in children occurs in more than 75% of patients. The nature and severity of esophageal disorders depend on the nature of the nosology of the gastroduodenal zone and, as a rule, are secondary. The increase in the frequency of GERD in modern children, the increase in the proportion of its complicated variants (including ulcers and Barrett's esophagus), make it a priority in the study of diseases of the upper digestive tract in children at the present time. For this contingent of young patients, it is urgent and urgent to develop clear diagnostic criteria (including endoscopic and morphological criteria), therapy tactics, and a strategy for cancer prevention.

Prevalence, Predictive Factors, and Clinical Manifestations of Fungal Esophagitis in Children.

Fungal esophagitis (FE) is the most common cause of esophageal infection and its prevalence in immunocompetent adults is rising. However, there is minimal data on FE in children without human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, symptoms, endoscopic appearances, and predictive factors of FE in children, regardless of immune status. A 2010-2020 retrospective case-control study was conducted on 1823 children presenting to Sydney Children's Hospital for elective endoscopy with esophageal biopsy. Histopathology reports were reviewed to identify FE cases and determine prevalence rates. Thirty-two patients with FE were age- and sex-matched (1:2) to 64 controls. Significant symptoms and risk factors of FE were identified via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of FE in children was 1.76%. Common symptoms included dysphagia (25%), heartburn (25%), poor oral intake (21.9%), vomiting (18.8%), cough (15.6%), nausea (12.5%), and weight loss (9.4%). No significant differences in symptoms were found between cases and controls. On endoscopy, although white plaques were associated with FE ( P < 0.001), visually normal findings were reported in 28.1% of cases. Topical swallowed corticosteroids were a significant independent risk factor for FE (adjusted odds ratio = 10.740, 95% confidence interval: 1.213-95.101, P = 0.033). The prevalence of FE in this pediatric cohort reflects rates among immunocompetent adults. Given that many of these children presented with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, esophageal biopsy is required to accurately diagnose FE. Pediatricians should consider the risk of FE when prescribing topical swallowed corticosteroids.

Body mass index in relation to symptom presentation on diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis in children

BackgroundThe relationship between body mass index (BMI) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) among children is not well characterized. ObjectiveTo evaluate the presentations of EoE in pediatric patients of different weight classes. MethodsRecords of newly diagnosed children with EoE at an academic center from 2015 to 2018 were evaluated regarding demographics, symptom presentation, and endoscopic findings and compared among the underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. ResultsThere were 341 patients aged 0 to 18 years old newly diagnosed with EoE from 2015 to 2018 (68.3% male, 233 of 341; 80.9% White, 276 of 341). Of the 341, 17 were underweight (4.9%), 214 normal weight (62.8%), 47 overweight (13.8%), and 63 obese (18.5%). Children with obese and overweight BMI were more likely to be diagnosed at an older age (P = .005) and to present with a chief complaint of abdominal pain (P = .02). Normal- and under-weight children were more likely to have an immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy (P = .02). Normal weight children were more likely to be tested for food allergies (P = .02) and inhalant allergies (P = .004) and have linear furrows on endoscopy (P = .03), compared with children with overweight and obese BMI. No significant differences were found regarding race, sex, type of insurance, atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergic rhinitis in relation to BMI status and EoE diagnosis. ConclusionNearly one-third of children were obese or in overweight status on diagnosis with EoE. Children with BMI in the overweight or obese range were more likely to be older at diagnosis and to have a chief complaint of abdominal pain on presentation.

A rare cause of dysphagia in children: Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: A case report and review of literature

Globally, an estimated 572 000 cases occurred in 2018 of malignant tumors of the esophagus but in children and adolescents, this cancer is a rare disease. Through this case report, i tried to analyze the clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and prognostic profile of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in children. This 10 years old female school child is presented with a complaint of worsening of difficulty of swallowing of 01 week duration. She had Symptoms complex of TB for the last 3 months. FNAC from right axillary, bilateral inguinal LNs, discrete with pus oozing sinus tract about 2x2 cm Microscopy shows caseous necrotic material= suggestive of TB. SAM (NE) + Severe Pneumonia + R/O Diss TB (Lung, LN) + Tungiasis was considered and anti TB was started but the patient was deteriorating. After one month course in the hospital the patient condition was deteriorating, the dysphagia become worsened. CHEST CT SCAN of the child was taken and the Finding: there is multifocal coalescing tree in bud opacity in posterior segment of the right upper lobe and superior segment of the lower lobe on the same side. There is consolidation with bronchiectasis changes on the left lower lobe. Multiple enlarged Para tracheal, sub carinal and Para esophageal nodes noted. There is circumferential wall thickening of the mid and part of proximal esophagus with no fat plane from the enlarged adjacent nodes. Calcified right axillary nodes visualized. the Impression was Bilateral pulmonary opacities with mediastinal LAPs (likely 2ry to TB) + circumferential wall thickening of mid and part of proximal esophagus DDx: Esophageal malignant mass with mediastinal nodal deposits and aspiration pneumonia- so needs clinical correlation and endoscopic study. Esophageal biopsy was taken and section shows nests and single cells of malignant squamous cells having high N/C ratio hyper chromatic nucleo and dense eosinophilic cytoplasm along with keratin pearls along with monocular infiltration and atypical mitosis invading in to desmoplastic stroma. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma The child was transferred to oncology ward for chemotherapy and radiotherapy after one week of ward stay the patient passed away. Malignant esophageal tumors in children and adolescents are extremely rare conditions. The ingestion of caustic products and smoking are currently the most well-known risk factors for this disease, factors not found in our patient. Dysphagia is the main clinical sign of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Thus, in the event of dysphagia in children or adolescents, a mediastinal process should be considered, and a paraclinical assessment should be carried out. Since squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare malignant tumor in children, the interest of this case report is to underline the importance of evoking a malignant esophageal process in children who present a notion of dysphagia to solids then to liquids, associated with an alteration of the general condition and anemia.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: Experience in diagnosis, clinical observation in a multidisciplinary hospital

This study presented the characteristics of seven patients with eosinophilic esophagitis from age 1 year and 2 months to age 17 years and 4 months. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 7.5 years.&#x0D; Disease onset was observed at different ages: aged 2 years (n=6) and 2 months (n=1). The period between the occurrences of the first symptom to diagnosis ranged from 3 months to 9 years. In one patient, the symptoms were associated with cows milk allergy, whereas the cause was not identified in other cases. Allergic diseases (i.e., atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma) were observed in six patients.&#x0D; Treatment was provided according to the clinical guidelines. Six patients were prescribed topical steroids (budesonide) and an empirical elimination diet. One patient was prescribed only with an empirical elimination diet due to the steroid phobia of the parents. However, the ineffectiveness of the diet was the basis for topical steroid prescription. During the follow-up, a relapse was observed in two patients who required repeated treatments.&#x0D; A clinical case of eosinophilic esophagitis in a 6-year-old child, with 7.5 years of follow-up, was described. According to the anamnesis, the patient visited a gastroenterologist 4 years after the onset of dysphagia symptoms. Endoscopy revealed cicatricial stenosis of the upper third of the esophagus (grades 23). A morphological study of the esophageal mucosa, which was performed after repeated endoscopic bougienage and a 5-month course of antisecretory therapy was deemed ineffective, revealed massive eosinophilic infiltration. Eosinophilic esophagitis was confirmed based on the anamnesis, clinical symptoms, and endoscopic and morphological data. An elimination diet and topical corticosteroids (budesonide) were prescribed. Following the treatment, the patient showed significant improvements. Subsequently, during the follow-up, a relapse of eosinophilic esophagitis was diagnosed twice (with an interval of 2.3 and 2.5 years), which required topical steroids (case 1) and proton pump inhibitors (case 2).&#x0D; This paper highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving an allergist-immunologist, pediatrician, gastroenterologist, endoscopist, and pathologist, in the management of eosinophilic esophagitis in children.

Clinical outcome, quality of life, and mental health in long-gap esophageal atresia: comparison of gastric sleeve pull-up and delayed primary anastomosis

IntroductionPediatric surgeons have yet to reach a consensus whether a gastric sleeve pull-up or delayed primary anastomosis for the treatment of esophageal atresia (EA), especially of the long-gap type (LGEA) should be performed. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome, quality of life (QoL), and mental health of patients with EA and their parents.MethodsClinical outcomes of all children treated with EA from 2007 to 2021 were collected and parents of affected children were asked to participate in questionnaires regarding their Quality of Life (QoL) and their child’s Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), as well as mental health.ResultsA total of 98 EA patients were included in the study. For analysis, the cohort was divided into two groups: (1) primary versus (2) secondary anastomosis, while the secondary anastomosis group was subdivided into (a) delayed primary anastomosis and (b) gastric sleeve pull-up and compared with each other. When comparing the secondary anastomosis group, significant differences were found between the delayed primary anastomosis and gastric sleeve pull-up group; the duration of anesthesia during anastomosis surgery (478.54 vs 328.82 min, p < 0.001), endoscopic dilatation rate (100% vs 69%, p = 0.03), cumulative time spent in intensive care (42.31 vs 94.75 days, p = 0.03) and the mortality rate (0% vs 31%, p = 0.03). HRQoL and mental health did not differ between any of the groups.ConclusionDelayed primary anastomosis or gastric sleeve pull-up appear to be similar in patients with long-gap esophageal atresia in many key aspects like leakage rate, strictures, re-fistula, tracheomalacia, recurrent infections, thrive or reflux. Moreover, HrQoL was comparable in patients with (a) gastric sleeve pull-up and (b) delayed primary anastomosis. Future studies should focus on the long-term results of either preservation or replacement of the esophagus in children.