Pediatric Considerations in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Burden and cost of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis among commercially insured people undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

ERCP is the primary therapeutic procedure for pancreaticobiliary diseases. Post-ERCP pancreatitis can occur in up to 10% to 15% of cases; however, very little data describe the incidence and financial burden of post-ERCP pancreatitis in a nationally representative sample in the United States. In this study, we characterized the 30-day incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, identified patient- and procedure-related factors associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis, and described 30-day direct and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs among patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

We used the Merative MarketScan commercial claims data to identify inpatient and outpatient ERCPs occurring from 2019 to 2021. The primary outcome was the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis within 30 days of an ERCP. The main measure of financial burden was the total direct and OOP costs of the index ERCP and all encounters within 30 days after the index ERCP. We used multivariable regression to identify factors and estimate adjusted costs of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Among 27,482 patients who underwent 42,212 ERCPs during the study period, post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed in 5.7% of patients. In multivariable analysis, the highest odds of post-ERCP pancreatitis was observed among the youngest age group (≤17 years) undergoing ERCP (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06-2.21). The 30-day adjusted mean direct costs among persons with and without post-ERCP pancreatitis were $38,569 and $30,103, respectively (difference, $8483). The population-level cost of post-ERCP pancreatitis ranged from $85,833,757 to $432,648,810 across a range of reported estimates for post-ERCP pancreatitis and annual ERCP volume in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-ERCP pancreatitis is relatively uncommon, occurring in 5% to 6% of individuals, but results in substantial financial burden.

Evaluation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Turkish children

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the indications, efficacy, and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients at a single center in Turkey between 2017 and 2021.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on 50 children (mean age, 12.7 years; range, 1-18 years) who underwent 65 ERCP procedures. Data collected included patient demographics, indications for ERCP, procedural details, success rates, and complications. All procedures were performed using therapeutic duodenoscopes under conscious sedation administered by an anesthesiologist.

RESULTS

The primary indications for ERCP were biliary tract issues, including choledocholithiasis (52.3%) and chronic pancreatitis (18.5%). The overall cannulation success rate was 92.3%. Multiple therapeutic interventions, such as sphincterotomies and stent placements, were often required. The most common complication was post-ERCP pancreatitis, observed in 6.1% of cases, all of which were moderate. No fatalities or serious anesthesia-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

ERCP is an effective and safe therapeutic procedure in pediatric patients when performed in collaboration with adult gastroenterologists, despite technical challenges such as the lack of pediatric-specific duodenoscopes. The findings highlight the need for specialized pediatric ERCP equipment and suggest that centralized ERCP facilities could enhance patient outcomes in Turkey.

Indications, success, and adverse event rates of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To improve knowledge on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children, we aimed to study the proportion of indications, success rate and complication of ERCP.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of all articles published up to December 2022 in the following databases: Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by the I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q test. The included data were analyzed to identify the proportion of indications, success rate and complications of ERCP in children.

RESULTS

Based on data from 52 studies with a total of 5624 participants, the most common indications for ERCP in children were biliary [48% (95% CI: 0.40 - 0.57; I2 = 98.17%, P < 0.001)] and both biliary and pancreatic [41% (95% CI: 0.33 - 0.49; I2 = 98.27%, P < 0.001)]. The success rate of ERCP was 95% (95% CI: 0.94 - 0.96; I2 = 82.53%, P < 0.001) with the overall complication rate of 7% (95% CI: 0.05 - 0.09; I2 = 82.06%, P < 0.001). The pooled estimate for the incidence of post ERCP pancreatitis was 4% (95% CI: 0.03 - 0.06; I2 = 85.46%, P < 0.001) and the bleeding was 0% (95% CI: 0.0 - 0.0; I2 = 28.21%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

ERCP appears to be performed safely in children with a similar success rate as in the adult population.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for diagnosing and treating pediatric biliary and pancreatic diseases

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients with biliary and pancreatic diseases. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 57 ERCP procedures performed in 41 children, primarily for treating pancreatic diseases. The overall success rate was 91.2%, with no major complications observed. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) occurred in 8.8% of cases. Follow-up examinations over one year showed no recurrence of biliary or pancreatic diseases. Notably, endoscopic treatment led to a significant increase in body mass index (BMI). These findings demonstrate the valuable role of ERCP in managing such conditions.

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ERCP for the management of biliary and pancreatic diseases in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from children aged 1-18 years who underwent ERCP for biliary and pancreatic diseases at Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022. The collected data included procedure time, endoscopic treatment, success rate, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Forty-one children underwent 57 ERCP procedures, including 14 with biliary duct disease and 27 with pancreatic disease. The mean age of the patients was 7.48 ± 3.48 years. Biliary duct-related treatments were performed 18 times, and pancreatic disease treatments were performed 39 times. ERCP was primarily used to treat pediatric pancreatic diseases [68.4% (39/57) of the procedures]. The overall success rate was 91.2% (52/57 patients). PEP was noted in five patients (8.8%, 5/57), and no instances of bleeding, perforation, or cholangitis were observed. The patients were followed up for over one year, and no recurrence of biliary or pancreatic diseases was detected. Importantly, BMI significantly increased after endoscopic treatment compared to that before treatment (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The high success rate and lack of major complications support the valuable role of ERCP in the management of pediatric biliary and pancreatic diseases in the pediatric population.

Usefulness of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Pancreatic Injury in Children

Pediatric trauma patients are increasing, and trauma is the leading cause of death in children. Pancreatic injury is known as the fourth most common solid organ injury, but the diagnosis of pancreatic injury is often delayed due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas and the low sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an important test for the diagnosis and treatment of various biliary tract and pancreatic diseases. However, cases of performing ERCP in traumatic pancreatic injury in children have been rarely reported. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of ERCP in traumatic pancreatic injury in children. Between January 1983 and December 2022, pediatric patients under the age of 18 who were treated for traumatic pancreatic injury at a single institution were recruited and retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were assessed. Thirty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 15 (48.4%) patients underwent ERCP. The time to diet was significantly longer in the ERCP group. There were no statistically significant differences in other characteristics between the ERCP and the non-ERCP group. In nine (60%) patients of the ERCP group, ERCP was used for therapeutic intervention or as a decision-making tool for surgery, and was used to resolve pancreas-related complications. ERCP may be useful for the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic pancreatic injury in children. In addition, ERCP can be safely applied in children, and complications related to ERCP also may not increase. When obscure pancreatic injury is suspected, it is necessary to consider performing ERCP.

Endoscopy and Pediatric Pancreatitis

Children and adolescents are increasingly impacted by pancreatic disease. Interventional endoscopic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) and endoscopic ultrasonography, are integral to the diagnosis and management of many pancreatic diseases in the adult population. In the past decade, pediatric interventional endoscopic procedures have become more widely available, with invasive surgical procedures now being replaced by safer and less disruptive endoscopic interventions.

Technical Outcomes in Pediatric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: Data from an International Collaborative

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in adults has been extensively studied through multicenter prospective studies. Similar pediatric studies are lacking. The Pediatric ERCP Database Initiative (PEDI) is a multicenter collaborative aiming to evaluate the indications and technical outcomes in pediatric ERCPs.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, data were recorded for pediatric ERCPs performed across 15 centers. A pre-procedure, procedure, 2-week post-procedure follow-up, and adverse event form were completed for each ERCP performed. Univariate and stepwise linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with technically successful procedures and adverse events.

RESULTS

A total of 1124 ERCPs were performed on 857 patients from May 1, 2014 to May 1, 2018. The median age was 13.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 9.0-15.7]. Procedures were technically successful in the majority of cases (90.5%) with success more commonly encountered for procedures with biliary indications [odds ratio (OR) 4.2] and less commonly encountered for native papilla anatomy (OR 0.4) and in children <3 years (OR 0.3). Cannulation was more often successful with biliary cannulation (95.9%) compared to pancreatic cannulation via the major papilla (89.6%, P < 0.0001) or minor papilla (71.2%, P < 0.0005). The most commonly identified adverse events included post-ERCP pancreatitis (5%), pain not related to post-ERCP pancreatitis (1.8%), and bleeding (1.2%). Risk factors for the development of each were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This large prospective study demonstrates that ERCP is reliable and safe in the pediatric population. It highlights the utility of PEDI in evaluating the technical outcomes of pediatric ERCPs and demonstrates the potential of PEDI for future studies in pediatric ERCPs.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Bangladeshi Children: Experiences and Challenges in a Developing Country

PURPOSE

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been used for more than five decades, its applicability in Bangladeshi children has recently become more common. Therefore, this manuscript aims to describe our experience in performing ERCPs in Bangladeshi children with hepatopancreaticobiliary diseases, focusing on presenting diseases, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2021, 20 children underwent 30 ERCP procedures at the Bangladesh Specialized Hospital, Dhaka. A single trained adult gastroenterologist performed all procedures using a therapeutic video duodenoscope. The indications for ERCP, diagnostic findings, therapeutic procedures, and complications were documented.

RESULTS

The median age of the study patients was 10 years (range, 1.7-15 years). Successful cannulation of the papilla was achieved in 28 procedures and failed in 2 cases. Repeated ERCP was required in seven patients. Nine patients had biliary indications and 11 had pancreatic indications. Choledocholithiasis was the most common indication for ERCP in patients with biliary disease, while chronic pancreatitis was common among patients with pancreatic indications. Pancreatic divisum was observed in only one patient. Pancreatic and biliary sphincterotomy was performed in 14 and 9 cases, respectively. A single pigtail or straight therapeutic stent was inserted in seven cases and removed in five cases. Stone extraction was performed in six procedures, and balloon dilatation was performed in five procedures. The post-procedural period for these patients was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

We found that ERCP is a practical and successful therapeutic intervention for treating hepatopancreaticobiliary disorders in children when performed by experienced endoscopists.

Interventional endoscopy for abdominal transplant patients

Interventional endoscopy can play a significant role in the care and management of children pre-and post- abdominal solid organ transplantation. Such procedures primarily include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE), though additional interventions are available using standard endoscopes (gastroscopes, colonoscopes) for therapeutics purposes such as endoscopic hemostasis. The availability of pediatric practitioners with the advanced training to effectively and safely perform these procedures are most often limited to large tertiary care pediatric centers. These centers possess the necessary resources and ancillary staff to provide the comprehensive multi-disciplinary care needed for these complex patients. In this review, we discuss the importance of interventional endoscopy in caring for transplant patients, during their clinical course preceding the potential need for solid organ transplantation and inclusion of a discussion related to endoscopic post-surgical complication management. Given the highly important role of interventional endoscopy in patients with recurrent and chronic pancreatitis, we also include a discussion related to this complex disease process leading up to those patients that may need pancreas surgery including total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT).

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Patients

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary system. ERCP is used less frequently in children than in adults due to the rarity of pancreaticobiliary diseases and technical difficulties. However, ERCP is a safe, effective diagnosis and treatment tool for children. Methods: All patients within the age range of 1-19 years, who underwent ERCP between 2010 and 2021 at our endoscopy unit, were retrospectively examined. Patient demographics, use of imaging methods, indications, type of sedation, interventions, success of ERCP, findings, and complications were evaluated. Results: Overall, 105 ERCPs were performed in 66 children (29 male and 37 female). The indications were choledocholithiasis, cyst hydatic, choledochal cyst, biliary atresia or anomaly, liver transplantation-related disorders, and pancreatic disorders, respectively. ERCP was finished as diagnostic ERCP in 20% and as therapeutic in 80%. Therapeutic procedures were sphincterotomy, stent placement or removal, stone or debris extraction, and balloon sweep or dilatation, respectively. The success rate in the procedures was 75.23%. The overall complication rate was 15.23%. Postprocedure pancreatitis occurred in 11.42%, hemorrhage occurred in 2.85%, and aggravation of cholangitis in 0.95%. All complications were managed conservatively. Conclusion: ERCP in pediatric patients is a safe procedure that can be performed by adult endoscopists with high success rates. Since our region is an endemic region for hydatid cyst disease, the most common ERCP indication after choledocholithiasis is procedures related to liver hydatid cyst disease. The most common complication was pancreatitis, and complications were treated medically.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infants and children

Background and study aims  Previous reports have suggested that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pediatric patients are safe. However, the total number of cases presented in the literature remains small. We present results regarding safety and outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing ERCP at Oslo University Hospital. Patients and methods  Patients < 18 years who underwent ERCP between April 1999 and November 2017 were identified using procedure codes. Medical records were examined for age, gender, diagnosis, indications, type of sedation, findings, interventions, and complications. Results  A total of 244 procedures were performed in 158 patients. Fifty-six of these were in 53 infants (age ≤ 1 year). Mean age was 8.8 years. The youngest patient was 8 days old. Mean weight was 5.0 kg in infants, the smallest weighing 2.9 kg. Cannulation failed in 19 (7.8 %). The main indication in infants was suspicion of biliary atresia (n = 38). Six of the procedures (10.7 %) were therapeutic. In children the main indications were biliary stricture (n = 64) and investigation of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (n = 45). 119 (63.2 %) of these procedures were therapeutic. Complications were uncommon in infants; only two episodes of infection were registered. In children (> 1 year) post-ERCP pancreatitis were seen in 10.4 %. Conclusions  Our retrospective series of ERCP procedures includes 56 procedures in infants, which is one of the largest series presented. Complications in infants are rare and post-ERCP pancreatitis was not seen. In older children 10.4 % experienced post-ERCP pancreatitis. In expert hands, ERCP was shown to be acceptably feasible and safe in infants and children.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis in Children

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

AIM

To assess the prevalence and factors associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in a Chinese pediatric population.

METHODS

Sixty-six children who underwent ERCP between March 2018 and March 2019 at Shanghai Children's Medical Center were retrospectively recruited for the study. Clinical data, including demographics, indications, comorbidities, and procedural data, were reviewed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with PEP.

RESULTS

Ninety-two ERCPs were performed on 66 pediatric patients aged from 8 months to 14 years. The indications for ERCP were chronic pancreatitis (49, 53.2%), pancreaticobiliary maljunction (19, 20.7%), pancreas divisum (19, 20.7%), and pancreatic pseudocyst (5, 5.4%). All ERCPs were performed for therapeutic purposes. PEP was identified in 19 (20.7%) patients; there were ten mild cases, eight moderate cases, and one severe case. The univariate analysis revealed that a history of chronic pancreatitis was negatively associated with PEP (P = 0.033), and sphincterotomy was positively associated with PEP (P = 0.01). The multivariate analysis showed that sphincterotomy was a risk factor for PEP (P = 0.017, OR 4.17; 95% CI, 1.29, 13.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed a high prevalence of PEP in a Chinese pediatric population. Chronic pancreatitis was a protective factor, and sphincterotomy was a risk factor for PEP development.

IV Ibuprofen for Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Children: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is reported to occur in up to 11% of pediatric patients. To date, no study has prospectively evaluated an intervention to prevent PEP in children. It is unclear if such a study is even feasible.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of studying IV ibuprofen for PEP prevention in the pediatric population.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled feasibility study. Patients younger than 19 years of age undergoing ERCP were randomized to receive 10 mg/kg IV ibuprofen (max of 800 mg) or placebo (saline) at the time of ERCP. The primary outcome was PEP. Secondary outcomes included post-ERCP-related bleeding, rates of other procedural and medication-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were randomized and received either IV ibuprofen or placebo. Preprocedure- and procedure-related factors were not significantly different between the groups except that patients in the placebo group tended to weigh less (48.7 vs 63.7 kg, P = 0.03). There were 7 episodes of PEP (12%). PEP was less frequently identified in the Ibuprofen group than in the control group (7% vs 17%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.42). Mean postprocedural abdominal pain scores were significantly lower in the IV Ibuprofen group than in the control group (1.1 vs 3.1, P = 0.01) and the number of patients who had increased abdominal pain after the procedure was significantly lower in ibuprofen group than in the control group (3% vs 38%, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in procedure-related or drug-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Postprocedural pain scores and the number of patients who had increased abdominal pain after the procedure were significantly lower in the IV ibuprofen group. The current study provides encouraging, but only very weak evidence that IV ibuprofen decreases PEP in children. Power analysis suggests that a small handful of high-volume pediatric centers would be able to perform an adequate clinical trial in a reasonable time frame. Focusing on all cause postprocedural pain (PEP and non-PEP) may allow for a more efficiency study design and be just as clinically relevant.

Successful Therapeutic ERCP in a 99-Day-Old Child With Common Bile Duct Stones: A Case Report and Discussions on the Particularities of the ERCP in Children

Backgroud: At present, therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has gradually been used in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases in children, but reports on and the application of ERCP in children, especially in infants, are still highly limited. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 99-day-old infant with choledocholithiasis who successfully underwent ERCP to relieve an obstruction. The infant developed obstructive jaundice during chemotherapy for a malignant tumor, and a routine blood examination showed signs of infection. Liver damage also occurred. B-ultrasound suggested stones in the lower segment of the common bile duct (CBD). After sufficient communication and preparation, biliary drainage was successfully carried out in the infant using adult duodenoscope (JF240) and related instruments with cooperation from the Department of Anesthesiology. Conclusions: This paper preliminarily introduces our experience with adult duodenoscope in children, providing a good example for hospitals without a special duodenoscope for children to carry out pediatric ERCP. Clinicians should pay close attention to the need of careful use of ERCP in infants.

Pancreatitis in Children

Acute, acute recurrent, and chronic forms of pancreatitis have been increasingly diagnosed in children in the past 2 decades. Risk factors in the pediatric group are broad and appear to be strikingly different compared with the adult cohort. However, the disease burden and impact on quality of life are surprisingly similar in children and adults. This review summarizes the definitions, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of pediatric pancreatitis, identifies features that are unique to the childhood-onset disease, identifies gaps, and proposes recommendations for future opportunities.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children: Retrospective series with a long-term follow-up and literature review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To investigate the safety and long-term results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children with a literature review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients within the age range of 6-17 years who underwent ERCP between 1994 and 2014 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULT

Twenty-four patients with a median age of 15 years underwent ERCP. Cannulation of the papilla was achieved in all patients (100%) without the use of needle-knife papillotomy. Before 1999, ERCP was used as a diagnostic method only in 7 patients (29%). In 17 (71%) patients, the procedure was used for therapeutic purposes. The indications were choledocholithiasis (10 cases, 42%), postoperative complications (5 patients, 21%), and recurrent pancreatitis (2 cases, 8%). In 2 patients (8%), the therapeutic effect was not achieved, thus requiring subsequent operations. There were no major complications. Mild pancreatitis occurred in only 1 patient (4%). Long-term follow-up information was obtained in 16 (67%) patients (median, 18 years; range, 3.5-22.5 years), and no long-term complications were detected.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatobiliary disorders in the pediatric population. Large-scale studies are required to create evidence-based guidelines specific to children.

Metal stents placement for refractory pancreatic duct stricture in children

AIM

To evaluate the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) for pancreatic duct strictures in children with chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

Eight patients with refractory benign dominant stricture of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) were enrolled through chart reviews between December 2014 and June 2017 in a single center. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with placement of a 6-mm FCSEMS with dual flaps was performed. Endoscopic removal of FCSEMSs was performed with a snare or rat-tooth forceps. All procedures were performed by a pediatric gastroenterologist. For the assessment of outcomes, technical and clinical success, adverse events, and stent patency were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The placement and removal of the FCSEMSs were successful in all 8 patients. Five patients were boys and 3 were girls. The median age at initial FCSEMS placement was 12 years (range, 5-18 years). The diameters of all the inserted stents were 6 mm, and the lengths were 4-7 cm. The median indwelling time was 6 mo (range, 3-10 mo). No pancreatic sepsis, pancreatitis, cholestasis, or mortality occurred. There was no proximal and distal migration. All subjects showed a patent stent. On follow-up ERCP, the mean diameter of the stricture improved from 1.1 mm to 2.8 mm (P < 0.05), whereas that of upstream dilation improved from 8.4 mm to 6.3 mm (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This initial experience showed that temporary FCSEMS placement is feasible and safe for the management of refractory benign MPD stricture in children.

The utility of ERCP in pediatric pancreatic trauma

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an adjunct for pediatric pancreatic injury management, but its use and utility in pediatric patients are unclear. We set out to evaluate the use of ERCP and its effects on outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for children who had pancreatic injuries at 22 pediatric trauma centers between 2010 and 2015. ERCP details and outcomes were collected. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

RESULTS

ERCP was used at 14/22 centers for 26 patients. Indications were duct evaluation, duct leak control, pseudocyst, fistula, and stricture. ERCP altered management or improved outcomes in 13/26 (50%), most commonly in patients with ERCP for duct evaluation, stricture, and fistula. In patients managed nonoperatively, those with early endoscopic intervention (within one week of injury) with stent or sphincterotomy (n=9) had similar time to regular diet [median (IQR)]: [10 (7-211) vs 7 (4-12) days; p=0.55], similar hospital days: [12 (8-20) vs 11 (6-19) days, p=0.63], and similar time on parenteral nutrition: [17 (10-40) vs 10 (6-18) days; p=0.19] compared to patients who were only observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with blunt pancreatic injury, ERCP can be useful to diagnose duct injury and for management of late complications such as stricture and fistula. However, early endoscopic intervention for pancreatic duct disruption may not improve outcome or expedite recovery. Further study is needed.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective Study; Treatment Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Percutaneous management of bile duct stones in children: results of 12 cases

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones in children.

METHODS

The study included 12 pediatric patients (4 males, 8 females; age range, 1-16 years; mean age, 6.6 years) who underwent percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones between September 2007 and December 2015. Demographic data, patient symptoms, indications for interventions, technical and clinical outcomes of the procedure, and complications were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 12 children, five children with cholelithiasis underwent cholecystectomy subsequently. The overall technical and clinical success rate was 100%. One patient had cholangitis as a complication during the follow-up and was treated medically.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic removal of bile duct stones is a safe and effective method for the treatment of children with biliary stone disease. It is a feasible alternative when the endoscopic procedure is unavailable or fails.

Pancreatic Disorders

Once considered uncommon, pancreatic diseases are increasingly recognized in the pediatric age group. Acute pancreatitis, acute recurrent pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis occur in children with an incidence approaching that of adults. Risk factors are broad, prompting the need for a completely different diagnostic and therapeutic approach in children. Although cystic fibrosis remains the most common cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, other causes such as chronic pancreatitis may be as common as Shwachman Diamond syndrome. Long-term effects of pancreatic diseases may be staggering, as children suffer from significant disease burden, high economic cost, nutritional deficiencies, pancreatogenic diabetes, and potentially pancreatic cancer.

Specialized Imaging and Procedures in Pediatric Pancreatology: A North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Clinical Report

OBJECTIVES

An increasing number of children are being diagnosed with pancreatitis and other pancreatic abnormalities. Dissemination of the information regarding existing imaging techniques and endoscopic modalities to diagnose and manage pancreatic disorders in children is sorely needed.

METHODS

We conducted a review of the medical literature on the use of the following imaging and procedural modalities in pediatric pancreatology: transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Recommendations for current use and future research were identified.

RESULTS

TUS offers noninvasive images of the pancreas but has limitations to details of parenchyma and ductal structures. CT offers improved detail of pancreatic parenchyma, solid masses, and traumatic injuries, but requires relatively high levels of ionizing radiation and does not adequately assess ductal anatomy. MRI/MRCP offers detailed intrinsic tissue assessment and pancreatic ductal characterization, but requires longer image acquisition time and is relatively poor at imaging calcifications. EUS provides excellent evaluation of pancreatic parenchyma and ductal anatomy, but can be subjective and operator dependent and requires sedation or anesthesia. EUS offers the capacity to obtain tissue samples and drain fluid collections and ERCP offers the ability to improve drainage by performing sphincterotomy or placing pancreatic stents across duct injuries and strictures.

CONCLUSIONS

Various imaging modalities may be used in pediatric pancreatology, but TUS and MRI/MRCP are favored. Interventional therapeutic maneuvers primarily involve use of ERCP and EUS. Future research is necessary to optimize equipment, expertise, and appropriate indications.

ERCP in infants, children and adolescents is feasible and safe: results from a tertiary care center

Background

Indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children differ from adults. Paucity of data and concerns about potential lower effectiveness and more side effects limit its use even in high volume centers. We retrospectively analyzed indications, success rates, limitations, and side effects of ERCPs in children <18 years.

Methods

From January 2012 to March 2015, 54 ERCPs were performed in 31 children (median age 11 (0-17) years; median weight 22 (3.3-142.7) kg) with suspected choledocholithiasis (n = 13 interventions in 9 patients), post-transplantation anastomotic stenosis (10/4), malignancy (10/5), chronic pancreatitis (7/1), biliary atresia (6/6), anomaly (2/2), leak (4/3), or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (2/1). All patients were followed up as inpatients.

Results

Thirty-six therapeutic and 18 diagnostic procedures were performed by adult ERCP expert endoscopists. Successful intervention was achieved in 90.7% of cases. Failed cannulation (n = 4) was associated with lower body weight (p = 0.023). In children younger than 1 year, ERCP was significantly more often diagnostic than in patients >1 year (p < 0.001). In three of six infants with suspected atresia, surgical exploration was avoided. Five complications were recorded (9.3%), and included four episodes of mild pancreatitis (7.4% post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate) and one cholangitis in PSC. A trend towards a protective effect of pancreatic stents on PEP was observed. All complications were managed conservatively. No complications were attributed to mechanical stress on the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

ERCP in newborns, infants, and adolescents can be safely performed with high technical and clinical success. Endoscopists must be aware of differing spectrum of pediatric diseases. Failed cannulation was associated with lower body weight of young children. Complications were similar to rates reported in adults.