Colonic polyps in children and adolescents

Utility of endoscopy in paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology-Review and updates

Paediatric endoscopy has been an integral part of the diagnostic evaluation and management of gastroenterology and hepatology diseases in children. This area of clinical medicine has made meteoric advancements since it was first introduced conserving it's traditional roles of gastroscopy and colonoscopy but broadening significantly it's clinical utility and diagnostic accuracy with new and emerging technology. This article aims to explore and review the current utility and emerging applications of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy for the practicing paediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist.

JUVENILE POLYP IN ADULTS

Colorectal juvenile polyp as a pathologic entity was first described by Verse. These non-neoplastic lesions are most commonly found in children and infants, while in older children after the age of 14 and adults are a rare phenomenon. A 75-year-old female underwent colonoscopy. There was a pedunculated polyp in the transverse colon. Complete endoscopic electroresection of this polyp was performed and the polyp was sent for histopathologic analysis. Macroscopically, the polyp was described as a fragment of irregular round shape, size of about 2.5x2x1 cm, with fine-grained, reddish surface, showing dark red color on serial sections. Histologic examination of the polyp showed some irregularly distributed glands, some of which were cystically dilated. All glandular formations were coated with normal intestinal epithelium. The surface of the polyp was partially eroded and replaced by non-specific cellular granulation tissue. There were some signs of hemorrhagic infarction in the stroma of the polyp. Histopathologic examination indicated that histopathologic characteristics of this polyp corresponded to juvenile polyp. Juvenile polyps are very rarely found in adults. Therefore, we describe a case of this patient in her eighties with juvenile polyp localized in the transverse colon.

[Clinical features of children with colorectal polyps and the efficacy of endoscopic treatment: an analysis of 1 351 cases]

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical features of children with colorectal polyps and the efficacy of endoscopic treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 1 351 children with colorectal polyps who were admitted and received colonoscopy and treatment in the past 8 years, including clinical features and the pattern and outcomes of endoscopic treatment.

RESULTS

Among the 1 351 children, 893 (66.10%) were boys and 981 (72.61%) had an age of 2-<7 years, and hematochezia (1 307, 96.74%) was the most common clinical manifestation. Of all the children, 89.27% (1 206/1 351) had solitary polyps, and 95.77% (1 290/1 347) had juvenile polyps. The polyps were removed by electric cauterization with hot biopsy forceps (6 cases) or high-frequency electrotomy and electrocoagulation after snare ligation (1 345 cases). A total of 1 758 polyps were resected, among which 1 593 (90.61%) were pedunculated and 1 349 (76.73%) had a diameter of <2 cm. Postoperative complications included bleeding in 51 children (3.77%), vomiting in 87 children (6.44%), abdominal pain in 14 children (1.04%), and fever in 39 children (2.89%), while no perforation was observed. The children aged <3 years had the highest incidence rates of postoperative bleeding and fever (P<0.0125), and the children with a polyp diameter of ≥2 cm had significantly higher incidence rates of postoperative bleeding, vomiting, and fever (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Solitary polyps, pedunculated polyps, and juvenile polyps are common types of pediatric colorectal polyps. Electric cauterization with hot biopsy forceps or high-frequency electrotomy and electrocoagulation after snare ligation can effectively remove colorectal polyps in children, with good efficacy and few complications. Younger age and larger polyp diameter are associated with a higher risk of postoperative bleeding.

Clinical, Pathologic, and Molecular-Genetic Aspects of Colorectal Polyps

Most colorectal cancer arises from epithelial polyps. Polyps can be the result of acquired, germline, or inflammation-associated mutations in colonic stem cells (CSC). Their incidence and risk of progression are determined by factors that modify the baseline rate of spontaneous mutations occurring in CSC. In sporadic polyps, factors are primarily environmental; in individuals with germline mutations, it is the specific mutation, and in inflammation-associated polyps, it correlates with the extent, duration, and severity of the process. The different clinicopathologic and molecular genetic abnormalities underlying the different types of polyps are discussed.

Paediatric polyposis syndromes: burden of disease and current concepts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polyposis syndromes are rare but significant entities that often present during childhood and adolescence. Polyposis syndromes should remain high on the differential diagnoses for any child presenting with rectal bleeding, protein-losing enteropathy or intussusception in the setting of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. There are three primary paediatric polyposis syndromes: Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This review will cover recent guidelines for these conditions and advances in genetic testing.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first set of paediatric guidelines were released in 2019 by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) for FAP, JPS and PJS. Even with advances in genetic testing, a significant proportion of patients with polyposis syndromes have no identifiable genetic mutations. Recent research has shown that polyps behave differently in patients with and without disease-causing variants, emphasizing the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of polyposis syndromes.

SUMMARY

Polyposis syndromes in the paediatric population are growing due to increased recognition and advances in genetic testing. A timely diagnosis and surveillance of a paediatric polyposis syndrome are pivotal for the management of disease burden and early identification of cancers within the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. Paediatricians, paediatric gastroenterologists, paediatric oncologists and paediatric surgeons should be familiar with the presentation and comorbidities of polyposis syndromes in children and adolescents. Further research into genotype-phenotype correlations is needed to tailor the care for paediatric patients with polyposis syndromes.

Pediatric hematolymphoid pathology in the gastrointestinal tract

Hematolymphoid processes involving the gastrointestinal tract in the pediatric and adolescent young adult (AYA) populations include processes occurring primarily within the gastrointestinal tract as well as systemic diseases with predilection for gastrointestinal involvement. Here, we present a focused review of reactive and neoplastic entities occurring in the pediatric and AYA age groups.

Patterns of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Among Nigerians and African Americans

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates are increasing among individuals < 50 years of age (early-onset CRC) globally with causes unknown. Racial/ethnic disparities in early-onset CRC have also grown more pronounced, because Black individuals have higher early-onset CRC incidence and poorer survival compared with White individuals. We describe the prevalence and burden of early-onset CRC among Africans in Nigeria and African Americans (AAs) in the United States.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified Black individuals diagnosed with a first primary CRC ages 18 to 49 years between 1989 and 2017 at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Nigeria (Nigerians), and in the United States (AAs) using the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute's SEER program of cancer registries. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate clinical and demographic differences between Nigerians and AAs with early-onset CRC, adjusted for age, sex, tumor site, and histology.

RESULTS

A total of 5,019 Black individuals were diagnosed with early-onset CRC over the study period (379 Nigerians; 4,640 AAs). Overall, approximately one third of young Black patients were diagnosed with rectal tumors (35.8%). Nigerian individuals with early-onset CRC were eight-fold more likely to be diagnosed with rectal tumors (odds ratio [OR], 8.14; 95% CI, 6.23 to 10.62; P < .0001) and more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.89; P < .0001) compared with young African Americans in adjusted models.

CONCLUSION

Compared with AA individuals diagnosed with early-onset CRC, Nigerian individuals harbor distinct features of early-onset CRC. Additional investigation of the histopathologic and biologic heterogeneity of early-onset CRCs among Black individuals is critical for understanding racial disparities in susceptibility and outcomes, which may have implications for tailored early-onset CRC prevention, detection, and treatment strategies.

Faecal calprotectin and ultrasonography as non-invasive screening tools for detecting colorectal polyps in children with sporadic rectal bleeding: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Colorectal polyps are reported in 6,1% of paediatric colonoscopies and in 12% of those performed for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Although colonoscopy is widely used in paediatric patients, it requires bowel preparation and general anaesthesia or deep sedation, and in rare cases, it can cause complications. Non-invasive screening techniques able to predict polyps in children with isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding may play a key role in the selection of patients needing colonoscopy.

METHODS

We enrolled all children undergoing colonoscopy for isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding to determine the diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin, ultrasonography (US) and digital rectal examination as diagnostic methods for screening colorectal polyps.

RESULTS

A total of 26 of 59 enrolled patients (44.1%) had colonic polyps, one patient had multiple polyps, and 23% of children had polyps proximal to the splenic flexure. The diagnostic accuracy of faecal calprotectin for detecting colorectal polyps was 96.6%, with a sensitivity of 100%. False-positive faecal calprotectin was shown in 2 patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-related lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was 77.9%. Polyps not seen with ultrasound tended to be relatively smaller (1.5 vs 2.3, p = 0.001) and located in the rectum. The combined use of FC, US and digital rectal examination obtained a specificity and PPV of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

FC combined with US and digital rectal examination is a good and promising non-invasive screening test for detecting colorectal polyps in children with isolated and sporadic rectal bleeding.

Juvenile Polyp associated with Hypovolemic Shock Due to Massive Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Juvenile polyps are the most common types of polyps in children, and patients usually present with lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as the predominant symptom. These lesions, which are referred to as hamartomas, usually measure approximately 2 cm in size and are benign tumors located mainly in the rectum and sigmoid colon. The most common symptom of a juvenile polyp is mild intermittent rectal bleeding. It is rare for anemic patients because the amount of blood loss is small and often not diagnosed immediately. We present the case of a 6-year-old girl with a juvenile polyp in the distal transverse colon, who developed hypovolemic shock due to massive lower GI bleeding. Pediatricians must perform colonoscopy for thorough evaluation of polyps, because their location and size can vary and they can cause massive bleeding.

A Rare Case of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome in a 13-year-old Girl from a Rural Area

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a non-cancerous benign growth predominant in a young population with an estimated incidence of one in 1, 00,000 to 1, 60,000 per year. It is a rare genetic presentation, which can occur sporadically as well. There is a 39% evident risk of developing colorectal carcinoma. Herein, we present an unusual case of a 13-year-old girl from a rural area with a negative family history of juvenile polyposis, who had complaints of rectal prolapse and rectal bleeding which were more pronounced after defecation. Her contrast computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a distended large bowel studded with multiple juvenile polyps throughout, the largest of which was detected on the mid rectum. Colo-colic intussusception was also found due to a large polyp at the hepatic flexure, inferiorly extending up to ascending colon and caecum. Pan proctocolectomy with ileoanal J pouch anastomosis was performed, bearing in mind the risk for colorectal cancer and her general state of health.

Management of Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Position Paper From the ESPGHAN Polyposis Working Group

The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Polyposis Working Group developed recommendations to assist clinicians and health care providers with appropriate management of patients with juvenile polyposis. This is the first juvenile polyposis Position Paper published by ESPGHAN with invited experts. Many of the published studies were descriptive and/or retrospective in nature, consequently after incorporating a modified version of the GRADE system many of the recommendations are based on expert opinion. This ESPGHAN Position Paper provides a guide for diagnosis, assessment, and management of juvenile polyposis syndrome in children and adolescents, and will be helpful in the appropriate management and timing of procedures in children and adolescents. The formation of international collaboration and consortia is proposed to monitor patients prospectively to advance our understanding of juvenile polyposis conditions.

Biallelic Mismatch Repair Deficiency in an Adolescent Female

Constitutional (Biallelic) Mismatch Repair Deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by numerous cancers presenting as early as the first decade of life. Biallelic germline variants in one of four mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2) cause this devastating disease. Given the rarity of the syndrome, often-asymptomatic tumors, and overlap with neurofibromatosis-1, diagnosis is frequently unrecognized or delayed. We present a unique case of a 14-year-old female with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma secondary to biallelic PMS2 variants.

Pediatric Colonoscopy: The Changing Patterns and Single Institutional Experience Over a Decade

The safety and effectiveness of pediatric colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal tract diseases have been established in Korea for about 30 years. Both diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies have had many advances in terms of operator skill and experience and are now being performed by most pediatric gastroenterologists. Pediatric colonoscopy is different in many aspects from that of adults, such as expected diagnoses, patient management, bowel preparation, selection criteria for sedation, and instrument selection. In this review, the author presents practical information on pediatric colonoscopy, the author's experiences, and the changes in colonoscopy practices over a decade in a tertiary hospital in Korea.

A Challenging Treatment Decision for a Rare Association: Case Report of Familial Turcot Syndrome With Fistulizing Crohn's Disease

Turcot syndrome and fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD) are two disease entities that are not usually associated with one another, particularly given the rarity of the former. This is a case of a pediatric patient with fistulizing CD treated with biologic therapy, who was later found to have Turcot syndrome. Management of this rare combination of diseases can present several challenges, as surgical options may be limited and chronic immunosuppression to treat CD may lead to accelerated progression of malignancy in Turcot syndrome. This unique case highlights the importance of weighing the risks and benefits involved in treating two disease entities that impact one another.

Two case reports: Colorectal adenocarcinoma in children

RATIONALE

Colorectal cancer in children is rare, with delayed diagnosis and advanced stage at presentation in high mortality. Early detection of colorectal cancer is, therefore, important for better prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Thirteen-year-old boy presented with symptoms of melena, vomiting, and abdominal pain for 6 months. 18-year-old girl was hospitalized due to the symptoms of hematochezia, and persistent abdominal pain for 6 months. They have no chronic disease or familial history of malignancy.

DIAGNOSES

We encountered 2 teenagers diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

INTERVENTIONS

Both patients had the same histological findings in postoperation colonic biopsy and underwent surgical resection.

OUTCOMES

The boy fully recovered with only surgery, but the girl died, despite receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for the advanced stage of cancer.

LESSONS

We recommend early and active evaluation, including a pediatric colonoscopy, in a child with suspected malignancy.

Colonic organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling colorectal cancer and drug testing

With the goal of modeling human disease of the large intestine, we sought to develop an effective protocol for deriving colonic organoids (COs) from differentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Extensive gene and immunohistochemical profiling confirmed that the derived COs represent colon rather than small intestine, containing stem cells, transit-amplifying cells, and the expected spectrum of differentiated cells, including goblet and endocrine cells. We applied this strategy to iPSCs derived from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP-iPSCs) harboring germline mutations in the WNT-signaling-pathway-regulator gene encoding APC, and we generated COs that exhibit enhanced WNT activity and increased epithelial cell proliferation, which we used as a platform for drug testing. Two potential compounds, XAV939 and rapamycin, decreased proliferation in FAP-COs, but also affected cell proliferation in wild-type COs, which thus limits their therapeutic application. By contrast, we found that geneticin, a ribosome-binding antibiotic with translational 'read-through' activity, efficiently targeted abnormal WNT activity and restored normal proliferation specifically in APC-mutant FAP-COs. These studies provide an efficient strategy for deriving human COs, which can be used in disease modeling and drug discovery for colorectal disease.

Adenomatous Polyps in Adolescent Girl and Boy: A Report of Two Cases

A polyp is defined as a mass of the mucosal surface that protrudes into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Neoplastic epithelial polyps are classified histologically as either benign adenoma or malignant carcinoma. The colonic polyps that most commonly present in children occur sporadically and individually and are of the juvenile type; they are most frequently associated with painless rectal hemorrhage (which is the most common symptom). Adenomatous polyps are similar to other nontumoral polyps, and it is very rare for children to have symptoms other than rectal bleeding. This report describes two rare cases of polyps in pediatric patients. An 11-year-old girl presented with tubulovillous adenoma and a 13-year-old boy with tubular adenoma; both patients complained of rectal hemorrhage as well as anemia and abdominal pain. Epithelial adenoma is a tumor that is rarely found in adults or children. Colonoscopic perforation and biopsy are mandatory for establishing a definitive diagnosis and avoiding medical mismanagement.

Giant tubular adenoma with malignancy clinical characteristics in a female teenager: Case report and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Adenomas of the colon are usually benign tumors which carry a tendency for malignancy. These tumors can be villous, tubular, tubulovillous, or sessile serrated. Those with adenomatous structure can develop malignant characteristics in 1.5% to 9.4% of cases.

METHODS

We present a case report of a 16-year-old female adolescent with an adenoma of the descending colon. History revealed prolonged diarrheic syndrome for the past 6 months, repeated headache, and a weight loss of ∼5 kg in the past month. One week before the admission, the patient presented an episode of inferior digestive hemorrhage.

RESULTS

On admission laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency anemia, and a mildly increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The abdominal ultrasound revealed an inhomogeneous mass of the descending colon and 2 hyperechoic lesions in the liver. The colonoscopy showed a tumor of the descending colon, a tubular adenoma according to the pathological examination. Additionally, we noted an atypical presentation of the tumor and the signs of mild dysplasia identified at the pathological examination.

CONCLUSION

Weight loss, bowel transit alterations, loss of appetite, and inferior hemorrhage in an adolescent can be symptoms of a benign or malignant tumor of the colon.

Colonic polyposis in a 15 year-old boy: Challenges and lessons from a rural resource-poor area

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal polyps usually present with rectal bleeding and are associated with increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. Evaluation and management in resource-poor areas present unique challenges.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

This 15 year-old boy presented with 9 years of painless rectal bleeding and 2 years of a prolapsing rectal mass after passing stool. He had 3 nephews with similar symptoms. On clinical assessment and initial exam under anesthesia, an impression of a polyposis syndrome was made and a biopsy taken from the mass that revealed inflammatory polyps with no dysplasia. He was identified during a pediatric surgical outreach to a rural area with no endoscopy, limited surgical services, and no genetic testing available, even at a tertiary center. He subsequently had a three-stage proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with good outcome after referral to a tertiary care center. The surgical specimen showed many polyps scattered through the colon.

DISCUSSION

In the absence of endoscopic surveillance and diagnostic services including advanced pathology and genetic testing, colorectal polyposis syndromes are a significant challenge if encountered in these settings. Reports from similar settings have not included this surgical treatment, often opting for partial colectomy. Nonetheless, good outcomes can be achieved even given these constraints. The case also illustrates the complexity of untreated chronic pediatric surgical disease in rural resource-poor areas with limited health care access.

CONCLUSION

Polyposis syndromes in children present unique challenges in rural resource-poor settings. Good outcomes can be achieved with total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anastomosis.

CLINICAL, EPIDEMIOLOGIC, AND ENDOSCOPIC PROFILE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH COLONIC POLYPS IN TWO REFERENCE CENTERS

BACKGROUND

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the frequency, clinical profile, and endoscopic findings of children and teenagers submitted to colonoscopies.

METHODS

Patients of below 18 years of age, diagnosed with polyps by means of colonoscopies at two reference centers of pediatric endoscopy were followed-up between 2002 and 2012. The clinical variables evaluated in this study included: gender, recommendation of colonoscopy, associated signs and symptoms, age of onset of symptoms, age at identification of the polyp, interval of time between the onset of symptoms and the endoscopic diagnosis of colonic polyps, and family history of intestinal polyposis and/or colorectal cancer. The characteristics of the polyps also included: number, morphological type, histology, and distribution. Polyposis syndromes were also investigated.

RESULTS

From the 233 patients submitted to colonoscopies, polyps were found in 74 (31.7%) patients, with a median age of 6.6 years, of which 61% were male. Juvenile polyps were identified in 55 (74%) patients, with 7 (9%) characterized within the criteria for juvenile polyposis. Patients with intestinal polyposis syndromes were diagnosed in 35% of the patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was hematochezia. Abdominal pain with acute episodes of intestinal partial obstruction or intussusception with emergency laparotomy was observed in the majority of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients leading to an increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though juvenile colonic polyps are the most frequent type of diagnosed polyps, the present study identified a significant level of children with polyposis syndromes (35%), associated with a higher morbidity of these individuals.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of biallelic mismatch repair deficiency (BMMR-D) syndrome

Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited colorectal cancer syndrome in adults, is an autosomal dominant condition caused by heterozygous germ-line mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Inheriting biallelic (homozygous) mutations in any of the MMR genes results in a different clinical syndrome termed biallelic mismatch repair deficiency (BMMR-D) that is characterised by gastrointestinal tumours, skin lesions, brain tumours and haematologic malignancies. This recently described and under-recognised syndrome can present with adenomatous polyps leading to early-onset small bowel and colorectal adenocarcinoma. An important clue in the family history that suggests underling BMMR-D is consanguinity. Interestingly, pedigrees of BMMR-D patients typically show a paucity of Lynch syndrome cancers and most parents are unaffected. Therefore, a family history of cancers is often non-contributory. Detection of BMMR-D can lead to more appropriate genetic counselling and the implementation of targeted surveillance protocols to achieve earlier tumour detection that will allow surgical resection. This review describes an approach for diagnosis and management of these patients and their families.

Bildgebung

Ergibt sich aus dem pränatalen Ultraschallbefund oder durch klinische Hinweise der Verdacht auf eine Entwicklungsstörung des Darms des Neugeborenen, so ist die Situation am sichersten durch eine Röntgenaufnahme, und zwar des Thorax und Abdomens im Liegen oder im Hängen, zu klären.

Juvenile polyp and colonoscopic polypectomy in childhood

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features of juvenile polyp and the usefulness of polypectomy with entire colonoscopy in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 83 children who were diagnosed with having juvenile polyps.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 6.5±3.7 (range 1.3-14.5 years) years. The male to female ratio was 2.1: 1. Eighty one patients (97.6%) had hematochezia, of which the observed characteristics included red stool (74.1%), blood on wipe (13.6%). The time interval between the 1st episode of hematochezia and colonoscopy was 8.9±20.4 (ranged 0.1-48.0) months. The most proximal regions of colonoscopic approach were terminal ileum (96.4%). Sixty three patients (75.9%) had a solitary polyp and 20 patients (24.1%) had multiple polyps. The sites of the polyps were rectum (61.4%), sigmoid colon (23.5%). Eighteen polyps (15.1%) were found more proximal locations than rectosigmoid. The polyp size ranged from 0.3 to 5 cm. After the polypectomy, hematochezia recurred in 9 patients. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed in 2 patients due to severe bleeding. All procedures were carried out without using general anesthesia.

CONCLUSION

Juvenile polyp occurred in a wide range locations and had variable sizes and numbers, suggesting that colonoscopy on the entire colon is necessary. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a simple and useful therapeutic method in children with juvenile polyp.

Different clinical manifestations between primary gastrointestinal malignancies and benign tumors in children

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to review the different clinical manifestations of primary gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies and benign tumors in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The demographic data, duration to diagnosis, clinical features, laboratory data, location and pathology of the tumors, and outcomes of pediatric patients from January 1984 to December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 24 GI malignancies and 62 benign tumors were diagnosed. Patients in the benign group were mostly diagnosed in the first decade of life (73%), whereas majority of patients with malignancies were older than 10 years (79%). The most common tumor location in the benign group was the colorectum, whereas in the malignant group, tumors were distributed equally in the small intestine and colorectum. The median duration from onset to diagnosis in the benign group was longer than that of the malignant group (P>00.05). There was statistically significant increase in the presence of hematochezia in patients with benign tumor compared with those with malignancy (P<00.05). Among the malignancies, 79% presented with abdominal pain, followed by weight loss (25%), anorexia (25%), palpable mass (25%), and fever (21%), with statistically significant differences compared with the benign group (P<00.05). Anemia was found in 47% to 63% of patients in both groups (P>00.05). Two patients with polyposis subsequently developed malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Different manifestations of GI malignancies and benign tumors may help pediatricians to detect these early. Patients with polyposis should be aware of the risk of malignant change.

Colorectal polyps in childhood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Colorectal polyps are a common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in children. This review updates the information on colorectal polyps and summarizes the recent advances in genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of polyps in the large intestine.

RECENT FINDINGS

A review of recent literature regarding colorectal polyps demonstrates an estimated detected prevalence of 6.1% overall and 12.0% among those with lower gastrointestinal bleeding during pediatric colonoscopy. Non-Caucasian races (e.g., black and Hispanic) are at higher risk for colorectal polyps in childhood. Recent data show juvenile polyps may recur in approximately 45% of children with multiple polyps and 17% of children with solitary polyps. A clinical trial showed that celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, significantly reduced the number of colorectal polyps in children with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Ethical challenges related to genetic tests for FAP have been newly examined. The utility of novel endoscopic techniques (e.g., enteroscopy) in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome to prevent intussusception have been newly described.

SUMMARY

Although colorectal polyps in children are generally benign and easily removed, careful clinical evaluation and ongoing research are needed to identify the small proportion of children at risk for cancer. The current paradigm of using the polyp number at presentation as a primary determinant of subsequent surveillance may be inadequate for many patients.

Inflammatory polyps following successful HLA-matched cord blood transplantation in a patient with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome

Gastrointestinal complications following HSCT are numerous and include a variety of issues resulting in hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, and intestinal compromise. In the context of an underlying state of immune dysregulation, novel complications may arise including autoimmunity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with XLP who was successfully treated with HSCT using an HLA-matched unrelated cord blood unit that was complicated by the development of inflammatory polyps of the colon. Given the underlying diagnosis of XLP and its associated immune dysregulation, the challenge of understanding unique gastrointestinal manifestations of autoimmunity following HSCT is discussed.

The presence of Helicobacter pylori in colorectal polyps detected by immunohistochemical methods in children

AIM

Polyps are a common cause of hematochezia in children, but the pathogenesis of polyps is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and colorectal polyps in children.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients who had undergone polypectomy after the detection of polyps served as the case group. Twenty-seven patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and normal colonoscopy served as the control group. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stains obtained from paraffin blocks were evaluated and classified according to histopathologic type and degree of dysplasia. The other sections were used to detect HP organisms for immunohistochemistry (IHC). The seroprevalence of HP antibodies in children with colorectal polyps was detected by protein chip technology. HP infection was diagnosed if the serum urease antibody was positive.

RESULTS

The HP-positive rate in children with colorectal polyps was 57.1% (20/35), which was higher than the rate of 22.2% (6/27) for colonic mucosa in the control group (P < 0.01). The differences in the presence and absence of HP infection between patients with juvenile polyps and juvenile polyposis syndrome were not statistically significant. Age, gender, and the number, size, and locations of the colonic polyps were not significantly different between the patients with HP-positive and HP-negative polyps. The HP-antibody-positive rate was 65.0% (13/20) in the patients with HP-infection-positive colorectal polyps, which was higher than the rate of 26.7% (4/15) for the patients with HP-infection-negative colorectal polyps (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a positive association between HP infection and colorectal polyps in children in this study, indicating that HP infection is a risk factor for colorectal polyps in children.

Gastrointestinal tumors in children

Although tumors arising from the spleen, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract in the pediatric population are relatively uncommon, imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. Initial imaging with abdominal radiograph contributes to the evaluation for intestinal obstruction, constipation, and mass effect, and sometimes may reveal areas of calcification.

Colorectal polyps: a frequently-missed cause of rectal bleeding in Egyptian children

OBJECTIVES

Colorectal polyps are important causes of rectal bleeding but they have been infrequently reported in Egyptian children. The prevalence and characteristics of colorectal polyps in a consecutive cohort of Egyptian children with rectal bleeding are presented.

METHODS

A total of 174 children aged 2-12 years [mean (SD) 6.4 (3.7)] with fresh rectal bleeding were enrolled prospectively. Rectal examination, laboratory investigations and fibre-optic colonoscopy were performed in all patients.

RESULTS

The source of bleeding was diagnosed as colorectal polyps in 100 patients (57.4%) and was owing to other causes in 74. The interval between onset of symptoms and presentation ranged from 2 to 48 months [mean (SD) 18.3 (16)]. In patients with other causes, rectal bleeding was attributed to intestinal amoebiasis (42), diarrhoea/dysentery (18), severe constipation (2) and intestinal schistosomiasis (2). Polyps were solitary in 56 children (56%) and ranged from 2 to 5 in 34 (34%) and >5 in 10 (10%). Polyps were confined to the rectum in 68 children, were rectosigmoid in 20, in the descending colon in 8, and splenic flexure in 4. Polyps were juvenile in 84 children (84%), inflammatory in 10 (10%) and hyperplastic, schistosomal or adenomatous in 2 each (6%). Colonoscopic polypectomy was successful and arrested the bleeding in all cases.

CONCLUSION

In Egyptian children, colorectal polyps are relatively common and an easily treatable cause of fresh rectal bleeding. They should be high on the list of differential diagnoses.

Familial adenomatous polyposis in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is the most common inherited polyposis syndrome characterized by the development of hundreds of colorectal adenomatous polyps. The aim of this study was to review cases of FAP diagnosed at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in a 16-year period.

METHODS

Medical records of patients diagnosed as having FAP between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed. The collected data included disease presentation, genetic profile, extraintestinal manifestations, surveillance, and treatment.

RESULTS

We identified 12 patients with FAP. The age range at presentation was 7 to 18 years. Seven (68%) patients presented due to symptoms, the most common of which was rectal bleeding (6 patients, 86%). The youngest age at which polyps were detected was 7 years. Eight patients (67%) had positive family history. Three patients had Gardner syndrome and 1 presented in infancy with hepatoblastoma. Four patients had adenomatous polyposis coli gene mutation identified. One patient was diagnosed as having rectal carcinoma in situ. Six patients (50%) had gastric fundic gland polyposis and 6 had duodenal adenomatous changes. Capsule endoscopy was performed in 3 patients; 1 had multiple polyps in the duodenum and the jejunum. Seven patients (58%) underwent total colectomy with no serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

FAP is a rare condition but with significant risk of cancer and comorbidity. In this series, patients commonly presented to medical attention due to their symptoms. The youngest patient with polyps detected was 7 years old. We identified 1 patient with rectal cancer in situ and high proportion of patients with duodenal adenomatous lesions. Majority of patients underwent early colectomy.

Inflammatory myoglandular polyps: a case series of four patients and review of the literature

Background. Inflammatory myoglandular polyp (IMGP) is a nonneoplastic colorectal polyp. Only a small number of cases have been reported, and the pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods. We analyzed colonoscopy and histologic findings in 4 patients with IMGP. Histologic confirmation of the inflammatory granulation tissue in the lamina propria, proliferation of smooth muscle, and hyperplastic glands with variable cystic changes formed the criteria for the selection of patients. Results. We treated four cases of IMGP and reviewed the literature on this disease. Three cases were located in the sigmoid colon or descending colon. All 4 polyps were identified as red, pedunculated lesions. All 4 cases had no symptoms. In two cases, endoscopic findings of polyps were necessary to be differentiated from juvenile polyps. Conclusions. Pedunculated lesions are the main pattern of IMGP. An analysis of endoscopic and histologic features in IMGP of the colorectum revealed that colonic IMGPs resembled juvenile polyps. On colonoscopy, IMGP should generally be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis of peduncular polyp.

Juvenile polyposis syndrome

AIM

Report of a series of 12 cases of juvenile polyposis coli.

METHODS

The study period was from 1995 to 2005. All the patients were treated by total colectomy with rectal mucosectomy and endorectal ileoanal pullthrough with or without ileal pouch formation. Covering ileostomy was avoided in all the cases. Time taken for the surgery, postoperative complications and continence were documented.

RESULTS

The mean operating time was 4.2 h (range: 4-5 h). The mean duration of hospital stay was 16.3 days (range: 15-18 days). The most common postoperative complication was pouchitis and perianal excoriation. Initially, all the patients were passing stools at an interval of 2 h, and after 3 weeks, the frequency has reduced to 6-8 stools per day. In the follow-up after 3 months, the frequency was 3-5 per day with minimal soiling.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-stage total colectomy with rectal mucosectomy and endorectal ileoanal pull-through without covering ileostomy and pouch formation is a safe and definitive treatment for juvenile polyposis coli if the patient selection is appropriate.