[Diagnostic benefit of gastrointestinal endoscopy in infants under one year of age--a two-year survey].
Ugeskr Laeger 2001;
163:1074-8. [PMID:
11242665]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Gastrointestinal endoscopy in children is a well-established procedure. We reviewed our experience of endoscopy in infants below one year of age to evaluate indications, endoscopic findings, histology, and complications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Twenty-eight infants were studied over a two-year period. Of these, 18 underwent upper endoscopy, six recto/sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, and four both procedures.
RESULTS
The most common indication (10/22) for upper endoscopy was vomiting and suspicion of gastrooesophageal reflux disease. In these infants, 24-hour continuous monitoring of the oesophageal pH followed the procedure. Indications for lower endoscopy were rectal bleeding (n = 6) and intractable diarrhoea (n = 4). There were no complications to anaesthesia, endoscopy, or biopsy. Overall, there were endoscopic abnormalities in 82% and histological abnormalities in 75% of the infants. The diagnostic findings included rare disorders, such as eosinophilic gastroenteritis, microvillous inclusion disease, and chylomicron retention disease. Diagnosis of these diseases requires gastrointestinal biopsy.
DISCUSSION
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe procedure, which is a valuable part of the diagnostic work-up in a selected group of infants with long-lasting or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
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