Histopathological Changes and HAEC Scores in Hirschsprung’s Associated Enterocolitis

Abstract Background: Histopathological changes that are usually permanent in the bowel of HRSC children make susceptibility to the incidence of enterocolitis even after definitive therapy. In line with its pathophysiology which is characterized by spesific signs, symptoms, and other investigations; the scoring system that has been used in diagnosing HAEC is the simplest and easiest way, but after a decade there have been several evaluations to obtain optimal benefits in the clinical setting. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between histopathological grade of enterocolitis and HAEC scores. Method: HRSC children who underwent leveling colostomy or pullthrough, were sampled from the ganglionic segment. Those with a histopathological description of HAEC were included in the study. HAEC scores are evaluated retrospectively through medical records and interviews. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's Rank test Result: There were 28 samples in this study, the population was dominated by male (82.1%) and almost half the population (42.9%) were infants. The distribution of the histopathological grade was fairly even, except for grade V where it was only 7.2% of the total sample. Each of grade I & III samples was 21.4%, while grade II & IV were 25% respectively. Statistically, significant p value (< .0001) was obtained for the relationship between histopathological grade and HAEC score (r = 0.927). Conclusion: There is a correlation between the histopathological grade of enterocolitis and HAEC scores. If histopatological grade increases, so does HAEC score. Keyword: Hirschsprung’s-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), Histopathology, HAEC Score.