Indications and Outcomes of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Children

Summary Objective: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has become a key element in the diagnosis and treatment of many gastrointestinal diseases affecting children. In this study, we aimed to discuss endoscopic indications, endoscopic and pathological findings of children who underwent EGD in our hospital. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children between1-18 years old who admitted the pediatric gastroenterology department between 2017 and 2018 and who underwent EGD was performed. EGD indications, diagnoses made by endoscopy or pathological examination, and complaints were evaluated. Results: A total of 194 children (85 male and 109 female) with a mean age of 10.63 ± 4.84 years were included in the study. Dyspepsia (66.49%), suspicion of celiac disease (19.59%), intake of corrosive material (8.25%), gastrointestinal bleeding (4.64%), and dysphagia (1.03%) were the main complaints of referral. The distribution of the diagnosis of the participants after EGD was antral gastritis (48.45%), pangastritis (21.13%), duodenitis (11.86%), celiac disease (7.73%), acute ulcer at bulbus (1.55%) and esophagitis (1.03%). Of those, 9.28% were healthy. A biopsy was obtained in 88.66% of the subjects during EGD. Conclusion: Dyspeptic symptoms and suspicion of celiac disease are the most common EGD indication in children. Alkaline reflux, gastritis, and helicobacter pylori infection affect the degree of pathological inflammation and require appropriate treatment and follow-up. Keywords: Endoscopy, Child, Esophagus, Stomach, Duodenum