Related Experiment Videos
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease in children
G Borkowski1, P Sommer, T Stark
1HNO-Universitätsklinik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, St. Elisabeth-Hospital, Bleichstrasse 15, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may worsen juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) in children. Treating GERD significantly reduced JLP recurrence in three patients, suggesting a link between reflux and papillomatosis severity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves gastric juice exposure to the esophagus and larynx.
- GERD can lead to chronic laryngitis and respiratory issues.
- Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) is a recurrent respiratory condition in children.
Observation:
- Three pediatric patients with severe, recurrent JLP associated with GERD were managed.
- Previous treatments including alpha interferon and photodynamic therapy showed no improvement.
- Significant reduction in JLP recurrence was observed after initiating GERD therapy.
Findings:
- GERD management led to a notable decrease in the recurrence rate of juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis.
- This suggests a potential role for gastroesophageal reflux in exacerbating the severity and frequency of JLP.
- The findings indicate a correlation between controlling reflux and improving outcomes for recurrent JLP.
Implications:
- Effective management of GERD may be crucial in reducing the burden of recurrent JLP in pediatric patients.
- This study highlights the importance of considering and treating GERD in children with severe or refractory JLP.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking GERD and JLP could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
The hallmark of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an increased exposure of esophageal and laryngeal mucosa to gastric juice. This exposure can cause complications such as chronic laryngitis or chronic respiratory diseases. We report our experience in managing three pediatric patients with severe recurrent juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) associated with GERD. All patients showed a high rate of recurrence requiring multiple laser surgeries. Systemic alpha interferon therapy over a period of more than 1 year and photodynamic therapy with dihematoporphyrin produced no improvement. However, after therapy for GERD, the rate of recurrence of JLP decreased significantly. Although the course of respiratory papillomatosis is known to fluctuate, our findings suggest that gastroesophageal reflux may have a role in aggravating papillomatosis.