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Complications after outpatient upper GI endoscopy in children: 30-day follow-up
M Samer Ammar1, Marian D Pfefferkorn, Joseph M Croffie
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Nutrition, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Insights
Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) in children under general anesthesia (GA) is generally safe. While sore throat is common, other complications are infrequent, indicating good tolerability in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Medical Procedure Safety
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) is a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic tool for pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.
- Comprehensive data on UGE complications in children, especially under general anesthesia (GA), is limited.
- Assessing patient-reported outcomes and adverse events is vital for understanding procedure safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify complications and adverse events following outpatient UGE in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the safety and tolerability profile of UGE under GA in children.
- To provide data-driven insights into the risks associated with pediatric UGE.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey of pediatric patients undergoing outpatient UGE under GA.
- Standardized telephone interviews conducted 30 days post-procedure to collect data on complications.
- Inclusion of patient and parent-reported outcomes for a comprehensive assessment.
Main Results:
- 42% of 393 pediatric patients reported at least one complication or adverse event post-UGE.
- Sore throat or hoarseness was the most frequent complaint (34.6%).
- Other complications such as fatigue, cough, and headache were reported infrequently; only 10 patients required medical assistance.
Conclusions:
- Sore throat or hoarseness is a common, though generally mild, complication of pediatric UGE under GA.
- The overall incidence of significant adverse events is low, supporting the safety of the procedure.
- UGE under GA is a well-tolerated and safe intervention for pediatric patients.
Objective:
Upper GI endoscopy (UGE) is a common procedure performed for evaluation and treatment of various upper GI tract disorders in children. Limited comprehensive data are available on the complications of UGE in adults and particularly in children. The goals of this study were to identify complications and adverse events reported by patients and their parents after outpatient UGE under general anesthesia (GA).
Methods:
Pediatric patients who underwent outpatient UGE under GA between April, 2000 and April, 2001 at the James Whitcomb Hospital for Children were identified. The interviewer obtained verbal consent and performed standardized telephone interviews 30 days after the outpatient UGE.
Results:
A total of 393 patients participated in this survey. Of the patients, 165 (42%) had one or more complications or adverse events. The most common ones reported by patients or parents 30 days after the UGE under GA were sore throat or hoarseness (34.6%), fatigue (6.6%), cough (4.1%), headache (3.3%), excessive gas or burping (2.8%), nausea (2.5%), emesis (2.3%), abdominal pain (2%), fever (2%), behavior problems (1.8%), upper respiratory symptoms (1.3%), excessive drowsiness (0.5%), nosebleed (0.3%), perioral rash (0.3%), and chest pain (0.3%). Ten of 165 patients with complications or adverse events after UGE sought medical assistance.
Conclusions:
Approximately one third of pediatric patients complained of sore throat or hoarseness after UGE under GA. All other reported complications or adverse events were infrequent. We conclude that UGE under GA is safe and well tolerated in pediatric patients.