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[Esophageal varices in childhood]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderchirurgie, Universität Münster.
Langenbecks Archiv Fur Chirurgie. Supplement II, Verhandlungen Der Deutschen Gesellschaft Fur Chirurgie. Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Chirurgie. Kongress
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Esophageal varices can occur in infants under 6 months old, often linked to conditions like biliary atresia. While some cases are asymptomatic, most children respond to conservative treatment or sclerotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Vascular Medicine
Context:
- A 20-year multicenter study involving 3487 children.
- Investigated the occurrence and management of esophageal varices in pediatric populations.
- Addressed specific pediatric conditions predisposing to varices, such as intrahepatic biliary atresias and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Purpose:
- To characterize the incidence and presentation of esophageal varices in infants and children.
- To explore the link between specific liver conditions and the development of esophageal varices.
- To evaluate treatment outcomes for pediatric esophageal varices.
Summary:
- Esophageal varices were observed in 8% of infants before 6 months.
- Intrahepatic biliary atresias and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency can lead to liver fibrosis and hepatofugal circulation, not always resulting in varices.
- 15% of pediatric cases were asymptomatic; 85% received successful conservative treatment, with 15% requiring sclerotherapy. Other interventions included thrombectomy and liver transplantation.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data on early-onset esophageal varices in children.
- Highlights distinct etiological factors in pediatric populations compared to adults.
- Informs clinical management strategies for pediatric liver disease and portal hypertension.