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Updated: Jul 24, 2026
07:54
Immunostaining to Visualize Murine Enteric Nervous System Development
Published on: April 29, 2015
[Risk factors associated with the development of enterocolitis in Hirschsprung's disease]
M I Romo Muñoz1, A Martínez de Aragón2, V Núñez Cerezo1
1Servicio de Cirugía Pediátrica. Hospital Universitario Infantil La Paz. Madrid.
Summary
Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a serious complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Extended aganglionosis and early diagnosis are key risk factors for HAEC development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hirschsprung's-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a life-threatening complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HD).
- The underlying mechanisms and specific risk factors for HAEC remain poorly understood.
- Effective management strategies are hindered by the lack of comprehensive risk factor identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific risk factors associated with the development of HAEC in patients with HD.
- To analyze clinical data from a cohort of HD patients treated at a single center.
- To improve the understanding and management of HAEC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 94 patients treated for HD between 2000 and 2016.
- Evaluation of clinical details, including disease extent, surgical procedures, and age at diagnosis.
- Statistical analysis to determine relative risks and confidence intervals for HAEC development.
Main Results:
- 28.7% of HD patients (27 out of 94) developed HAEC.
- No mortality was directly attributed to HAEC in this cohort.
- Significant risk factors for HAEC included extended aganglionosis, need for a preoperative stoma, transabdominal surgery, and diagnosis before 7.2 months of age.
Conclusions:
- HAEC is a common and significant complication in patients with HD, particularly complex forms.
- Identifying these risk factors can lead to improved monitoring and earlier intervention for HAEC.
- Reduced morbidity and mortality associated with HAEC are achievable through timely diagnosis and treatment.
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