Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Murine Endoscopy for In Vivo Multimodal Imaging of Carcinogenesis and Assessment of Intestinal Wound Healing and Inflammation
Published on: August 26, 2014
Screening Endoscopy Contributes to Relevant Modifications of Therapeutic Regimen in Children With Intestinal Failure
Andreas Busch1, Ekkehard Sturm
1Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Germany.
Insights
Screening endoscopy in children with intestinal failure (IF) frequently detects abnormalities and guides treatment, regardless of symptom presentation. This approach may enhance gastrointestinal pathology detection and patient management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Intestinal Rehabilitation
Background:
- The diagnostic utility of endoscopy in pediatric intestinal failure (IF) remains unclear.
- Optimal timing for endoscopy—screening versus symptom-driven—is not well-defined for IF patients.
- This study investigates the impact of screening endoscopy on clinical management in children with IF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the contribution of screening endoscopy to the clinical management of children with intestinal failure.
- To compare the diagnostic yield and impact on treatment between screening and symptom-indicated endoscopies.
Main Methods:
- A comparative retrospective case series study was conducted.
- Children with IF underwent endoscopy either as a screening procedure (n=45) or due to symptoms (n=11).
- Total of 92 endoscopic procedures were analyzed, including esophagogastroduodenoscopies, enteroscopies, and colonoscopies.
Main Results:
- Abnormal endoscopic findings were prevalent in both groups (66.7% screening vs. 81.8% symptom-indicated).
- Therapeutic regimen adaptations occurred in a high percentage of cases (64.7% screening vs. 85.7% symptom-indicated).
- Screening endoscopy revealed a higher incidence of erosive/ulcerative gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopy in pediatric IF patients frequently identifies abnormalities, informing treatment adjustments irrespective of indication.
- Utilizing endoscopy as a screening tool shows potential for improved detection of gastrointestinal pathology.
- Screening endoscopy may enhance the overall clinical management of children experiencing intestinal failure.
Objective:
The role of endoscopy in the diagnostic workup of children with intestinal failure (IF) is not well defined. It is unclear whether endoscopies should be performed as a screening procedure or only upon manifestation of symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate, whether performing screening endoscopy contributes to clinical management in children with IF.
Methods:
Comparative retrospective case series study in children with IF (mean age 70.4 months ± 58.4 months) presenting for diagnostic workup in a single intestinal rehabilitation center. Endoscopies were performed either as a screening procedure (Group 1, n = 45) or as indicated by symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction (Group 2, n = 11).
Results:
A total of 92 endoscopies (56 esophagogastroduodenoscopies; 12 enteroscopies; 24 colonoscopies) were performed in 56 children. IF etiology included short bowel syndrome (n = 37), motility disorder (n = 16), and mucosal enteropathy (n = 3). Comparing Group 1 with Group 2 abnormal endoscopic findings were detected in 66.7% versus 81.8%. Findings led to adaptation of therapeutic regimes in 64.7% versus 85.7%. We detected a higher rate of erosive and ulcerative gastritis and duodenitis, enteritis, and colitis in Group 1 compared to Group 2.
Conclusions:
Endoscopy in children with IF frequently reveals abnormal findings, leading to recommendations for treatment adaptation in the majority of cases, irrespective of whether endoscopy has been performed as a screening procedure or as indicated by symptoms. Using endoscopy as a screening tool may improve both, the detection of gastrointestinal pathology and the clinical management of children with IF.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:32Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone...
02:25Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:23Binet's Contribution to Measures of Intelligence
01:15Drug Dosage Regimen: Overview
Typically, the starting dose and dosing interval are guided by the manufacturer's recommendations based on clinical trials conducted during and after drug...
01:24Dosage Regimen: Individualization