[Ibero-Latinamerican Clinical Practical Guidelines on pediatric caustic esophagitis: Therapeutical aspects (Part 2)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Toxicology
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Caustic ingestion causes severe, irreversible upper digestive tract damage.
• Reliable incidence and prevalence data for caustic injuries are lacking in Ibero-America.
• Current clinical management often relies on expert opinion and retrospective data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a Clinical Practice Guideline for managing caustic ingestion in children.
• To provide evidence-based statements and recommendations for optimizing patient care.
• To support clinical decision-making in pediatric caustic esophagitis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing evidence.
• Development of statements and recommendations by expert societies (LASPGHAN and SEGHNP).
• Two papers focusing on diagnostic features and therapeutic considerations.

Main Results:

• The guideline synthesizes current evidence on caustic esophagitis.
• It offers recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of pediatric caustic ingestion.
• It addresses both physiopathological/diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Conclusions:

• This guideline provides a framework for managing pediatric caustic ingestion in Ibero-America.
• It aims to standardize care and improve outcomes for affected children.
• It serves as a valuable tool for physicians facing complex clinical decisions.