Multidisciplinary approach to paediatric aerodigestive disorders: A single-centre longitudinal observational study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Care Models

Background:

• Aerodigestive clinics (ADCs) provide multidisciplinary care for children with complex breathing, swallowing, and growth issues.
• Understanding the profile of children attending these clinics is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the demographic, clinical, etiological, and investigational characteristics of children at an inaugural pediatric aerodigestive clinic.
• To establish a baseline profile for future outcome assessments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 56 children referred to the Queensland Children's Hospital ADC between August 2018 and December 2019.
• Data collected included clinical parameters, growth, lung function, endoscopy findings, imaging, and comorbidities.

Main Results:

• The majority of children had a history of esophageal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula (82%) or VACTERL/VATER association (38%).
• Many presented with ongoing respiratory symptoms (61% wet cough), bronchiectasis (25%), or tracheomalacia (59%).
• Adequate growth was observed, but significant feeding difficulties (20% gastrostomy dependent) and eosinophilic esophagitis (9%) were noted.

Conclusions:

• Children attending ADCs frequently experience persistent respiratory symptoms leading to chronic lung issues like bronchiectasis.
• Prospective studies are essential to evaluate the long-term benefits and effectiveness of the ADC model of care.