Utility of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infant patients with conservational endoscopy

The indications for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in infant patients (age <1 year) differ from those in adults. A paucity of data and concerns about the potential lower effectiveness and more adverse effects limit its utility, even in tertiary care centres. In this study, we retrospectively analysed the indications, success rates, and adverse effects of ERCP in these groups.

From June 2014 to March 2018, 17 ERCPs were performed in 15 children [median age: 10.4 months (6-12 months); median weight: 6.6 kg (3.3-10.7 kg)]. A conventional duodenoscope was utilized in all procedures. All patients were followed up as inpatients.

Fifteen therapeutic and two diagnostic procedures were managed by licensed paediatric endoscopist. Successful cannulation was obtained in all patients (100%). A high proportion (47.1%) of pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) and therapeutic procedures (88.2%) were identified. Two cases of mild pancreatitis were recorded, accounting for 12.5% of the post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) rate. By multivariable analysis, recurrent acute pancreatitis and pancreatic duct (PD) cannulation/injection were identified as PEP-related risk factors. All complications were managed conservatively.

ERCP in infant patients (0.5< age <1 year) could be safely completed by conservational endoscopy. A high proportion of PBM and therapeutic procedures were identified in our study cohort. The overall adverse-event rate was acceptable, and no serious complication occurred. The PEP-related independent risk factors included recurrent acute pancreatitis and PD cannulation/injection.