Pre-endoscopy Symptoms and Age, But Not Esophageal Biopsy Number Are Associated With Post-endoscopy Adverse Events

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic Procedures
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a common diagnostic procedure for pediatric gastrointestinal issues.
• Biopsies during EGD may lead to adverse events (AEs), necessitating risk assessment for informed consent and patient care.
• Limited data exists on how biopsy number and location affect AEs in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the incidence and risk factors for post-operative adverse events (AEs) following pediatric EGD.
• To investigate the specific impact of biopsy number and location on AEs in children undergoing EGD.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 209 pediatric patients (ages 1-21 years) undergoing EGD over one year.
• Telephone surveys conducted 3-7 days post-procedure to assess for AEs.
• Collection of demographic, endoscopic, and histologic data; analysis using binary regression models.

Main Results:

• The most frequent post-EGD symptoms were throat pain (61%), chest pain (26%), and dysphagia (26%).
• Patient age and the presence of pre-operative symptoms were identified as significant predictors of post-operative morbidity.
• Performing multiple biopsies from three distinct esophageal locations did not correlate with an increased risk of AEs.

Conclusions:

• Post-EGD AEs in children are generally related to patient age and pre-existing symptoms, not the number or location of esophageal biopsies.
• The findings support the safety of obtaining multiple esophageal biopsies during pediatric EGD when clinically indicated.
• Further research can refine risk stratification for pediatric EGD procedures.