Comparing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Findings in Children with Autism, Developmental Delay, or Typical Development

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction and communication.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are frequently reported in children with ASD, but comparative data on endoscopic findings are limited.
• Understanding these differences is vital for comprehensive care in children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD]) and histologic findings in children with ASD.
• To contrast these findings with age- and gender-matched controls with developmental delay (DD) or typical development (TD).

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional study involving 2104 children undergoing EGD.
• Patients were categorized into ASD, DD, and TD groups (1:1:2 ratio).
• Statistical analyses (chi-squared, Fisher exact test, multivariable linear regression) compared EGD findings and identified histology predictors.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD exhibited higher rates of abnormal esophageal histology, particularly esophagitis (38.4% vs. 33.4% DD, 30.4% TD; P=.008).
• ASD diagnosis was an independent predictor of abnormal esophageal histology (OR 1.38).
• No significant differences in stomach findings were observed; duodenal abnormalities were less frequent in ASD (17.0% vs. 20.1% DD, 24.2% TD; P=.005).

Conclusions:

• Children with ASD have a significantly higher prevalence of histologic esophagitis compared to controls.
• ASD is an independent predictor for abnormal esophageal histology, highlighting the importance of EGD in this population.
• Further research may explore the underlying mechanisms connecting ASD and esophageal pathology.