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Safety and Efficacy of Pneumatic Balloon Dilation for Pediatric Achalasia-A Single-Center Experience
Mohamad Abi Nassif1, Erini Gamal Nessim Kostandy1, Lin Fei1,2
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Insights
Pneumatic dilation (PD) is a safe and effective first-line treatment for pediatric achalasia. This study found that 78% of young patients achieved success with PD, with no major complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Motility Disorders
Background:
- The optimal first-line treatment for pediatric achalasia is currently debated.
- Pneumatic dilation (PD) has shown variable success and low complication rates in limited studies.
- Further evaluation of PD as a primary therapy for pediatric achalasia is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilation (PD) as a first-line treatment for pediatric achalasia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of patients under 21 years old treated between 2011 and 2022 at a single institution.
- Success was defined as the absence of any additional intervention within 12 months post-treatment.
Main Results:
- The study included 23 pediatric patients with a median age of 13 years.
- A success rate of 78% was observed at 12 months, with 74% maintaining success at 30 months.
- No major complications were reported during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Pneumatic dilation (PD) demonstrates favorable safety and efficacy as an initial treatment for pediatric achalasia.
- PD offers a viable and low-risk therapeutic option for children diagnosed with achalasia.
Introduction:
The optimal first-line treatment of pediatric achalasia remains debated. Pneumatic balloon dilation (PD) shows variable success and low complication rates in small cohorts. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD as first-line therapy for pediatric achalasia.
Methods:
A retrospective review (2011-2022) of patients aged younger than 21 years treated at a single center was conducted. Success was defined as no additional intervention within 12 months.
Results:
Of 23 patients (median age 13 years), 78% had success at 12 months; 74% maintained success at 30 months. No major complications occurred.
Discussion:
PD is a safe, effective first-line treatment of pediatric achalasia.
