[Corrosive esophagitis in children (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Toxicology
• Otolaryngology

Context:

• Corrosive esophagitis in children presents a complex treatment challenge with ongoing debate.
• Ingestion of household chemicals like Javel water, sodium hydroxide, and acids is a significant concern.
• A retrospective analysis of 327 pediatric cases hospitalized between 1970-1976 was conducted.

Purpose:

• To review current literature on corrosive esophagitis treatments.
• To present findings from a retrospective study on pediatric corrosive esophagitis management.
• To evaluate the efficacy of treatments, including steroids, in preventing esophageal strictures.

Summary:

• The study identified common corrosive agents and found esophageal involvement in 46% of cases, even without oropharyngeal burns.
• Endoscopically confirmed esophageal burns were present in 81 patients.
• A low incidence of stenosis (9%) suggests a beneficial effect of steroid therapy, especially for first and second-degree burns.

Impact:

• Findings support the potential role of steroids in mitigating long-term complications like esophageal stenosis in pediatric corrosive esophagitis.
• Highlights the importance of endoscopic evaluation for accurate diagnosis, even in the absence of visible upper airway burns.
• The study contributes to the ongoing discussion regarding optimal management strategies for corrosive esophageal injuries in children.