Esophageal disorders in infants and children
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Published on: August 25, 2015
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2583.
Insights
Recent research reveals ongoing complexities in esophageal function and disorders. Key areas include gastroesophageal reflux disease, motility issues, and congenital esophageal lesions, with new insights emerging annually.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Esophageal Physiology
- Digestive Diseases
Background:
- The esophagus, despite its simple conduit function, exhibits complex physiology and pathophysiology.
- Numerous mysteries persist regarding esophageal disorders, with annual advancements in understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent revelations in esophageal physiology and pathophysiology.
- To highlight advancements in understanding and managing gastroesophageal reflux and its complications.
- To summarize new findings on esophageal motility disorders and congenital lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature and research findings.
- Analysis of studies focusing on gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal motility, and congenital esophageal anomalies.
- Synthesis of emerging diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant focus remains on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), its pathophysiology, manifestations, diagnostics, and treatments.
- Further exploration of GERD complications, prevention, and management strategies.
- Studies also addressed esophageal motility/dysmotility and other causes of esophageal inflammation/injury.
- Congenital esophageal lesions, such as esophageal atresia and stenoses, continue to present challenges in surgical literature.
Conclusions:
- Esophageal research continues to uncover complexities, particularly concerning GERD and motility disorders.
- Improved understanding and management strategies for various esophageal conditions are emerging.
- Congenital esophageal anomalies remain a significant area of clinical and surgical focus.
Abstract:
Although the esophagus functions simply as a conduit between the mouth and the more distal gastrointestinal tract, its physiology and pathophysiology display a complexity that contrasts with that simple function. Thus there are still mysteries about this "tube" and its disorders, and each year brings new revelations. Most attention continues to focus on gastroesophageal reflux, its emerging pathophysiology, multiple manifestations, various diagnostic techniques, and improving methods of treatment. Complications of gastroesophageal reflux, including optimal ways of preventing and treating them, have been explored further. Other aspects of esophageal motility and dysmotility and other causes of inflammation and injury of the esophagus have also been studied during the past year. The surgical literature, especially, continues to struggle with congenital esophageal lesions, particularly esophageal atresia and stenoses.
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