Factors Related to Abnormal Endoscopic and Histologic Findings on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Children

Abstract

Purpose: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is important in evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms and providing pathological descriptions. In this study, abnormal endoscopic and histological findings were identified in children, and the factors related to these findings were evaluated. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients aged <18 years who underwent upper endoscopies between January 2017 and June 2022. While performing endoscopy, biopsies were taken, and the rapid urease test was performed simultaneously. Results: The endoscopic and histological findings were abnormal for 86 of (71.7%) and 111 (92.5%) of the 120 patients, respectively. Only four patients had normal endoscopic and histological findings. The most common endoscopic and histological findings were erythema (35%) and chronic gastritis (53.5%), respectively. Age ≥12 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–6.68; p=0.033), poor eating habits (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.10–0.88; p=0.029), melena (OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.22–6.42 p=0.043), and nausea (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.74 p=0.009) were significant factors related to endoscopic abnormalities in the multivariate analysis. More frequent Helicobacter pylori infection was observed in patients with atrophy and intestinal metaplasia than in those with other histological abnormalities. Conclusion: Most children with dyspepsia gave endoscopic abnormalities, and routine biopsies are important when performing endoscopy. We identified predictors of endoscopic findings.