| [ Summary ] |
The frequency of upper gastrointestinal disorders in children is lower than in adults ; however, there are children who require upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Because most of the disorders in children are benign or inflammatory disorders, multiple biopsies are often necessary, even if macroscopically normal. In considering the indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children, physicians should be aware of 'red flags', such as pain awakening the patient from sleep, weight loss or growth retardation, hematochezia, perianal lesions, persistence of low‒grade fever or elevated CRP, and family history of inflammatory bowel diseases or peptic ulcer. Endoscopic examination rarely identifies organic disorders when there are no clinical signs except for recurrent abdominal pain. In this section, five representative pediatric upper gastrointestinal disorders that possess some difference between adults and children and that might be encountered by gastroenterologists are discussed. |