Eesophagogastroduodenoscopy in paediatrics: does abiding by the international guidelines lead to appropriate management? A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Design A cross-sectional retrospective cohort of all first-time diagnostic upper endoscopies was conducted between 1 January 2016 and 1 February 2020, in Prince Hamzah Hospital in Jordan.Participants Paediatric patients between 9 months and 14 years of age with indications for EGD.Results Overall, 529 diagnostic EGDs were performed during the study period. Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis was the most common final diagnosis in 247 patients (47%). Furthermore, 488 (92%) EGDs were deemed appropriate, while 41 (7.7%) were considered inappropriate. Finally, 74.0% of all biopsies performed had positive contributive findings.Conclusions Abiding by international guidelines in paediatric gastroenterology can optimise care for paediatric patients. General paediatricians are urged to follow guidelines rigorously when referring patients to minimise inappropriate procedures.