Clinical Practice and Knowledge of Pediatric Surgeons about Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children with Esophageal Atresia

Abstract

Objective:The study examined the clinical practice and knowledge of pediatric surgeons regarding diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children with esophageal atresia (EA).Methods:Pediatric surgeons who were involved in diagnosis and treatment of EA from Turkey were included. An online survey, which included 26 questions related to clinical practice and knowledge of pediatric surgeons was administered via Google forms. The survey included questions regarding descriptive information of participants, diagnosis, treatment, and knowledge about EoE in children with EA.Results:Fifty seven pediatric surgeons responded to the study. Reflux symptoms resistant to treatment and recurrent anastomotic strictures were most commonly reported as symptoms of EoE. Endoscopy with biopsies was the most commonly selected diagnostic method for EoE with nearly half of the surgeons obtaining appropriate biopsies. Diet elimination, proton pump inhibitors and systemic steroids were most commonly reported to be used in the treatment of EoE. Of pediatric surgeons 17.5% (n=10) had lowlevel knowledge, 45.6% (n=26) had moderate level knowledge, and 36.8% (n=21) had high-level knowledge.Conclusion:The EoE can be seen in association with EA. This association may cause dysphagia, food impaction, vomiting and decreased quality of life. The study results suggest that pediatric surgeons have some strengths and weaknesses in terms of clinical practice and knowledge regarding diagnosis and treatment of EoE in children with EA. Therefore, improvement in the care of these children could be achieved by increasing awareness and knowledge of pediatric surgeons, decreasing heterogeneous nature of practice patterns and creating a consensus in clinical settings.

Keywords

• esophageal atresia
• eosinophilic esophagitis
• pediatric surgeon
• knowledge