Objectives: Although several studies report on the experience with adult eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-related stricture, outcomes for pediatric patients with EoE-associated fibrostenosis and stricture is more limited. To address this, we aim to identify the adverse event (AE) rate and short-term outcomes of the largest reported cohort of children with EoE to undergo esophageal dilation for management of symptomatic esophageal narrowing.
Methods: A retrospective assessment of all children, 18 years and younger, who underwent esophageal dilation at an academic children's hospital during a 5-year period was conducted. Clinical, endoscopic, histologic, and outcomes of dilation were extracted from the medical record. AEs were captured within a standardized endoscopic AE database. Grade 2 AEs (requiring unanticipated medical intervention) were termed significant. Dilation-related events were compared between patients with EoE, without EoE, and those undergoing standard upper endoscopy.
Results: Of the 451 total dilations, 68 dilations were performed in 40 EoE patients (mean age 13.8 years, standard deviation 3.3 years [4.6-18.9 years]). Forty-three percent (17/40) had repeat dilation during the study period. Dilation-related grade 2 AE rates in EoE and in non-EoE patients were 2.9% and 3.1%, respectively (P > 0.5). Chest pain (any grade AE) was reported in 14.7% of EoE dilations. No significant associations were found between postprocedural pain and dilation method, final dilator size, medical therapy, or esophageal eosinophilia. No perforations or significant hemorrhage were reported.
Conclusions: We conclude that dilation can be performed safely in children with EoE. In the appropriate clinical setting, cautious dilation may be considered in the management of fibrostenotic EoE.