Background: Long term follow-up of children with esophageal caustic stenosis is not well known. The aim of the present study was to describe functional, organic and psychological, as well as social consequences.
Patients and methods: Thirty-four children with a mean age of 3 years and 7 months +/- 3 years and 2 months (ranges: 1 month-14 years and 3 months) were included in a longitudinal study. Various parameters have been studied: treatment, functional symptoms, nutritional status (weight/height, body composition) and psychological and social consequences. chi 2 and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Twenty-one patients have been treated by mechanical dilatations whereas surgery was performed in 12 children; the mean number of dilatations per child was higher in patients treated by dilatations (21 +/- 17 vs 14 +/- 16; P < 0.05). The frequency of dysphagia was not different in patients with colon interposition or not (69% vs 53%; P = 0.1). Nutritional status was not affected by the presence of esophageal caustic stenosis. Psychological and social consequences were characterized by scholastic difficulties, anxiety and severe depression. One case of suicide was observed.
Conclusion: Children with caustic stenosis should be followed for a long period of time. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary, taking into account medical, social and psychological consequences.