Management of esophageal strictures in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
BACKGROUND
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a rare, genetically transmitted skin disorder characterized by blister formation and scarring in response to minor trauma. One of the most debilitating features of the disease is the development of esophageal strictures, which produces profound dysphagia, exacerbating an already highly compromised nutritional status common to these patients. Due to the extreme fragility of epithelial surfaces, the optimal therapeutic approach to esophageal strictures in this setting has not been established.


METHODS
We have developed an approach to treatment of esophageal strictures in children with epidermolysis bullosa combining upper endoscopy using small caliber endoscopes, endotracheal intubation, and fluoroscopically assisted balloon dilatation. We report our experience using this technique in 22 children who have undergone a total of 109 dilatations.


RESULTS
Upper endoscopy, endotracheal intubation, and balloon dilatation were well tolerated by even very young children with epidermolysis bullosa. Dysphagia was markedly reduced post-procedure, permitting resumption of normal diet for age, including solids, within six hours of the procedure. Post-procedure recovery has been rapid and does not require admission to the hospital. Complications have been infrequent, minor, and limited to the first year of our experience. The mean interval between dilatations for all children is 11 months. All children have gained weight, and have not required steroids or phenytoin.


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon dilatation is a safe and effective therapy for esophageal strictures in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Limited upper endoscopy and endotracheal intubation are well tolerated by these children. This approach should be considered as primary therapy in this clinical setting.
Castillo
Ricardo O
RO
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5119, USA. ricardo.castillo@Stanford.edu
Davies
Yinka K
YK
Lin
Yuan-Chi
YC
Garcia
Manuel
M
Young
Harvey
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods; D016108:Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica / Q000150:complications*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain