title: Anastomotic ulcerations after intestinal resection in infancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Anastomotic ulceration (AU) is a rare complication after intestinal resection and anastomosis, described mostly in children. The main symptom is occult bleeding, leading to iron-deficiency anemia, which is life threatening.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present survey reports a series of patients with AU after intestinal resection in infancy, focusing on predictive factors, medical and surgical treatment options, and long-term outcomes. Eleven patients (7 boys) born between 1983 and 2005 with AU after an intestinal resection and anastomosis in infancy were included in this retrospective review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diagnosis of AU was often delayed for several years. No predictive factor (including the primary disease, the length of the remnant bowel, and the loss of the ileocaecal valve) could be identified. Numerous treatment options, including antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, proved to be ineffective to induce prolonged remission. Even after surgical resection, relapses were observed in 5/7 children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mechanism leading to AU remains unknown. Contrary to previous reports with limited follow-up, no medical or surgical treatment could prevent recurrences. Because relapses may occur several years after treatment, long-term follow-up is needed.
authors: *Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition †Department of Pediatric Surgery and Transplantation, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades ‡Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology-Hepatology and Nutrition, Hôpital d'Enfants de Brabois, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France.
authors: Fabienne
authors: F
authors: Charbit-Henrion
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Chardot
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Ruemmele
authors: Cécile
authors: C
authors: Talbotec
authors: Alain
authors: A
authors: Morali
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Goulet
authors: Virginie
authors: V
authors: Colomb
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007422:Intestines / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014456:Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents