Contribution of fibreoptic endoscopy to diagnosis and management of children with gastro-oesophageal reflux

Endoscopic and radiological examination was performed in 53 children with gastro-oesophageal reflux. There was fair agreement between endoscopic and radiological findings. Most patients showed either a normal or an erythematous oesophageal mucosa at endoscopy and these patients became asymptomatic on conservative therapy. 7 children presented destructive changes of the oesophageal mucosa with severe pathological abnormalities. Though their symptoms improved on conservative therapy, 5 required operation because of persistence or deterioration of mucosal damage. Endoscopic and pathological changes returned to normal after operation. Retrospective examination of data led to the definition of 'high risk factors' in this condition.