Role of Endoscopy in Finding Causes of Chronic Abdominal Pain in Children

Abstract

Background: In recent years, along with advancement in medical technology including endoscopic techniques have played an important role in the etiology of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of upper endoscopy and gastrointestinal biopsy in the children with RAP. Material and methods: This cross sectional study took place in Zahedan (IRAN) in 2005- 2007. Chronic abdominal pain was defined as there episodes of pain occurring in a period of 3 consecutive months with a severity in routine functioning. After taking history and physical examination, patients underwent upper endoscopy. Sections of biopsy were evaluated by a pathologist. Informed consent was taken. Then, data were gathered and analyz with SPSS. Results: From 80 children in this study, 58 cases had gastritis (22 cases with HP gastroduodenitis), 13 cases had esoghagogastritis and 23 cases had chronic nonspecific gastritis. Celiac disease in 5 cases and normal results in 3 cases were found. The most remarkable symptom was night abdominal pain (52%). Conclusion: Upper endoscopy has an important role in finding etiologies in children with RAP.