The American journal of gastroenterology
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We performed a systematic review to examine the diagnostic yield (endoscopic and histologic) of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for the evaluation of abdominal pain of unclear etiology in children. We also examined the effect of EGD on change in treatment, quality of life, change in abdominal pain, and cost-effectiveness. ⋯ The diagnostic yield of EGD in children with unclear abdominal pain is low; however, existing studies are inadequate. The effect of EGD on change in treatment, quality of life, improvement of abdominal pain, and cost-effectiveness is unknown. The predictors of significant findings are unclear. Our findings suggest that a large multicenter study examining clinical factors, biopsy reports, and addressing patient outcomes is needed to further clarify the value of EGD in children with abdominal pain.
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Am. J. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2007
Epidemiology and prognostic determinants of patients with bacteremic cholecystitis or cholangitis.
To compare mortalities in patients with sepsis due to biliary tract infections (BTIs) and due to infections from other sources, and to identify independent predictors of mortality in these patients. ⋯ Though the mortality rate in patients with bacteremic BTI is substantial, survival is better than in those with bacteremia from other sources. The main prognostic factors identified in this study may help clinicians recognize patients at high risk for early mortality so that they can give prompt, appropriate treatment.