Endoscopic and pharmacological secondary prophylaxis in children and adolescents with esophageal varices.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the results of endoscopic secondary prophylaxis, alone or in combination with propranolol, used to prevent upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in children and adolescents with esophageal varices.

Methods: This observational study followed 43 patients younger than 18 years who received secondary prophylaxis between August 2001 and December 2009. Sclerotherapy and/or band ligation were performed, and propranolol was used when no contraindications were present.

Clinical and laboratory predictors of esophageal varices in children and adolescents with portal hypertension syndrome.

Objectives: To determine the clinical and laboratory parameters that may predict the presence of esophageal varices in children and adolescents with portal hypertension.

Patients And Methods: Overall, 111 patients with portal hypertension and no previous history of digestive bleeding underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy for detection of esophageal varices. A univariate analysis initially was carried out, followed by a logistic regression analysis to identify the independent variables associated with the presence of esophageal varices.

Endoscopic dilatation of esophageal strictures in children and adolescents.

Objective: To assess the causes of esophageal stricture in pediatric patients and their response to endoscopic dilatation.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical and endoscopic data obtained from children and adolescents with esophageal stricture submitted to endoscopic dilatation between July 1993 and January 2003.

Results: A total of 125 patients aged between 1 month and 16 years were included in the study.

[Congenital generalized lipodystrophy].

Objective: To present the major clinical and biochemical characteristics of congenital generalized lipodystrophy.

Description: Eight infants with congenital generalized lipodystrophy were identified at the Endocrine and Nutritional Pediatric Disease Outpatient Clinics at Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Clinical manifestations common to all patients included muscle hypertrophy, generalized lipoatrophy, and acromegalic physical appearance.