Abstract
Introduction: The aerodigestive program at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, UK is a multi-disciplinary approach focused on the interplay between airway, lung and digestive disorders in complex children, involving collaboration between physicians in both clinic and theatre settings.
Objective: To assess the indications and outcomes of combined endoscopies in assessment of children with aerodigestive disorders.
Methods: A convenience sample of 79 children referred in the last 3 years to our service for investigation who were assessed with microlaryngealtracheobronchoscopy (MLTB), flexible bronchoscopy and oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) in various combinations depending on the indication. Data was collected from theatre notes and was analysed retrospectively. Indications and outcomes were categorised and quantified.
Results: 14 (18%) patients were assessed with joint scopes to assess the risk of aspiration resulting from neurodisability. 16 (20%) patients were investigated due to dysphagia/choking episodes/cyanotic episodes. Chronic cough was the most common indication in 30 (38%), 19 patients to rule out concomitant gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and in another 11 patients to rule out an airway anomaly. 15 (19%) patients were referred due to suspicion of an obstructive breathing pattern (OSA/stridor). 37/79 (47%) patients had positive findings on more than one scope. Of the patients that had all 3 procedures, 6/20 patients had positive findings on all 3 scopes.
Conclusion: In our experience combining endoscopic procedures after an MDT discussion can identify help clarify and identify multiple co-existing pathologies without patients having to undergo multiple general anaesthetics.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 5289.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020