ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE (ODC) LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS

Reflux esophagitis is a common disease in infants and can be diagnosed largely by esophageal biopsy. In adults, chronic esophagitis may lead to Barrett's esophagus, a premalignant condition for esophageal cance r development. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is used as an early marke r for colon cancer development. No data are available on the role of O DC in reflux esophagitis in the pediatric population. In this study we retrospectively analyzed ODC activity in esophageal biopsies of child ren who underwent upper endoscopy. According to the esophageal histolo gy, patients were divided into three groups: normal mucosa, mild, and moderate/severe esophagitis. None of our patients had esophageal metap lasia or cancer. ODC level was significantly higher in the moderate/se vere esophagitis group compared to mild and normal mucosa group. We co nclude that ODC activity is directly proportional to the severity of t he esophageal inflammation/regenerative process in children with reflu x esophagitis.