UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY IN 107 N EWBORNS

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is frequently used in the neonatal pe riod The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of the differen t lesions occurring as well as to precise indications of upper gastroi ntestinal endoscopy in neonates. Population and methods. - A retrospec tive study including 107 neonates referred between October 1966 and Ap ril 1995 has been achieved in the pediatric gastroenterology unit of t he Lille University Hospital. Various factors were analysed: gestation al age, sex, reasons for endoscopy and macroscopic lesions observed. T hree groups were constituted according to macroscopic findings; group I: normal aspect (n = 22); group II: isolated esophagitis (n = 27); gr oup III; esogastritis or gastroduodenitis or esogastroduodenitis (n = 38), chi(2) test was performed for statistical ntlnlysis. Results. - S igns recalling esophagitis (cry during feeding) were more frequent in group II than in group III: 37% vs 13% (P < 0.03). The neonates underg oing endoscopy for life-threatening events were more frequent in group I than in group II or III, respectively: 59% rs 15% (P < 0.01) and 59 % vs 8% (P < 10(-4)). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy led to a precis e diagnosis in 80% of the neonates. However 95% of those examined for hematemesis presented macroscopic lesions. Conclusion. - Hematemesis a nd suspicion of esophagitis are good indications for upper gastrointes tinal endoscopy in neonatal period. In life-threatening events and sus picion of pyloric stenosis, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is only c omplementary of more contributive other examinations.