How should esophagitis in esophageal atresia patients be recognized and treated?

The November article examines esophagitis in pediatric esophageal atresia, addressing knowledge gaps in occurrence, best management strategy, and whether children need long-term follow-up.

These children may be at risk for developing Barrett's esophagitis and adenocarcinoma later in life.

Children with esophageal atresia need surveillance and annual follow-up with endoscopy and biopsy.

The esophagitis seen in esophageal atresia children is multifactorial in nature.

Children with esophageal atresia need annual follow-up throughout adolescence.

Esophageal atresia patients should be viewed as long-term chronic patients, similar to anorectal malformation patients, rather than considering repair as definitive treatment.

Evaluation of esophageal atresia children with esophagitis requires understanding the underlying mechanism to treat other conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis or dysmotility issues.

Surveillance needs to continue beyond the current recommendations of three biopsies at some point during childhood.

More research is needed into therapies for esophagitis when acid is not the cause.