Gastrointestinal Pathologies in Pediatric Patients With Cystic Fibrosis Undergoing Endoscopy: A Single-Center Retrospective Review Over 15 Years

Introduction Previous studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, specifically celiac disease (CD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, there is minimal data available regarding endoscopic findings in pediatric patients with CF and GI mucosal disease. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with CF under 18 years of age who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy with biopsy over a 15 -year period at our institution. Patient characteristics including assigned sex at birth, CF genetic mutations (if identified), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use were recorded. Data obtained at the time of biopsy included body mass index (BMI), indication for the procedure, exocrine pancreatic status, visual endoscopic findings, and histologic findings. Results A total of 72 patients with CF were included in the study. 24% (n=17) were found to have abnormal endoscopic biopsy results. EoE (13% of all patients, n=9) and CD (6% of all patients, n=4) were the most common GI diagnoses present on endoscopic biopsy. All 3 patients taking CFTR modulator medications at the time of endoscopy had normal biopsy results. Of the 17 patients found to have abnormal pathology results, 14 (82%) were taking proton -pump inhibitor (PPI) medication at the time of endoscopy. Conclusion This study highlights the probable increased frequency of GI disease in the pediatric CF population. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis while considering utilization of endoscopy with biopsy in pediatric patients with CF who have GI symptoms.