Efficiency of pancreatic duct stenting therapy in children with chronic pancreatitis

BackgroundChronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare disease in childhood. Although ERCP is commonly performed in children, the effect of pancreatic duct stenting therapy in children with CP is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of pancreatic duct stenting in children with CP.DesignRetrospective analysis.SettingNational referral center.PatientsA total of 208 children with CP hospitalized between 1988 and 2012.InterventionsERCP with pancreatic duct stenting.Main Outcome MeasurementsResults of endoscopic therapy and number of pancreatitis episodes per year before and after treatment.ResultsA total of 223 pancreatic duct stenting procedures were performed in 72 children. The median number of stent replacements was 3 (range 1-21). A statistically significant decrease in the number of pancreatitis episodes per year was observed: from 1.75 to 0.23 after endoscopic treatment (P < .05). Pancreatic duct stenting was performed more frequently in patients with hereditary pancreatitis (61.5%) and in children with CP and anatomic anomalies of the pancreatic duct (65%; P < .05).LimitationsRetrospective analysis with the assessment of adverse events based on medical history.ConclusionPancreatic duct stenting therapy is a safe and effective procedure in children with CP. This therapy should be recommended especially for children with hereditary pancreatitis and patients with anatomic anomalies of the pancreatic duct.