Background Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the standard method for diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices in children. In this prospective study we evaluated the use of PillCam esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) in pediatric patients. Methods Patients aged 7 to 18 years presenting with portal hypertension and/or cirrhosis underwent ECE (PillCam ESO 2, Given Imaging Ltd.) followed by EGD. Results 102 patients were screened, 81 (52 boys; mean age 13.96 ± 0.25 years) were included and 21 were excluded (16 for “candy test” failure). Esophageal varices were identified by EGD in 62 patients (77 %) and by ECE in 57 patients (70 %) using the de Franchis classification (DFC). The sensitivity of ECE for esophageal varices was 92 % and the specificity was 100 % using DFC. Based upon 57/81 patients with small, medium, and large varices on both ECE and EGD, using DFC, the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 55 %, 92 %, 89 %, and 63 %, respectively, giving a total overall accuracy of 72 %. To improve sensitivity and specificity in classification of esophageal varices, we propose using a modified score. This score detected esophageal varices with 100 % sensitivity, 93 % specificity, 94 % PPV, and 100 % NPV, giving a total overall accuracy of 97 %. All patients preferred ECE over EGD. No capsule retention was recorded. Conclusions ECE is a well-tolerated and safe procedure in children. Using the modified score, the sensitivity of ECE is currently sufficient to detect esophageal varices and replace EGD in infants with suspicion of esophageal varices or when EGD is refused.

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Plasma and ascitic fluid concentrations of pefloxacin in 10 cirrhotic patients and 8 healthy volunteers were determined following administration of a single oral dose of 400 mg. The mean elimination half-life was significantly increased in the patients (29.0 h) compared to in 8 healthy volunteers (12.3 h). In patients, the total plasma clearance (2.71 vs 6.85 l/h) and volume of distribution (1.12 vs 1.67 l/kg) were decreased. Estimated by the ratio of the AUC in peritoneal fluid and plasma, ascitic fluid penetration was 68% after one oral dose, and pronounced accumulation of pefloxacin in ascites was found after repeated doses. Oral pefloxacin would seem to be a convenient and useful treatment of spontaneous, gram-negative, bacterial peritonitis in cirrhosis. However, the decreased hepatic metabolism of the drug leads to a marked accumulation in plasma and ascites after repeated doses, and a reduced dose is required in these patients.

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Indications for ileocolonoscopy were defined in 2002 by the Groupe Francophone d'Hépatologie Gastroentérologie et Nutrition. These recommendations were updated with new data and technical innovations appearing over the last decade. Ileocolonoscopy is primarily indicated for digestive bleeding or anemia and for suspected inflammatory bowel disease. It is now indicated in inflammatory bowel disease for control of mucosal healing after medical treatment and relapse after surgical resection. Iterative ileocolonoscopy is primarily indicated for genetic polyposis and well defined for familial adenomatous polyposis. The contraindications were not modified.