Aim: This study aims to determine the sequelae of corrosive ingestion in children. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at a Tertiary Center. The children presenting between January 2015 and December 2020 with a history of ingestion of caustic agents were included in the study. Results: A total of 26 children were included in the study. The children with suicidal attempts were significantly older than those who ingested the corrosive agents accidentally (14.2 ± 1.9 years vs. 6 ± 3.3 years; P < 0.01; Student's t-test). Sixteen (62%) children had esophageal strictures, 8 (31%) had pyloric strictures, and a child (4%) had both esophageal and gastric strictures. Eight (31%) children required an initial feeding jejunostomy and 6 (23%) required a feeding gastrostomy as they had significant weight loss on presentation. Eleven (65%) esophageal strictures responded to the dilatation regimen and are symptom-free on follow-up. Three (18%) children with esophageal stricture underwent esophageal replacement. Eight (31%) children had a pyloric stricture and all of them were treated with a modified Billroth I gastro-duodenostomy. The children who presented after 2 months were found to have a significantly increased need for esophageal replacement (3/9 vs. 0/17; P = 0.03; Fischer's exact test). Conclusion: The corrosive ingestion in children is associated with higher morbidity. The sequelae include esophageal and antro-pyloric strictures. A feeding gastrostomy or jejunostomy was required in more than half of the patients. The children presenting after 2 months of ingestion were associated with an increased need for esophageal replacement.

Management of portal hypertension in children has evolved over the past several decades. Portal hypertension can result from intrahepatic or extrahepatic causes. Management should be tailored to the child based on the etiology of the portal hypertension and on the functionality of the liver. It frequently presents with bleeding from esophageal varices. Precise diagnosis, a sound understanding of the therapeutic options and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for successful management. KEYWORDSPortal hypertension. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE:Muniswamy KM, Naidu HTR, Vasudev RB. Management of portal hypertension in paediatric age group.