Esophagitis may be more common in kids with ASD

A new study reports that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a higher rate of esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus, than their neurotypical peers.

In the study, Sonia Ballal and colleagues analyzed esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) test results for 2,104 patients matched for age and gender. EGD is a test used to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the intestine). Of the group of children who were tested, 526 children had ASD, 526 had developmental delays, and 1,052 were typically developing children. The most common reason for testing was reflux. 

The researchers say that while an ASD diagnosis was not an independent predictor of abnormal microscopic findings in the stomach or duodenum, it was a significant independent predictor of abnormal findings in the esophagus. They conclude, “These results underscore the importance of upper endoscopy in children with ASD.” 

Citation

“Comparing gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in children with autism, developmental delay or typical development,” Sonia A. Ballal, Saige Greenwell, Enju Liu, Timothy Buie, Jocelyn Silvester, Mckenzie Leier, Maura Filippelli, Athos Bousvaros, and Bridget Hron, Journal of Pediatrics, September 15, 2020 (online). Address: Sonia A. Ballal, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, sonia. [email protected].