Optimal duration of medical treatment in superior mesenteric artery syndrome in children.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome, and optimal duration of medical treatment in children with superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). Eighteen children with SMAS were retrospectively studied. The data reviewed included demographics, presenting symptoms, co-morbid conditions, clinical courses, nutritional status, treatments, and outcomes. The three most common symptoms were postprandial discomfort (67.7%), abdominal pain (61.1%), and early satiety (50%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 68 days. The most common co-morbid condition was weight loss (50%), followed by growth spurt (22.2%) and bile reflux gastropathy (16.7%). Body mass index (BMI) was normal in 72.2% of the patients. Medical management was successful in 13 patients (72.2%). The median duration of treatment was 45 days. Nine patients (50%) had good outcomes without recurrence, 5 patients (27.8%) had moderate outcomes, and 4 patients (22.2%) had poor outcomes. A time limit of >6 weeks for the duration of medical management tended to be associated with worse outcomes (P=0.018). SMAS often developed in patients with normal BMI or no weight loss. Medical treatment has a high success rate, and children with SMAS should be treated medically for at least 6 weeks before surgical treatment is considered.

• Authors: Myung Seok Shin, Jae Young Kim
• Journal: Journal of Korean medical science (J Korean Med Sci) Vol. 28 Issue 8 Pg. 1220-5 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 1598-6357 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 23960451 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dopamine Antagonists
• Histamine H2 Antagonists
• Domperidone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Bile Reflux (diagnosis)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Demography
• Domperidone (therapeutic use)
• Dopamine Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Histamine H2 Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Parenteral Nutrition
• Retrospective Studies
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Time Factors
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Treatment Outcome
• Weight Loss