2023-08-19 18:29:48
The Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Puerto Rico brought together pediatric gastroenterologists this weekend for its 11th annual symposium.
By: Luisa Ochoa
August 19, 2023
During the annual convention on pediatric gastroenterology held by the Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Puerto Rico on Saturday, August 19, the main challenges of managing gastrointestinal conditions in children.
the 11th symposium The annual event had an updated approach to conditions prevalent in the pediatric population of Puerto Rico, such as celiac disease, fatty liver, eosinophilic esophagitis, helicobacter pylori infection, and obesity.
In this regard, the Journal of Medicine and Health Pública spoke exclusively with Dr. Leonardo Hormaza, president of the Association of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Puerto Rico, regarding the latest in this annual congress.
“This year we address the most common conditions in pediatric gastroenterology. For example, the first was celiac disease, then fatty liver, which is being seen a lot in childrenhelicobacter pylori bacteria, obesity and other issues”.
See the complete interview with Dr. Leonardo Hormaza here.
Fatty liver disease in children
The specialist warned that fatty liver disease is occurring more frequently in children and it is important to treat this condition early to avoid progressive deterioration of the liver.
“Terminal damage to the liver is not as common in children, but it can happen, in fact I have cared for a 12-year-old patient with cirrhosis. In Puerto Rico we do not have fatty liver statistics, but in the United States a study found that 3% of children Those who had been autopsied had fatty liver.”
The specialist also explained the updated management of helicobacter pylori infection in children. This bacterium is the most common cause of stomach ulcers and is transmitted through saliva.
“Usually, it occurs in people who smoke and if the patient has a father who smokes, he can transmit the bacteria to him. Another risk factor is being Latino and having a low socioeconomic status.”
The latest on eosinophilic esophagitis
On the other hand, Dr. Chiara Biaggi, a pediatric gastroenterologist, addressed the updates on eosinophilic esophagitis, another of the conditions that is being seen more frequently in the child population of Puerto Rico.
“Almost every pediatrician is going to have one, two, or three patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and it’s a condition to watch out for because in a child with persistent reflux who isn’t getting better with antacid, esophagitis is a condition to consider. in the differential diagnosis”, he indicated.
See the full interview with Dr. Chiara Biaggi here.
It should be mentioned that eosinophilic esophagitis in children It can manifest through reflux, heartburn, feeding difficulties, vomiting, weight loss, and difficulty swallowing food or drinks.
“It is not the same to diagnose this condition in adulthood as it is in a child who is growing and developing, so pediatric gastroenterologists have to focus on controlling the disease and ensuring that it does not interfere with the child’s development and quality of life. intact life”, emphasized the specialist.
Pediatric gastroenterology in Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico there are 16 pediatric gastroenterologists who care for these conditions in the children. According to Dr. Hormaza, in the last five years two specialists emigrated to the United States and another two retired; however, other doctors have returned to join their practice on the Island.
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