Clinical, endoscopic, and histological characterization of pediatric patients with colorectal polyps attended at the center for digestive diseases and the IHSS-HRN from 2021-2022

Abstract

Background: Colorectal polyps are the most common cause of non-anemizing lower gastrointestinal bleeding. They occur in approximately 3–4% of individuals younger than 21 years. Objective: To describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histological characteristics of pediatric patients with colorectal polyps treated between January 2021 and August 2022. Patients and Methods: A descriptive, analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Non-probability convenience sampling was used, and data were collected באמצעות a structured form-based instrument. Results: There was a predominance of male sex, mestizo ethnicity, age between 5 and 10 years, and urban origin. The main reason for consultation was lower gastrointestinal bleeding, which, together with polyp prolapse, constituted the two reported gastrointestinal symptoms. Endoscopically, the most frequent findings were 1–4 polyps, with rectal location and sessile appearance. Polypectomy proved to be a safe procedure. Inflammatory polyps were the most frequent histological finding. Conclusions: Colorectal polyps should be the primary suspected diagnosis in pediatric patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding not associated with diarrhea or constipation. Early referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist contributes to prompt improvement in the patient’s quality of life; however, it is currently performed late. No statistically significant association was found between age, sex, polyp morphology, and histological diagnosis.