Abstract
Oesophageal dilatation is the most widely used treatment option for the management of oesophageal strictures. Complications include bleeding, a slight increase in body temperature, thoracic or abdominal pain, oesophageal perforation, brain abscess and bacteraemia. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of postdilatation bacteraemia in nine patients subjected to a total of 50 dilatations. Bacteraemia was detected in 36 cases (72%), In all but three cases, however, it was transient and not associated with fever or other clinical complications. The organisms most commonly responsible (64%) were alpha-haemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus viridans), probably originating as contaminants from the oropharynx and oesophagus and introduced into the bloodstream during dilatation. Despite the relatively low incidence of bacteraemia-related postdilatation complications, the potential severity of such complications argues for the use of antibiotic prophylaxis as a routine measure prior to oesophageal dilatation.
Conclusion Oesophageal dilatation is associated with a high incidence of bacteraemia. The organisms most commonly responsible were alpha-haemolytic streptococci. We recomend the use of antibiotic prophylaxis as a routine measure prior to oesophageal dilatation.
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Received: 23 September 1997 / Accepted: 3 March 1998 and in revised form: 24 February 1998
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Bautista-Casasnovas, A., Varela-Cives, R., Estévez Martínez, E. et al. What is the infection risk of oesophageal dilatations?. Eur J Pediatr 157, 901–903 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050963
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050963