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In children, most colonic polyps are juvenile polyps with negligible risk for malignant transformation. The exception is juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) where there is a risk for developing colon cancer. The authors studied differences in clinical features and colonoscopic findings in children with solitary juvenile polyps (SJP), multiple juvenile polyps (MJP), and JPS. Methods. Children were identified as SJP (1 polyp), MJP (2-4 polyps), or JPS (>5 polyps). Demographic data, laboratory values, family history, and colonoscopic findings were recorded. Results. Children having polypectomy had juvenile polyps (93%), adenomatous polyps (5%), and Peutz–Jegher syndrome (3%). Juvenile polyps were classified as SJP (67%), MJP (16%), and JPS (17%). Children with SJP were younger, were more likely to have polyps limited to the rectosigmoid colon, and had larger polyps than children with MJP and JPS. Anemia was more common in JPS than MJP and SJP. Conclusion. Clinical and endoscopic findings differ between SJP, MJP, and JPS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may benefit from gastric acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole. Effective treatment with pantoprazole requires correct dosing and understanding of the drug’s kinetic profile in children. The aim of these studies was to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of single and multiple doses of pantoprazole delayed-release tablets in pediatric patients with GERD aged 6 to 11 years (study 1) and 12 to 16 years (study 2). Patients were randomly assigned to receive pantoprazole 20 or 40 mg once daily. Plasma pantoprazole concentrations were obtained at intervals through 12 hours after the single dose and at 2 and 4 hours after multiple doses for PK evaluation. PK parameters were derived by standard noncompartmental methods and examined as a function of both drug dose and patient age. Safety was also monitored. Pantoprazole PK was dose independent (when dose normalized) and similar to PK reported from adult studies. There was no evidence of accumulation with multiple dosing or reports of serious drug-associated adverse events. In children aged 6 to 16 years with GERD, currently available pantoprazole delayed-release tablets can be used to provide systemic exposure similar to that in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]