BACKGROUND
Pediatric subglottic stenosis (SGS) sometimes develops abruptly and needs rapid treatment. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is a novel method for treating children with SGS endoscopically.
OBJECTIVE
The primary goal of this study was to systematically identify all relevant published articles on the use of primary endoscopic balloon dilation for the management of pediatric patients with subglottic stenosis, critically assess the technique's success, and determine which patients are the best candidates for the procedure.
METHODS
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to investigate the use and success rate of EBD for treating pediatric SGS. An electronic systematic literature search of three major databases,PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science&MEDLINE through Clarivate,was conducted to include the eligible articles.
RESULTS
A total of 14 unique studies were included in the final analysis, with 473 cases of pediatric SGS. The pooled success rate of EBD in treatment of pediatric SGS was 76% (k = 14 studies, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65-0.86, P <.001, Q test for heterogeneity = 0.03, P <.001, I2 = 91%).
CONCLUSIONS
We reported a high success rate of EBD in treating pediatric SGS. The reported complications were uncommon, although they can be serious and life-threatening. The intensity of SGS may be related to the likelihood of therapy failure.