Efficacy and Safety of EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA in Children: A Systematic
Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle
Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and Transesophageal Bronchoscopic
Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) are established
modalities for evaluation of mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy in
adults. Limited literature is available on the utility of these
modalities in the pediatric population. Herein, we perform a systematic
review and meta-analysis on the yield and safety of EBUS-TBNA and
EUS-B-FNA in children. Methods: We performed a systematic search of the
PubMed and EMBASE databases to extract the studies reporting the
utilization of EBUS-TBNA/EUS-B-FNA in children (<18 years of
age). Pooled diagnostic yield and sampling adequacy (proportions with
95% confidence intervals) were calculated using the random-effects
model. Details of any procedure-related complications were noted.
Results: The search yielded 12 relevant studies (five case series and
seven case reports on EBUS-TBNA/EUS-B-FNA, 173 patients). Data from five
case series (164 patients) were summarized for the calculation of
sampling adequacy and diagnostic yield. Safety outcomes were extracted
from all publications. The pooled sampling adequacy and combined
diagnostic yield of EBUS TBNA/EUS-B-FNA were 98% (95% CI, 92-100%)
and 61% (95% CI, 43-77%) respectively. A procedure-related major
complication was reported in 1 patient (1/173, Major complication rate
0.6%), and minor complications occurred in 6 patients (6/173, Minor
complication rate 3.5%). Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA are safe
modalities for evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the
pediatric population. EBUS-TBNA/EUS-B-FNA may be considered as the
first-line diagnostic modalities for this indication as they have a good
diagnostic yield and can avoid the need for invasive diagnostic
procedures.