Predictors of stricture formation after photodynamic therapy for high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND

Stricture formation is the leading cause of long-term morbidity after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Risk factors for stricture formation have not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To assess risk factors for stricture formation in patients undergoing PDT for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Barrett's Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

METHODS

Records of patients undergoing PDT for HGD were reviewed. Patients underwent PDT by using either bare cylindrical diffusing fibers (2.5-5.0 cm in length) or balloon diffusers with 5- to 7-cm windows. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for stricture formation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Esophageal stricture formation.

RESULTS

Thirty-five of 131 patients (27%) developed strictures. On multivariate analysis, statistically significant predictors of stricture formation were the following: EMR before PDT was odds ratio (OR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-6.59; a prior history of esophageal stricture was OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.15-6.47; and the number of PDT applications was OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.22-4.12. The OR for stricture formation in patients when centering balloons were used was 0.41, 95% CI 0.11-1.46, P = .168, indicating that centering balloons did not significantly decrease the risk of stricture formation.

LIMITATIONS: Retrospective single-center study; small proportion of patients treated with centering balloons.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for development of strictures after PDT included history of a prior esophageal stricture, performance of EMR before PDT, and more than 1 PDT application in 1 treatment session. The use of centering balloons was not associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of stricture formation.