Confocal laser endomicroscopy of the digestive tract in children

In this review article briefly described history, principles, technique and clinical applications of confocal laser endomicroscopy. This technology allows to expand the diagnostic ability of traditional white light endoscopy and to assess effectiveness of therapeutic procedures in different gastrointestinal diseases. New experimental and clinical data in assessing inflammatory changes of the digestive tract, small bowel barrier dysfunction as a predictor of relapse for inflammatory bowel disease, applying of the technology in irritable bowel syndrome and Hirschsprung disease is presented. Examples of reports in adult patients are given, which can potentially be extremely useful in pediatric patients. Problems and perspectives regarding application of optical biopsy for gastrointestinal tract in pediatric practice are discussed.