Crying does not exacerbate gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

The behavior and intraluminal esophageal pH of 48 infants (5-26 weeks old) were continuously recorded during the 120-min period following their ingestion of a standard volume of apple juice (pH approximately 4). To evaluate the effect of three basic behavior states on the frequency of infant gastroesophageal reflux, the data from all 19 of these infants who spent time in all three behavior states during the 120-min study were analyzed for this study. Results were expressed as the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux episodes per hour of time spent crying, per hour of time awake without crying, and per hour of time asleep. Reflux frequency while crying was compared to reflux frequency while awake without crying; reflux frequency awake (both crying and not crying combined) was compared to reflux frequency asleep. The results indicate that, as has been shown previously, sleeping decreases reflux frequency [nine (1-48) episodes per hour awake vs. two (0-134) episodes per hour asleep, expressed as median (range), p = 0.025], but that, contrary to expectation, crying appears to decrease rather than increase both reflux frequency [11 (0-84) episodes per hour crying vs. 17 (0-213) episodes per hour awake without crying, p = 0.035] and total duration [21% (0-79) of crying time with pH less than 4 vs. 41% (0-93) of noncrying awake time with pH less than 4, p = 0.025]. Crying does not exacerbate reflux in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease.     

Postprandial tachygastria is frequent in infants with gastroesophageal reflux

Cutaneous electrogastrography (EGG) enables non-invasive recording of gastric electrical activity (GEA). Controversial EGG and ultrasonographic (US) results have been described in infants suffering from gastroesophageal reflux (GER). It was the aim of this study to investigate GEA using transcutaneous EGG in a group of infants free of symptoms indicative of GER and a group with GER (mean age 10 months, (range 3–36 months)) and to investigate gastric emptying in both groups using US. We also investigated possible correlations between EGG and US parameters of the gastric emptying curve. The EGG was recorded over a period of at least 120 min (60 min preprandial to 60 min postprandial). US measurements were made just after completion of the meal and then every 30 min up to 180 min. In infants with GER significantly more tachygastria occured in the postprandial period when compared to healthy infants, in whom normogastria was predominantly observed (P < 0.05). The sonographically-measured gastric emptying curve could be defined in all infants using an exponential function. No significant differences between the groups were noted; there was no significant correlation between EGG parameters and the De Meester score or parameters of the sonographically-measured gastric emptying curve. From the results of this study, transcutaneous EGG recorded within the postprandial period can be of potential clinical value for non-invasive GER screening in infants. However, the EGG cannot be utilized to investigate gastric emptying in infants. Accepted: 10 March 1998     

Effect of metoclopramide on prolonged intraesophageal pH testing in infants with gastroesophageal reflux

The effect of metoclopramide (MCP) on prolonged intraesophageal pH testing was evaluated in 42 infants with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Following a baseline period of intraesophageal pH monitoring, MCP was administered by injection at 0.1 mg/kg/dose (10 patients), 0.2 mg/kg/dose (11 patients), or 0.3 mg/kg/dose (21 patients). The percentage of time of intraesophageal pH less than 4, reflux frequency, and acid clearance time were calculated for each subject before and after MCP for both 5% dextrose and formula feedings. These parameters were further separated into 2-hour or shorter and more than 2-hour postprandial periods. No significant differences with either type of feeding were noted at either 0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg/dose. Significant decreases in the percentage of time the intraesophageal pH was less than 4 (30.0 +/- 2.9 versus 15.6 +/- 3.1, p = 0.001), the reflux frequency (episodes/hour; 6.5 +/- 0.9 versus 4.0 +/- 0.6, p = 0.004), and the acid clearance time (minutes/episode; 3.8 +/- 0.7 versus 2.2 +/- 0.3, p = 0.047) were noted in the 2-hour or shorter period following 5% dextrose feedings but not following the formula feedings in the subjects receiving 0.3 mg/kg/dose. Three of the 42 study patients developed increased irritability, and one developed dystonia following MCP. These data suggest that if a clinical trial of MCP in infants with GER is performed, a larger dose of the medication than previously appreciated might be required.     

Stridor and gastroesophageal reflux in infants

A relation was found between persistent stridor and gastroesophageal reflux in seven infants, aged 6 weeks to 6 months. Stridor began at 11 days to 2 months of age, and four of the seven infants had transient hypercarbia on at least one occasion before study. Only one had a history of frequent vomiting; three had recurrent pneumonia. Midesophageal pH, chest and abdominal movement, exhaled carbon dioxide partial pressure, and heart rate of six of the infants were recorded for 4 to 12 hours as they slept. Esophageal pH of the seventh infant was recorded for 24 hours. In the six completely studied infants, there were persistent increases of greater than 10 mm Hg in exhaled carbon dioxide level (three infants), of greater than 10 breaths per minute in respiratory rate (four infants), and in retractions and stridor (six infants) 5 to 20 minutes after onset of reflux. Stridor improved with medical management in 48 hours (five of five infants) and disappeared in 3 weeks (three of five infants) to 2 months (one of five infants). One of these medically treated infants subsequently was treated by Nissen gastric fundoplication because of a recurrence of persistent and severe stridor. Three infants had antireflux surgery, and in two of these stridor disappeared in 48 hours. In the third infant stridor disappeared 3 weeks after surgery. Based on this experience, reflux occasionally causes stridor, probably because of acute inflammation of the upper airway. If structural anomalies are ruled out, infants with severe stridor should be examined for gastroesophageal reflux.     

Myth: gastroesophageal reflux is a pathological entity in the preterm infant

There is concern about possible consequences of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in preterm infants. GER is perceived to be a frequent condition in these infants, often causing an exhaustive investigation and expensive therapy. We review current evidence for and against an association between GER and apnea, failure to thrive, wheezing and respiratory diseases. Although there are some limitations to the methodologies currently used for detecting GER, there is clearly a lack of unequivocal evidence supporting a causal relationship between GER and its assumed consequences, particularly in preterm infants. Despite physiologic data that stimulation of laryngeal efferents by GER may induce apnea, there is little evidence for a causal relationship between GER and apnea. Studies on preterm infants with failure to thrive have also not demonstrated an association between the latter and GER in most cases, and there is equally little evidence for a casual relationship with respiratory problems. Therefore, we believe that GER in preterm infants is only rarely associated with serious consequences and existing evidence does not support the widespread use of anti-reflux medications for treatment of these signs in this age group. An improvement of methods to identify the few preterm infants at risk for developing serious consequences of GER is urgently needed.     

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants

Gastroesophageal reflux is commonly encountered in the infant population. Most children will outgrow their reflux but some develop pervasive disease and require medical or surgical treatment. Many tools exist for use in the workup of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the most effective method of diagnosis is not clear. Delineating which patients will benefit from more definitive therapy is a remarkable challenge in this group, often borrowing tools and principles from the adult patient population. Therefore, we reviewed the available literature to critically evaluate the merits and limitations of the current diagnostic modalities available for the evaluation of infantile gastroesophageal reflux.     

Acid gastroesophageal reflux in convalescent preterm infants: effect of posture and relationship to apnea

Concerns regarding gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and associated apnea episodes result in some practitioners having convalescent, prematurely born infants sleep in the prone position. We have tested the hypothesis that such infants would not suffer from clinically important acid GER or associated apnea episodes more in the supine compared with the prone position. Lower esophageal pH was measured and videopolysomnographic recordings of nasal airflow, chest and abdominal wall movements, electrocardiographic activity, and oxygen saturation were made on two successive days of 21 premature infants (median gestational age 28 wk) at a median postmenstrual age (PMA) of 36 wk. On each day, the infants were studied prone and supine. The acid reflux index was higher in the supine compared with the prone position (median 3% versus 0%, p = 0.002), but was low in both positions. The number of obstructive apnea episodes per hour was higher in the supine position (p = 0.008). There were, however, no statistically significant correlations between the amount of acid GER and the number of either obstructive or total apnea episodes in either the supine or prone position. Supine compared with prone sleeping neither increases clinically important acid GER nor obstructive apnea episodes associated with acid GER in asymptomatic, convalescent, prematurely born infants.     

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in preterm infants.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in very low birthweight infants was studied using a new 1 mm monocrystalline antimony oesophageal pH electrode. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was detected in 30 (85%) subjects. The mean (SEM) number of episodes of reflux in 24 hours was 12.1 (2.1), and 3.2 (0.6) lasted over five minutes. The mean reflux index was 4.5 (1.0)%, and the longest episode 17.1 (4.6) 17.1. Reflux was unrelated to postconceptional age or to resting lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. The mean reflux index was low at rest before feeds, being 1.8 (0.6)%, and increased slightly after feeds (3.8 (1.0)%), but was significantly increased after nursing care to 16.4 (3.0)%, and while xanthines were being given (5.9 (1.6)%. A subgroup of seven infants with xanthine resistant apnoea had severe gastro-oesophageal reflux that was not clinically apparent (reflux index 27.4 (3.6)%). Successful treatment of the reflux (reflux index: 3.6 (1.2)%) was associated with cessation of the apnoea. We conclude that gastro-oesophageal reflux is common, and is usually not clinically apparent, even when severe. It is important to consider gastro-oesophageal reflux in the differential diagnosis of xanthine resistant apnoea in preterm infants.     

Influence of nasogastric tubes on gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants: a multiple intraluminal impedance study

To investigate whether a nasogastric tube predisposes to gastroesophageal reflux, 16 preterm infants underwent 48-hour recordings of multiple intraluminal impedance with the catheter tip in the lower esophagus or stomach for 24 hours each. There were 72 (range, 40-145) reflux episodes with the esophageal placement and 122 (range, 60-147) during the gastric position (P <.01).     

Effect of methylxanthines on periodic respiration and acid gastroesophageal reflux in newborn infants

The treatment of neonatal apnea and bradycardia with methylated xanthines--theophylline and caffeine--is generally accepted. Besides the desired effects of these drugs they induce a wide range of side effects including relaxation of smooth muscles and increased gastric secretion. The aims of this study were, at first to investigate the coincidence of periodic breathing (PA) and acid gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in neonates (n = 15) without therapy; at second to examine the influence of the consecutive medication with theophylline and caffeine on these parameters in patients (n = 10) with recurrent episodes of bradycardia and apnea. A 24 h esophageal pH-monitoring and 24 h cardiorespirography were performed simultaneously under standarized conditions. In the 15 neonates studied a weak correlation was found between the time spent breathing periodically and the duration of GER; the overlap of PB and GER was minimal. Theophylline and caffeine medication resulted in a marked reduction of PB which was more pronounced than it could be expected from maturation. The total time of a 24 h esophageal pH-monitoring was subdivided in an early postprandial time (FPP: first two hours after the beginning of a meal) and a late postprandial time (SPP: remaining time until the following meal). An increased duration of acid GER was observed during the SPP under therapy with theophylline and even more distinct with caffeine treatment.     

Extensively hydrolyzed protein formula reduces acid gastro-esophageal reflux in symptomatic preterm infants

Background

Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is diagnosed frequently in preterm infants. Pharmacological treatment of GER has some potential side effects. Conservative treatment of GER should be the first-line approach and should include body positioning and diet modifications.Formula-fed preterm infants experience frequently symptoms of feeding intolerance. Hydrolyzed protein formula (HPF) is often used in these infants due to their effects on gastrointestinal motility.

Aims

To investigate the role of an extensively HPF (eHPF) on GER indexes in formula-fed preterm infants with symptoms of both GER and feeding intolerance.

Study design

Randomized crossover trial

Subjects

Preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 33 weeks) with symptoms of feeding intolerance (large gastric residuals, abdominal distension and constipation) and GER (frequent regurgitations and/or postprandial desaturations).

Outcome measures

GER indexes detected by 24-h combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring. GER indexes detected after 4 feeds of an eHPF were compared to those detected after 4 feeds of a standard preterm formula (SPF) by Wilcoxon signed ranks test. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

eHPF significantly reduced the number of GERs detected by pH monitoring (p = 0.036) and also the reflux index (p = 0.044) compared to SPF. No differences in impedance bolus exposure indexes nor in GER height were detected.

Conclusions

The use of an eHPF should be evaluated for reducing esophageal acid exposure in preterm infants with feeding intolerance and symptoms of GER. Future research should focus on the evaluation of an eHPF adequate for preterm infants in improving clinical symptoms of GER.     

Fundoplication in preterm infants with gastro-oesophageal reflux

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in preterm infants may result in recurrent pulmonary insult due to aspiration of gastric contents, and intractable obstructive apnoea. Fundoplication is effective in controlling reflux when medical management has failed. Our experience between 1981 and 1990 was reviewed to assess the efficacy of early surgery in the management of 11 such infants. The infants had a median gestational age of 29 weeks and a median birthweight of 1032 g. Nine infants had fundoplication for recurrent aspiration pneumonitis and two for intractable apnoea. The median age at the time of surgery was 100 days and the median weight of the infants was 2640 g. Nine infants were oxygen dependent and two were still ventilated at the time of surgery. The operative procedure was well tolerated by 10 of the 11 infants. Surgery failed to control reflux in two infants, although good control was obtained in the one who had subsequent surgery. Three infants required prolonged ventilation postoperatively; two of them died later from pulmonary failure. The median time to discharge was 24 days (8-113 days). All infants with intractable apnoea were cured by surgery. Fundoplication is an effective method of management when used early in the treatment of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux in preterm infants. There is minimal morbidity from the surgical procedure.     

Starch thickening of human milk is ineffective in reducing the gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants: a crossover study using intraluminal impedance

We evaluated the efficacy of the thickening of human milk by precooked starch in reducing gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants. Five preterm infants with frequent regurgitations (median gestational age, 28 weeks; range, 27 to 32 weeks; median birth weight, 990 g; range, 570 to 1900 g) were fed alternately during 24 hours with four meals of fortified maternal milk (milk A) and four meals of fortified maternal milk thickened by 1.5 g of precooked starch per 100 mL of milk (milk B). The acidic and buffered refluxes were detected by simultaneous pH monitoring and multiple intraluminal impedance. Eight feeding periods for each baby were recorded. The number of the acidic (34 after milk A vs 36 after milk B) and buffered (112 after milk A vs 134 after milk B) episodes of gastroesophageal reflux did not differ. Thickening human milk by precooked starch is ineffective in reducing gastroesophageal reflux in premature infants.