Supraesophageal complications of gastroesophageal reflux in children: challenges in diagnosis and treatment

COMBINED 24-HOURS ESOPHAGEAL PH MONITORING AND MULTICHANNEL INTRALUMINAL IMPEDANCE FOR COMPARISON OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN CHILDREN WITH TYPICAL VERSUS ATYPICAL SYMPTOMS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

ABSTRACT Background - Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common esophageal disorder in pediatrics. Objective - The aim of this study was to compare reflux parameters of typical and atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease using 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and multichannel intraluminal impedance in pediatric population. Methods - In this prospective study, 43 patients aged less than 18 year with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the main presenting symptoms (typical versus atypical). Twenty four-hour pH monitoring and multichannel intraluminal impedance were performed in all the patients for comparing these two group regarding association of symptoms and reflux. Number of refluxes, pH related reflux, total reflux time, reflux more than 5 minutes, longest time of the reflux, lowest pH at reflux, reflux index were recorded and compared. Data comparison was done using SPSS. Results - The mean age of the patients was 5.7±3.4 years and 65.1% were male. Out of 43 patients 24 cases had typical symptoms and 19 had atypical symptoms. The mean reflux events detected by multichannel intraluminal impedance was more than mean reflux events detected by pH monitoring (308.4±115.8 vs 69.7±66.6) with P value of 0.037, which is statistically significant. The mean symptom index and symptom association probability were 35.01% ± 20.78% and 86.42% ± 25.79%, respectively in multichannel intraluminal impedance versus 12.73% ± 12.48% and 45.16% ± 42.29% in pH monitoring (P value <0.001). Number of acid reflux was 46.26±47.16 and 30.9±22.09 for atypical and typical symptoms respectively. The mean symptom index was 18.12% ± 13.101% and 8.30% ± 10.301% in atypical and typical symptoms respectively (P=0.034). Bolus clearance was longer in atypical symptoms compared typical symptoms(P<0.05). Conclusion - Symptom index was significantly higher in atypical symptoms compared to typical symptoms. Higher number of acid reflux was found in children with atypical symptoms of reflux. Longer duration of bolus clearance was found in group with atypical symptoms of reflux.

Pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis

Objective

To assess pharyngeal acid reflux (PAR) exposure with flexible laryngoscopy-guided pharyngeal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.

Study Design

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Charts of 10 infants with laryngitis who underwent pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring were reviewed. Data included history, physical examination, and pharyngoesophageal pH monitoring findings.

Results

Six infants had PAR. Two patients were on acid suppressive therapy and exhibited PAR. The number of PAR observed in six infants ranged between 1 and 81. The percent acid exposure time (AET) in the pharynx was between 0.1% and 1.2%. Esophageal acid reflux documented in nine infants ranged between 5 and 173. The percent AET in the esophagus was between 0.1% and 4.8%.

Conclusions

The majority of the studied infants with laryngitis had PAR. Not all esophageal acid reflux reached the pharynx. Pharyngeal pH monitoring provides additional information that cannot be obtained with esophageal pH monitoring in infants with laryngitis.

Association of Reflux With Otitis Media in Children

OBJECTIVES: To confirm the finding of pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear fluid of children with chronic or recurrent otitis media (OME or ROM), and to ask parents about symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

METHODS: Middle ear fluid was collected from children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement. We tested this fluid for pepsin/pepsinogen using a proteolytic enzyme assay and an ELISA. Parents completed questionnaires about symptoms of GER in their children.

RESULTS: We collected 36 samples from 22 children; 16 of 22 children (73%) were positive with the proteolytic assay; 17 (77%) were positive with ELISA. Questionnaires did not show increased GER symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: We replicated the finding of pepsin/pepsinogen in middle ear fluid of children with OME or ROM, but did not find any increase in GER symptoms. Further research is needed to establish a causative link between GER and OM.

Otitis media in adults as a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Sixty patients with OME with unknown causes were asked to answer a new questionnaire specific for the diagnosis of GER disease; pepsinogen (PG) levels in their middle-ear effusions (MEEs) were measured.

RESULTS: The percentage of patients with high PG concentrations in their MEEs was significantly higher in those with questionnaire-positive GER than in those with questionnaire-negative GER. OME was present bilaterally in a significantly higher percentage of patients with questionnaire-positive GER. The PG levels decreased in some of the patients after receiving proton pump inhibitors, which also decreased the symptoms of GER.

CONCLUSION: The presence of PG in MEEs supports the existence of GER; treatment for GER should be considered in patients with ear complaints, especially in those who have GER-related symptoms.

© 2007 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.

Role of GERD in children with otitis media with effusion

OBJECTIVES

To establish whether Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) plays a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME) patients and to find if there is any association between GERD symptoms and OME. Also, to detect presence of pepsinogen in the middle ear aspirate and to demonstrate pepsinogen band by electrophoresis.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Middle ear effusion samples were collected from 32 children undergoing surgery for OME.The samples were measured for pepsinogen level as well as total protein content. Samples were subjected to electrophoresis study by SDS PAGE (Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis).

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients out of 32 were found to have higher pepsinogen level in their middle ear effusion samples than the cut off value of 90 mg/ml.The lack of symptoms associated with GERD among the children in this study corroborates with other similar studies in the world literature. It was also statistically shown that the association between GERD score and pepsinogen level was insignificant (P = 0.512).

CONCLUSIONS

OME appears to be multifactorial disease.GERD may be one of the contributing factors in the etiopathogenisis of OME.

Pulmonary complications of gastrointestinal disorders

The pulmonary involvement concurrent with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is often clinically subtle. Radiological manifestations might lag behind the respiratory compromise, and only such specialized testing as high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), permeability studies with labelled proteins, or comprehensive pulmonary function tests (PFTs) may be sensitive enough to detect the evolving pathophysiology. Increasing recognition of specific entities, such as immune-mediated alveolitis, will allow implementation of therapies that can significantly improve a patient's prognosis.

[Comparison between conventional ph measurement and multichannel intraluminal esophageal impedance in children with respiratory disorders]

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is associated with respiratory symptoms. The link between non-acid GER and the pathogenesis of respiratory disease has been demonstrated. Esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) is able to detect non-acid and alkaline GER, as well as reflux height. The objective of the study was to compare the diagnostic effectiveness of dual-channel pH-meter and MII.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with uncontrolled asthma, persistent cough, or chronic laryngitis. Patients were monitored continuously for 24 hours using a combination of MII and a dual-channel pH-meter. A descriptive and comparative analysis of the techniques was performed using the t test for comparison between groups and McNemar test for non-parametric data.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients with respiratory disease between September 2008 and April 2010 (79.6% uncontrolled asthma, 10.2% persistent cough, and 10.2% chronic laryngitis) were included in the study. The mean number of refluxes detected was 18.3 (range 0-93) using the pH-meter and 39.2 (11-119) using MII (P<.001). Acid GER was detected using pH in 7 children and using MII in 25 children (8 acid, 10 alkaline and 7 mixed). A mean of 21 proximal refluxes were detected using MII.

CONCLUSIONS

MII makes it possible to diagnose a greater number of refluxes, whether acid or alkaline, than conventional pH measurement in children with respiratory disease that is poorly controlled with their usual treatment. MII can also detect proximal refluxes.

Effect of different pH criteria on dual-sensor pH monitoring in the evaluation of supraesophageal gastric reflux in children

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Existing tests for supraesophageal gastric reflux (SEGR) that focus on pH drops <4 in the proximal esophagus have had limited sensitivity and specificity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of newly proposed pH criteria on SEGR detection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four-hour dual-sensor pH tracings of 32 patients were reviewed. Proximal esophageal pH data were evaluated according to the conventional definition of pH drop <4 and 2 proposed definitions: pH drop <5.5 while upright and <5.0 while supine and pH drop of >10% from a running baseline. For each potential SEGR event, the preceding 1-minute window was examined for corresponding distal acid reflux.

RESULTS

Of the 542 distal acid reflux events detected, 200 were associated with a proximal pH drop <4; this number increased to 295 using the definition of proximal pH drop <5.5 (upright)/<5.0 (supine) and 301 using the definition of proximal pH drop >10%. A proportion of proximal events, however, was not associated with distal acid reflux: 21 of 200 (10.5%) proximal pH <4 events, 119 of 414 (29%) proximal pH <5.5 (upright)/<5.0 (supine) events, and 272 of 573 (47%) proximal pH drop >10% events lacked a preceding or simultaneous drop in distal pH <4.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of more liberal pH criteria increased the diagnostic yield for SEGR events with dual-sensor monitoring, a significant proportion of proximal pH events did not correlate with distal acid reflux. These events could represent either false-positive measurements or association with weakly acid reflux.

Comparison of esophageal pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance testing in pediatric patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND

Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) is a pH-independent method of assessing gastroesophageal reflux.

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MII-pH as compared with conventional pH monitoring in detecting reflux events (REs) and symptom association in different age groups.

METHODS

: A prospective direct comparison of 2 diagnostic techniques on 291 consecutive patients referred for suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of MII-pH versus pH monitoring and symptom association were measured.

RESULTS

MII-pH detected 13631 REs, 6260 (46%) of which were nonacid. The prevalence of weakly acid refluxes in the 24 hours and postprandial period as well as the proximal extension of refluxate were significantly greater in infants as compared with children (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.01, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy of combined MII-pH in revealing all RE and acid RE were significantly higher in infants as compared with children (92% vs 82%, P < 0.01 and 83% vs 76%, P < 0.04, respectively). The addition of MII to conventional pH monitoring significantly increases the diagnostic yield of symptom association analysis in revealing an association between atypical symptoms and refluxes irrespective of age, whereas in studying typical symptoms it was true only for infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of MII to conventional pH monitoring significantly increases the diagnostic yield in detecting REs, prevalently in infants, and in revealing an association between refluxes and symptoms, prevalently respiratory ones and in infants group.

Food for Thought on Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing

“Food for Thought” provides an opportunity for review of pertinent topics to add to updates in areas of concern for professionals involved with feeding and swallowing issues in infants and children. Given the frequency with which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) make decisions to alter feedings when young infants demonstrate silent aspiration on videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), the need for increased understanding about cough and its development/maturation is a high priority. In addition, understanding of the role(s) of laryngeal chemoreflexes (LCRs), relationships (or lack of relationships) between cough and esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and chronic salivary aspiration is critical. Decision making regarding management must take into account multiple systems and their interactions in order to provide safe feeding for all children to meet nutrition and hydration needs without being at risk for pulmonary problems. The responsibility is huge and should encourage all to search the literature so that clinical practice is as evidence-based as possible; this often requires adequate understanding of developmentally appropriate neurophysiology and function.

Treatment options in pediatric GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common physiologic phenomenon in infants and children. GER that results in symptoms or complications--hence the evolution to GER disease (GERD)--warrants targeted evaluation and appropriate treatment. Judicious use of acid-suppression therapy remains the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment of GERD. However, recognition of treatment goals and potentials risks of acid suppression must be considered prior to initiation of therapy. The role of surgical intervention for GERD remains limited.

Prediction of gastroesophageal reflux in otitis media with effusion in adults

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of pepsinogen I (PGI) in middle-ear effusions (MEEs) and a questionnaire on the frequency symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease are tools that can be used to screen for the existence of GER.

OBJECTIVE

To seek methods that would be beneficial as a screen for the presence of GER among adult patients with OME.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight adult outpatients with OME were asked to answer a questionnaire of the frequency scale for symptoms of GER disease. Samples of MEEs were obtained from each subject and were measured for concentrations of PGI and PGII. Some patients were followed up after being treated with a proton pump inhibitor.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with high PGI concentrations in their MEEs was higher in those with GER-related symptoms than in those without GER-related symptoms. Moreover, OME was present bilaterally in a higher percentage of patients with GER-related symptoms. There were patients in whom PGI levels decreased after receiving treatment for GER.

The current role of laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and children

BACKGROUND

The benefits of surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants and children have been questioned in the recent literature. The goal of this review was to determine the best current practice for the diagnosis and management of this disease.

METHODS

The literature was reviewed for all recent English language publications on the management of GERD in 8- to 10-year-old patients.

RESULTS

In infants and children, GERD has multiple etiologies, and an understanding of these is important for determining which patients are the best surgical candidates. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become the mainstay of current treatment for primary GERD. Although laparoscopic surgery appears to be better than open surgery, there remains some morbidity and complications that careful patient selection can minimize.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for GERD should be performed only after failure of medical management or for specific problems that mandate it.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux treatment for prolonged non-specific cough in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Cough is a very common symptom presenting to medical practitioners. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is said to be the causative factor in up to 41% of adults with chronic cough. However cough and GORD are common ailments and their co-existence by chance is high. Also cough can induce reflux episodes. Treatment for GORD includes conservative measures (diet manipulation), pharmaceutical therapy (motility or prokinetic agents, H(2) antagonist and proton pump inhibitors (PPI)) and fundoplication.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of GORD treatment on chronic cough in children and adults with GORD and prolonged cough that is not related to an underlying respiratory disease i.e. non-specific chronic cough.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register Collaboration and Cochrane Airways Group, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, review articles and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. The date of last search was 7th April 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials on GORD treatment for cough in children and adults without primary lung disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Results of searches were reviewed against pre-determined criteria for inclusion. Two independent reviewers selected, extracted and assessed data for inclusion. Authors were contacted for further information. Data was analysed as "intention to treat" as well as "treatment received". Paediatric and adults data were considered separately. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen studies (3 paediatric, 10 adults) were included. Data from six were available for analysis. None of the paediatric studies could be included in meta-analysis. In adults, analysis on use of H(2) antagonist, motility agents and conservative treatment for GORD were not possible (from lack of data) and there were no controlled studies on fundoplication as an intervention. Six adult studies comparing PPI (2-3 months) to placebo were analysed for various outcomes in the meta-analysis. Enrolment of subjects for two studies were primarily from medical clinics and another 4 studies were otolaryngology clinic patients or patients with laryngitis. Using "intention to treat", pooled data from 4 studies resulted in no significant difference between treatment and placebo in total resolution of cough, Odds Ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.19 to 1.15). Pooled data revealed no overall significant improvement in cough outcomes (end of trial or change in cough scores). Significant differences were only found in sensitivity analyses. A significant improvement in change of cough scores was found in end of intervention (2-3 months) in those receiving PPI with a standardised mean difference of -0.41 (95%CI -0.75, -0.07) using GIV analysis on cross over trials. Two studies reported improvement in cough after 5 days to 2 weeks of treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to definitely conclude that GORD treatment with PPI is universally beneficial for cough associated with GORD in adults. The beneficial effect was only seen in sub-analysis and its effect was small. The optimal duration of such a trial of therapy to evaluate response could not be ascertained in the meta-analysis although two RCTs reported significant change by 2 weeks of therapy. Clinicians should be cognisant of a period (natural resolution with time) and placebo effect in studies that utilise cough as an outcome measure. Data in children are inconclusive. Future paediatric and adult studies are needed whereby studies should be double blind, randomised controlled, parallel design, using treatments for at least two months, with validated subjective and objective cough outcomes and include ascertainment of time to respond as well as assessment of acid and/or non acid reflux whilst on therapy.

Presenting symptoms of nonerosive and erosive esophagitis in pediatric patients

Children and adolescents with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE) of grade >/=2 (n=45) or nonerosive esophagitis (NEE) (n=45) were assessed to determine the relationship between presenting symptoms, esophagitis severity, and patient age. Overall, regurgitation/vomiting, abdominal pain, and cough were the most frequent symptoms. The prevalence and severity of anorexia/feed refusal was significantly greater in EE versus NEE children; this symptom was also significantly more prevalent in younger (1-5 years) children (both NEE and EE groups) compared to older children. Cough was significantly less severe in NEE adolescents than in younger children. Cough, anorexia/feed refusal, and regurgitation/vomiting were more severe and heartburn was less severe in EE children aged 1-5 years compared with older patients. In conclusion, GERD in children manifests differently than that in adults and symptoms vary with patient age. Symptoms were not predictive of presence or lack of mucosal damage.

Gastroesophageal reflux in infancy and childhood

GER is a common reason for pediatric office visits and referrals to a pediatric gastroenterologist. This condition frequently is benign, and it is self-limited in most infants. Although a thorough history and complete physical examination usually are adequate to diagnose GER, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for other diagnoses associated with recurrent emesis, including metabolic disorders, as well as for other gastrointestinal conditions, such as pyloric stenosis and abnormalities of intestinal rotation. Behavioral or lifestyle modification usually can be implemented empirically to diagnose and manage a suspected case of uncomplicated GER. When this fails, medical therapy can be initiated, employing either a step-up or step-down approach with a PPI or H2RA. With the proven efficacy of PPIs and their availability to children, medical treatment has become the mainstay of therapy in severely affected patients; nevertheless, anti-reflux surgery is still widely performed in children with GER. Pediatricians and other primary care providers often manage infants and children who have gastrointestinal complaints, prior to referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Hence, they have the responsibility to educate children and families about GER, its natural history, complications, and therapeutic options. A careful history and physical examination, informed use of diagnostic studies, and a consistent approach to medical treatment are important principles that are required to guarantee the success of GER management in infants and children.

Cough and reflux esophagitis in children: their co-existence and airway cellularity

BACKGROUND

There are no prospective studies that have examined for chronic cough in children without lung disease but with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). In otherwise healthy children undergoing flexible upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (esophago-gastroscopy), the aims of the study were to (1) define the frequency of cough in relation to symptoms of GER, (2) examine if children with cough and reflux esophagitis (RE) have different airway cellularity and microbiology in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) when compared to those without.

METHODS

Data specific for chronic cough (> 4-weeks), symptoms of GER and cough severity were collected. Children aged < 16-years (n = 150) were defined as 'coughers' (C+) if a history of cough in association with their GER symptoms was elicited before BAL were obtained during elective esophago-gastroscopy. Presence of esophagitis on esophageal biopsies was considered reflux esophagitis positive (E+).

RESULTS

C+ (n = 69) were just as likely as C- (n = 81) to have esophagitis, odds ratio 0.87 (95%CI 0.46, 1.7). Median neutrophil percentage in BAL was significantly different between groups; highest in C+E- (7, IQR 28) and lowest in C-E+ (5, IQR 6). BAL positive bacterial culture occurred in 20.7% and were more likely present in current coughers (OR 3.37, 95%CI 1.39, 8.08). Airway neutrophilia (median 20%, IQR 34) was significantly higher in those with BAL positive bacterial cultures than those without (5%, 4; p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In children without lung disease, the common co-existence of cough with symptoms of GER is independent of the occurrence of esophagitis. Airway neutrophilia when present in these children is more likely to be related to airway bacterial infection and not to esophagitis.

Guidelines for evaluating chronic cough in pediatrics: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVES

To review relevant literature and present evidence-based guidelines to assist general and specialist medical practitioners in the evaluation and management of children who present with chronic cough.

METHODOLOGY

The Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, review articles, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched and reviewed by a single author. The date of the last comprehensive search was December 5, 2003, and that of the Cochrane database was November 7, 2004. The authors' own databases and expertise identified additional articles.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric chronic cough (ie, cough in children aged <15 years) is defined as a daily cough lasting for >4 weeks. This time frame was chosen based on the natural history of URTIs in children and differs from the definition of chronic cough in adults. In this guideline, only chronic cough will be discussed. Chronic cough is subdivided into specific cough (ie, cough associated with other symptoms and signs suggestive of an associated or underlying problem) and nonspecific cough (ie, dry cough in the absence of an identifiable respiratory disease of known etiology). The majority of this section focuses on nonspecific cough, as specific cough encompasses the entire spectrum of pediatric pulmonology. A review of the literature revealed few randomized controlled trials for treatment of nonspecific cough. Management guidelines are summarized in two pathways. Recommendations are derived from a systematic review of the literature and were integrated with expert opinion. They are a general guideline only, do not substitute for sound clinical judgment, and are not intended to be used as a protocol for the management of all children with a coughing illness. Children (aged <15 years) with cough should be managed according to child-specific guidelines, which differ from those for adults as the etiologic factors and treatments for children are sometimes different from those for adults. Cough in children should be treated based on etiology, and there is no evidence for using medications for the symptomatic relief of cough. If medications are used, it is imperative that the children are followed up and therapy with the medications stopped if there is no effect on the cough within an expected time frame. An evaluation of the time to response is important. Irrespective of diagnosis, environmental influences and parental expectations should be discussed and managed accordingly. Cough often impacts the quality of life of both children and parents, and the exploration of parental expectations and fears is often valuable in the management of cough in children.

Dysphagia as a risk factor for sudden unexplained death in infancy

The TRIAD of encephalopathy, subdural haemorrhages, and retinal haemorrhages is commonly considered diagnostic of Shaken Baby Syndrome, but the original paper describes a statistically linked QUADRAD of features, the fourth of which is a previous history of feeding difficulties (dysphagia). Recent reviews of giving pacifiers (dummies) to infants during sleeping periods have found a significant reduction in the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Stimulation of swallowing is a possible connection with dysphagia, which is examined here, illustrated by a well documented case. Although amniotic fluid passes freely through the larynx of fetal mammals during fetal breathing, application of pure water to the laryngeal epithelium in infants causes choking and laryngeal closure. "Water sensors" in the surface respond to lack of chloride ions and adapt very slowly or not at all. Others have found in puppies that following application of pure water only 32% resume breathing in less than 30-40s. The rest needed at least one saline flush, and some required artificial ventilation in addition. These receptors also respond to high potassium concentrations and acid or alkaline solutions. Normally, airway closure during swallowing or vomiting prevents entry of feed or oesophageal reflux, but in some forms of dysphagia leakage can occur, causing paroxysmal coughing, reflex laryngeal closure, and so prolonged apnoea. Recently, it has been realised that the TRIAD injuries can also result from high intracranial vascular pressures transmitted from intra-thoracic pressure surges during paroxysmal coughing, choking, etc. Triggering of such pressure surges by dysphagic accidents provides a physiological link to injuries commonly considered diagnostic of Shaken Baby Syndrome, completing the statistically identified QUADRAD of features. Further dysphagic research might reveal predictive factors, and preventative measures such as feeds of optimal pH.

The diagnosis and management of gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occur frequently during the first months of life. Gastro-oesophageal reflux may be a primary gastro-intestinal motility disorder, but it may also be secondary to other conditions such as cow's milk protein allergy. Objective diagnosis can be difficult because there may be absence of correlation between history, results of pH monitoring and histology. Severe GORD may cause minor symptoms, and minor GOR may cause severe symptoms. Several different therapeutic interventions exist. Simply stated, thickened formula reduces regurgitation and alginates and proton pump inhibitors can be used to decrease acid GOR, depending on the severity of the GORD. Efficacy data of prokinetic drugs are either lacking or disappointing. Regarding side-effects, interest has been focused on cisapride, although other molecules have similar effects. Long-term side-effects such as the nutritional consequence of therapeutic management have been insufficiently studied, especially for the acid-reducing molecules.

Cough: are children really different to adults?

Worldwide paediatricians advocate that children should be managed differently from adults. In this article, similarities and differences between children and adults related to cough are presented. Physiologically, the cough pathway is closely linked to the control of breathing (the central respiratory pattern generator). As respiratory control and associated reflexes undergo a maturation process, it is expected that the cough would likewise undergo developmental stages as well. Clinically, the 'big three' causes of chronic cough in adults (asthma, post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux) are far less common causes of chronic cough in children. This has been repeatedly shown by different groups in both clinical and epidemiological studies. Therapeutically, some medications used empirically for cough in adults have little role in paediatrics. For example, anti-histamines (in particular H1 antagonists) recommended as a front-line empirical treatment of chronic cough in adults have no effect in paediatric cough. Instead it is associated with adverse reactions and toxicity. Similarly, codeine and its derivatives used widely for cough in adults are not efficacious in children and are contraindicated in young children. Corticosteroids, the other front-line empirical therapy recommended for adults, are also minimally (if at all) efficacious for treating non-specific cough in children. In summary, current data support that management guidelines for paediatric cough should be different to those in adults as the aetiological factors and treatment in children significantly differ to those in adults.

Pharmacokinetics of proton pump inhibitors in children

The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has become widespread in children and infants for the management of paediatric acid-related disease. Pharmacokinetic profiles of only omeprazole and lansoprazole have been well characterised in children over 2 years of age with acid-related diseases. Few data have been recently published regarding the pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole in children, and none are available for rabeprazole or esomeprazole. The metabolism of PPI enantiomers has never been studied in the paediatric population. A one-compartment model best describes the pharmacokinetic behaviour of omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole in children, with important interindividual variability for each pharmacokinetic parameter. Like adults, PPIs are rapidly absorbed in children following oral administration; the mean time to reach maximum plasma concentration varies from 1 to 3 hours. Since these agents are acid labile, their oral formulations consist of capsules containing enteric-coated granules. No liquid formulation is available for any of the PPIs. Thus, for those patients unable to swallow capsules, extemporaneous liquid preparations for omeprazole and lansoprazole have been reported; however, neither the absolute nor the relative bioavailabilities of these oral formulations have been studied in children. Intravenous formulations are available for omeprazole (in Europe), lansoprazole and pantoprazole. PPIs are rapidly metabolised in children, with short elimination half-lives of around 1 hour, similar to that reported for adults. All PPIs are extensively metabolised by the liver, primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, to inactive metabolites, with little unchanged drug excreted in the urine. Similar to that seen in adults, the absolute bioavailability of omeprazole increases with repeated dosing in children; this phenomenon is thought to be due to a combination of decreased first-pass elimination and reduced systemic clearance. The apparent clearance (CL/F) of omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole appears to be faster for children than for adults. A higher metabolic capacity in children as well as differences in the extent of PPI bioavailability are most likely responsible for this finding. This may partly account for the need in children for variable and sometimes considerably greater doses of PPIs, on a per kilogram basis, than for adults to achieve similar plasma concentrations. Furthermore, no studies have been able to demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between age and pharmacokinetic parameters among children. Despite the small number of very young infants studied, there is some evidence for reduced PPI metabolism in newborns. The limited paediatric data regarding the impact of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphism on PPI metabolism are similar to those reported for adults, with poor metabolisers having 6- to 10-fold higher area under the concentration-time curve values compared with extensive metabolisers. Finally, because a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship exists for PPIs, the significant interindividual variability in their disposition may partly explain the wide range of therapeutic doses used in children. Further studies are needed to better define the pharmacokinetics of PPIs in children <2 years of age.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux treatment for prolonged non-specific cough in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Cough is a very common symptom presenting to medical practitioners. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is said to be the causative factor in up to 41% of adults with chronic cough. However cough and GORD are common ailments and their co-existence by chance is high. Also cough can induce reflux episodes. Treatment for GORD includes conservative measures (diet manipulation), pharmaceutical therapy (motility or prokinetic agents, H(2) antagonist and proton pump inhibitors (PPI)) and fundoplication.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of GORD treatment on chronic cough in children and adults with GORD and prolonged cough that is not related to an underlying respiratory disease i.e. non-specific chronic cough.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register Collaboration and Cochrane Airways Group, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, review articles and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. The date of last search was 4th April 2004.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials on GORD treatment for cough in children and adults without primary lung disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Results of searches were reviewed against pre-determined criteria for inclusion. Two independent reviewers selected, extracted and assessed data for inclusion. Authors were contacted for further information. Data was analysed as "intention to treat" as well as "treatment received". Paediatric and adults data were considered separately. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

MAIN RESULTS

11 studies (3 paediatric, 8 adults; 383 participants) were included. None of the paediatric studies could be included in meta-analysis. In adults, analysis on use of H(2) antagonist, motility agents and conservative treatment for GORD were not possible (from lack of data) and there were no controlled studies on fundoplication as an intervention. Five adult studies comparing PPI (2-3 months) to placebo were analysed for various outcomes in the meta-analysis. Enrollment of subjects for two studies were primarily from medical clinics and another three studies were otolaryngeal clinic patients. Using "intention to treat", pooled data from three studies resulted in no significant difference between treatment and placebo in total resolution of cough. Pooled data revealed no significant improvement in cough outcomes (end of trial or change in cough scores). Significant differences were only found in sensitivity analysis. A significant improvement in change of cough scores was found in end of intervention (2-3 months) in those receiving PPI with a standardised mean difference of -0.41 (95%CI -0.75, -0.07) using GIV analysis on cross over trials. Two studies reported improvement in cough after 5 days to 2 weeks of treatment. Significant heterogeneity was found between studies using omeprazole and other PPIs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to definitely conclude that GORD treatment with PPI is beneficial for cough associated with GORD in adults. The beneficial effect was only seen in sub-analysis and its effect was small. The optimal duration of such a trial of therapy to evaluate response could not be ascertained in the meta-analysis although two RCTs reported significant change by two weeks of therapy. Clinicians should be cognisant of a period (natural resolution with time) and placebo effect in studies that utilise cough as an outcome measure. Data in children are inconclusive. Future paediatric and adult studies are needed whereby studies should be double blind, randomised controlled, parallel design, using treatments for at least two months, with validated subjective and objective cough outcomes and include ascertainment of time to respond as well as assessment of acid and/or non acid reflux whilst on therapy.

Pediatric middle ear infections and gastroesophageal reflux

OBJECTIVES

The pathogenesis of middle ear infections in children is multifactorial and includes infection, anatomical factors, impaired immunologic status, allergy, familial predisposition, male sex, method of feeding and environmental factors. Glue ear remains the commonest cause of deafness in childhood. Gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common problem in the newborn and preschool periods. Recent research suggests that it may be related to eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media.

METHODS

We review the literature and discuss the possible relationship between Gastroesophageal reflux and otitis media in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data are not enough to support antireflux treatment in children with refractory middle ear infections. More prospective randomised placebo-controlled studies are needed.