Fishbein MH, Kronberg J, Alvarado S, Bohm D, Ideran P, Scarborough DR. A Multidisciplinary Approach to Infants With GERD-Like Symptoms: A New Paradigm.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023;
77:39-46. [PMID:
37084339 DOI:
10.1097/mpg.0000000000003802]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like symptoms have been classically defined as having a wide array of symptoms. In these instances, anti-reflux medications are ineffective and overprescribed. Rather these symptoms are more attributable to dysphagia and unsettledness/colic. To address these conditions at our center, both speech language pathologist (SLP) and/or occupational therapist (OT) have contributed to evaluation. We hypothesized that dysphagia and unsettledness/colic are highly prevalent, yet under recognized in this population.
METHODS
Full-term infants with typical development and under 6 months of age (N = 174) were included. Infants with suspected dysphagia and/or evident colic/unsettledness were evaluated by SLP and OT, respectively.
RESULTS
GERD-like symptoms were present in 109 infants with attributes of dysphagia in n = 46, unsettledness/colic in n = 37, and combined in n = 26.
CONCLUSION
A multidisciplinary approach, including SLP and OT, is recommended for the evaluation of infants with GERD-like symptoms.
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