Medical management of gastroesophageal reflux

Clinically Meaningful Difference for the Infant Gastroesophageal Questionnaire Revised version (I-GERQ-R): A Quantitative Synthesis

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition affecting 30% of infants aged 0–23 months. The Infant Gastroesophageal Questionnaire Revised version (I-GERQ-R) is an observer-reported outcome measures (ObsRO) developed to evaluate the impact of GORD on young infants. However, evidence regarding the clinically important difference (CID) for the I-GERQ-R is limited. The aim of this study was to determine a CID for the I-GERQ-R.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken (PsycInfo, Embase, MedLine and EconLit databases) for longitudinal studies involving the I-GERQ-R. Articles were not limited by language or publication date. A random effects model was applied to calculate an overall CID, along with I² and Q statistics. Publication bias was also assessed.

Results

The search identified 42 articles; 11 were selected for full-text review and 7 articles were identified for full data extraction. The studies included a total of 661 infants (range: 30 to 313); 424 infants had been diagnosed with GORD (64%). The age range of the infants across the studies was from birth to 7 months. The overall CID was −6.54 (95% confidence interval: −4.35 to −8.74), Q = 17.96, p=0.08 and I²=22.04.

Conclusion

This study derived a CID for the I-GERQ-R and indicated a threshold around 6 could signify a clinically important difference for this instrument. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval suggested a threshold of 3 to 4 could represent a minimally important difference. These results may help inform clinical decisions in evaluating meaningful change in symptom severity in children affected by GORD.

Effect of a Partially Hydrolysed Whey Infant Formula Supplemented with Starch and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on Regurgitation and Gastric Motility

Functional regurgitation (FR) is common in early infancy and represents a major drain on healthcare resources. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a formula containing partially hydrolysed, 100% whey protein, starch and Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938) on gastric emptying rate (GErate) and regurgitation frequency in infants with FR. Enrolled infants were randomly allocated to receive either the test formula or a standard starter formula for four weeks. Ultrasound GErate assessment was performed at baseline (week 0) and at week 4; the number of regurgitations, feed volumes and potential adverse events were recorded in a daily diary. Eighty infants aged four weeks to five months were enrolled; 72 (test group = 37; control group = 35) completed the study. Compared to controls, the test group showed greater percentage changes in GErate (12.3% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.01). Mean daily regurgitations decreased from 7.4 (0.8) at week 0 to 2.6 (1.0) at week 4 in the test group and from 7.5 (1.0) to 5.3 (1.0) in controls (between-group difference, p < 0.0001). Compared to a standard formula, a starch-thickened partially hydrolysed whey protein formula supplemented with Lactobacillus reuteri is more effective in decreasing the frequency of regurgitation and improving GErate, and can be of benefit to infants with FR.

Managing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in the very low-birth-weight infant postdischarge

Gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms are common challenges for very low-birth-weight infants (<1500 g). These symptoms frequently result in feeding difficulties and family stress. Management of symptoms across healthcare disciplines may not be based on current evidence, and inconsistency can result in confusion for families and delayed interventions. The feeding relationship between infant and caregivers may be impaired when symptoms are persistent and poorly managed. An algorithm for managing gastroesophageal reflux-like symptoms in very low-birth-weight infants (from hospital discharge to 12 months corrected age) was developed through the formation of a multidisciplinary community of practice and critical appraisal of the literature. A case study demonstrates how the algorithm results in a consistent approach for identifying symptoms, applying appropriate management strategies, and facilitating appropriate timing of medical consultation. Application to managing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in the neonatal intensive care unit will be briefly addressed.

Pharmacological therapy of gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants

Although gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a very common phenomenon among preterm infants, its therapeutic management is still an issue of debate among neonatologists. A step-wise approach should be advisable, firstly promoting nonpharmacological interventions and limiting drugs to selected infants unresponsive to the conservative measures or who are suffering from severe GER with clinical complications. Despite of this, a concerning pharmacological overtreatment has been increasingly reported. Most of the antireflux drugs, however, have not been specifically assessed in preterm infants; moreover, serious adverse effects have been noticed in association to their administration. This review mainly aims to draw the state of the art regarding the pharmacological management of GER in preterm infants, analyzing the best piecies of evidence currently available on the most prescribed anti-reflux drugs. Although further trials are required, sodium alginate-based formulations might be considered promising; however, data regarding their safety are still limited. Few piecies of evidence on the efficacy of histamine-2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors in preterm infants with GER are currently available. Nevertheless, a significantly increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and infections has been largely reported in association with their use, thereby leading to an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. The efficacy of metoclopramide in GER's improvement still needs to be clarified. Other prokinetic agents, such as domperidone and erythromycin, have been reported to be ineffective, whereas cisapride has been withdrawn due to its remarkable cardiac adverse effects.

Metoclopramide for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Metoclopramide is a commonly used drug to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants. Given its widespread use and growing concern about toxicity in this population, we conducted a systematic review of metoclopramide for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of PubMed and bibliographies of relevant review articles. We included cohort, case-control, and intervention studies of the efficacy, effectiveness, or toxicity of metoclopramide therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants. We excluded case reports, case series, review articles, and abstracts.

RESULTS

Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 11 were prospective trials, and 5 were randomized, blinded clinical trials. Study size ranged from 6 to 77 patients. Eight studies showed patient improvement with metoclopramide in at least 1 measured outcome; 1 study showed worsening symptoms with metoclopramide. Of the 5 randomized, blinded trials, 2 showed no effect of metoclopramide on any outcome, and 2 showed a significant placebo effect. Four studies commented on adverse effects of therapy, with irritability being the most frequently reported potential adverse effect of therapy. Other reported adverse effects included dystonic reactions, drowsiness, oculogyric crisis, emesis, and apnea. Among studies, there was marked heterogeneity in the patient populations, dosing, and outcomes studied. Therefore, a meta-analysis was not performed. We both agreed on a US Preventive Service Task Force rating of "poor" for the level of evidence, leading to an "inconclusive" recommendation for the safety and efficacy of metoclopramide in infants.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature is insufficient to either support or oppose the use of metoclopramide for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants. In the future, large blinded randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of metoclopramide in this population.

Inhibidores de la bomba de protones en pediatría

In last years the use in the pediatric area of proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole) is more often, nevertheless the clinical trials carried out are poor. The aim of this work is to analyse the bibliography published about this kind of drugs in children and to make a revision of its use in the last seven years. More studies with omeprazole and lansoprazole have been developed, to be exact omeprazole and lansoprazole is present in 122 bibliographic appointments and 34 for lansoprazole, which include studies that demonstrate a good tolerance and efficacy. The remaining proton pump inhibitors count with very few studies. The main therapeutic indications were the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis. The number of patients included in the reviewed studies is quite heterogeneous, from 8 to 122 and the age range between 8 days and 17 years. On the other hand, it could be highlighted the non-existence of formulations adapted to the pediatric population and the difficulty of administration specially in the youngest patients. As in many other drugs, it would be necessary to carry out clinical trials in order to determinate the pharmacologic parameters at difference ages, which will allow a safe and effective administration, and its authorization by all Health Authorities.

Pharmacology for the gastrointestinal tract

A variety of drugs are used in the neonatal nursery for the management of feeding intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux, and acid-related disease. Although the pharmacokinetics of some of these drugs have been described in infants and older children, further data are needed, particularly for preterm infants. No data are available characterizing the disposition of the proton pump inhibitors, which will likely be used in infants with refractory, acid-related disease. Further data are also needed to characterize fully the pharmacodynamics, or efficacy, of many of the commonly used drugs.