Regurgitation and gastroesophageal reflux disease in six to nine months old indonesian infants

A Systematic Review on the Efficacy and Safety of Alginate-based Liquid Formulations in Reducing Gastroesophageal Reflux in Neonates and Infants

Background

Neonates and infants experience gastroesophageal reflux as manifested through vomiting, reflux, and coughing. The complaint from many caregivers begins around the 2nd or 3rd month of life and subside around the 6th month of infancy. The standard of care has not been established and treatment options are limited owing to the pharmacological interventions that are deemed safe and effective. Alginate-based formulations, a widely used product in adults such as Gaviscon™, have been explored as another option to treat gastroesophageal reflux.

Objectives

To determine the safety and efficacy of alginate-based formulations in reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in neonates and infants.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted for randomized control trials in MEDLINE via PubMed, Herdin Plus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SCOPUS, and Clinical Trials Registry. The search terms were "gastroesophageal reflux," "acid reflux," "neonates," "newborn," "infants," "baby," "babies,", and "alginate." Two review authors independently assessed the available full text articles and a third author intervened to settle the discussion.

Results

Two studies were identified and included in this study. Due to the difference in the period of measurement of the trials, a meta-analysis was not pursued. However, a systematic review was still conducted. The two studies suggest a significant improvement of symptoms with alginate-based liquid formulations as intervention. No significant adverse events have been noted making this treatment option generally safe for use in infants.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to conclude that alginate-based formulations ultimately help decrease gastroesophageal reflux in neonates and infants, but initial trials show promising results. There is also insufficient data to conclude the safety profile of this treatment option given the small sample.

Indonesian pediatricians’ understanding and management of infant regurgitation based on Rome IV criteria

Background The diagnostic criteria of infant regurgitation have been well elucidated in the Rome IV criteria and pediatricians have been informed of them. However, as a functional disorder, infant regurgitation is susceptible to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Objective To assess pediatricians’ diagnostic knowledge of and therapeutic approach to infant regurgitation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study using a questionnaire based on Rome IV criteria for infant regurgitation diagnosis and standardized guidelines for management. The questionnaire was face-level validated by an expert and tested for both reliability and correlation using 30 test respondents. The questionnaire was then distributed electronically to 131 randomized pediatricians, who were members of the Indonesian Pediatric Society DKI Jakarta branch and graduated from pediatric residency within year 2005-2019. Results Sixty-seven (51%) pediatricians reported applying the Rome IV criteria in daily clinical practice. Pediatricians who used Rome IV as their source of knowledge achieved mean and median diagnostic knowledge scores of 14.87 (SD 2.540) and 16 (range 8–20), respectively, with no significant correlation between the usage of ROME IV and the pediatricians’ diagnostic understanding (P=0.110), and mean and median therapeutic knowledge scores of 9.10 (SD 2.264) and 10 (range 4–12), respectively, with no significant correlation between the usage of ROME IV and the pediatricians’ therapeutic approach (P=0.486). Pediatricians’ diagnostic knowledge and therapeutic approach were not significantly different with regards to their practice experience, specialist institution, workplaces, and source of information. Conclusion The majority of pediatricians surveyed have good diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge scores with regards to handling of Rome IV infant regurgitation.

Prevalence, risk factors and parental perceptions of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asian infants in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a significant cause of concern to parents. This study seeks to describe GERD prevalence in infants, evaluate possible risk factors and assess common beliefs influencing management of GERD among Asian parents.

METHODS

Mother-infant dyads in the Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) cohort were prospectively followed from preconception to 12 months post-delivery. GERD diagnosis was ascertained through the revised Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ-R) administered at 4 time points during infancy. Data on parental perceptions and lifestyle modifications were also collected.

RESULTS

The prevalence of infant GERD peaked at 26.5% at age 6 weeks, decreasing to 1.1% by 12 months. Infants exclusively breastfed at 3 weeks of life had reduced odds of GERD by 1 year (adjusted odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.97, P=0.04). Elimination of "cold or heaty food" and "gas producing" vegetables, massaging the infant's abdomen and application of medicated oil to the infant's abdomen were quoted as major lifestyle modifications in response to GERD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of GERD in infants is highest in the first 3 months of life, and the majority outgrow it by 1 year of age. Infants exclusively breastfed at 3 weeks had reduced odds of GERD. Cultural-based changes such as elimination of "heaty or cold" food influence parental perceptions in GERD, which are unique to the Asian population. Understanding the cultural basis for parental perceptions and health-seeking behaviours is crucial in tailoring patient education appropriately for optimal management of infant GERD.

Safety considerations when managing gastro-esophageal reflux disease in infants

Introduction: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants is worldwide diagnosed with increasing frequency, resulting in an increasing number of infants exposed to treatment. In this review, we focus on the safety of therapeutic options. Areas covered: English articles were searched from 1990 until May 2020 in PubMed and Google Scholar. Evidence suggests that non-pharmacological treatment is often effective and safe. Guidelines restrict pharmacological treatment to acid-suppressive medication, which is associated with adverse effects, often related to gastro-intestinal dysbiosis and consequences of the latter. Aluminum-free alginates have some efficacy and are not associated with relevant adverse effects. Especially in infants, GERD is often nonacid related. Prokinetics are not recommended because of lack of efficacy and numerous adverse effects. Expert opinion: Pediatric trials are underpowered regarding adverse effects. The number of infants exposed to anti-secretory agents is increasing worldwide, often without indication. Informing healthcare providers about adverse effects of acid-secretory medication may contribute to a more rational use. Acid inhibiting agents such as alginates are a drug class associated with limited efficacy and devoid of serious adverse effects. Regarding prokinetics, the risk of adverse effects outweighs the benefit. Reassurance of parents and nutritional management of GERD in infants is effective and safe.

Association Between Infant Feeding Modes and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Repeated Measurement Analysis of the Infant Feeding Practices Study II

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux in neonates is frequently reported by parents, potentially motivating changes in infant feeding mode and/or addition of solid food.

OBJECTIVE

The authors prospectively analyzed associations between repeated measurement of feeding modes and reflux in infancy.

METHODS

The Infant Feeding Practices Study II, conducted between 2005 and 2007 (2,841 infants), provides data on reflux and feeding modes at nine time points from months 1 to 12. Feeding modes were defined based on direct breastfeeding, feeding of bottled human milk, formula feeding, their combinations, and use of solid food. Repeated measurements were investigated using 1-month delayed models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk ratios of different feeding modes were estimated for reflux; addressing a reverse association, RRs for feeding mode were estimated as responses to prior reflux.

RESULTS

Compared to direct breastfeeding, combinations with formula feeding showed a statistically significant risk for reflux (bottled human milk plus formula feeding: RR = 2.19, 95% CI [1.11, 4.33]; formula feeding: RR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.39, 2.74]; and mixed breastfeeding plus formula feeding: RR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.40, 2.42]). Addition of solid food was not protective (RR = 1.21, 95% CI [0.86, 1.70]). Analyses of reverse association (reflux → feeding) showed fewer breastfed infants among those with reflux in the prior month.

CONCLUSION

Any combination of infant feeding with formula seems to be a risk for reflux. Although breastfeeding was protective, mothers with a child with reflux were more likely to wean their child.

An updated review on gastro-esophageal reflux in pediatrics

Comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) and GER disease (GERD) were developed by the European and North American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. GERD is reflux associated with troublesome symptoms or complications. The recognition of GER and GERD is relevant to implement best management practices. A conservative management is indicated in infants with uncomplicated physiologic reflux. Children with GERD may benefit from further evaluation and treatment. Since the publications of the European and North American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines in 2009, no important novelties in drug treatment have been reported. Innovations are mainly restricted to the management of regurgitation in infants. During the last 5 years, pros and cons of multichannel intraluminal impedance have been highlighted. However, overall 'not much has changed' in the diagnosis and management of GER and GERD in infants and children.

Dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais de crianças com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico

Objetivo Identificar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais de crianças com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico.Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa realizada com 16 familiares de crianças com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. Foi utilizada uma questão norteadora, as entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas. Utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo.Resultados Emergiram oito categorias relacionadas às dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais: vômitos frequentes, pneumonia, custo com tratamento, convívio social prejudicado, perda de peso, padrão de sono prejudicado, gerando dificuldade na adesão ao tratamento com orientações insuficientes.Conclusão As dificuldades enfrentadas pelos pais de crianças com refluxo gastroesofágico foram representadas por categorias que podem servir de indicadores para a qualidade do cuidado prestado.