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Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Smaller volume, thickened formulas in the management of gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants
1West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. vkhoshoo@earthlink.net
Insights
Thickening infant formula with rice cereal reduced the frequency of vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants. This strategy may help manage reflux symptoms in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The impact of thickened, lower-volume infant formulas on gastroesophageal reflux remains unclear.
- Infant feeding practices are crucial for managing common pediatric conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of thickened infant formula on gastroesophageal reflux.
- To assess if smaller volume, nutritionally appropriate formulas reduce reflux in infants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized extended esophageal pH monitoring in six thriving infants.
- Measured the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal acid exposure duration.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in the frequency of emesis (vomiting) was observed.
- The frequency of gastroesophageal reflux events was significantly reduced.
- No significant change was noted in the duration of esophageal acid exposure.
Conclusions:
- Thickening infant formula with rice cereal in a smaller volume is a potentially effective strategy.
- This approach may help reduce the frequency of emesis and gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants.
- Nutritionally balanced, thickened formulas offer a viable option for reflux management.
Background:
The effect of smaller volume, thickened formulas on gastroesophageal reflux is not clear.
Methods:
The frequency of gastroesophageal reflux and duration of acid pH in the esophagus were determined in six thriving infants using extended esophageal pH monitoring.
Results:
There was a significant reduction in frequency of emesis and gastroesophageal reflux but not the duration of acid pH in the esophagus with the use of infant formula thickened with rice cereal to provide a nutritionally appropriate intake in a smaller volume.
Conclusions:
Thickening of formula with rice cereal in a nutritionally balanced form and smaller volume may be an appropriate strategy for reducing frequency of emesis and gastroesophageal reflux in thriving infants.
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