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Do antireflux operations decrease the rate of reflux-related hospitalizations in children?

Adam B Goldin1, Robert Sawin, Kristy D Seidel

  • 1Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, W-7729, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98105-0371, USA. adam.goldin@seattlechildrens.org

Pediatrics
|December 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric antireflux procedures significantly reduced hospitalizations in children under 4. However, older children, especially those with developmental delay, did not show similar benefits, indicating a need for clearer indications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in children.
  • Antireflux procedures are increasingly performed in pediatric patients.
  • The effectiveness of these procedures in reducing hospitalizations needs evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if pediatric antireflux procedures decrease reflux-related hospitalizations.
  • To analyze the association between antireflux procedures and hospitalization rates.
  • To identify factors influencing the outcomes of these procedures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study using Washington State hospital and vital records (1987-2001).
  • Identified pediatric patients (<19 years) undergoing antireflux procedures.
  • Calculated hospitalization rates before and after procedures, stratified by age.

Main Results:

  • 1142 pediatric patients underwent antireflux procedures.
  • Procedures showed benefit in children <4 years, with reduced hospitalizations.
  • Benefit was less clear for children >4 years; those with developmental delay had higher post-procedure event rates.

Conclusions:

  • Antireflux procedures are beneficial for children under 4.
  • Effectiveness is questionable in older children, particularly those with developmental delay.
  • Clearer indications for antireflux procedures in pediatric populations are needed.
Abstract

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