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High viral frequency in children with gastroesophageal reflux-related chronic respiratory disorders

Fiorella Calabrese1, Stefania Rizzo, Cinzia Giacometti

  • 1Department of Medical-Diagnostic Sciences and Special Therapies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy. fiorella.calabrese@unipd.it

Pediatric Pulmonology
|May 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

In children with chronic respiratory disorders linked to gastroesophageal reflux, viral infections were frequently detected, particularly in those with lung aspiration. These findings suggest viruses play a key role in GER-related CRDs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is implicated in pediatric chronic respiratory disorders (CRDs).
  • The presence of infective agents in lung aspirates from these children is not well-established.
  • This study investigated infective agents in children with GER-related CRDs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if various infective agents are present in lung aspirates of children with GER-related CRDs.
  • To compare the prevalence of infections in children who aspirate versus those who do not.

Main Methods:

  • Microbiological investigations (bacterial culture, serology, viral PCR) were performed on 32 children.
  • Children were categorized as 'aspirators' (LLMI ≥86, abnormal pH) or 'non-aspirators' (LLMI <86, normal pH).

Main Results:

  • Viral infections were found in 62.5% of children, with 50% experiencing multiple infections.
  • Aspirators were older, less atopic, and had significantly more viral infections (87%) compared to non-aspirators (41%).
  • Rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus were the most common viruses in aspirators.

Conclusions:

  • Viral infections are common in children with GER-related CRDs.
  • Viral infections, particularly rhinovirus and RSV, may be key in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
Abstract

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