Reduced quality of life in children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

M Marlais1, J R Fishman, J Köglmeier

  • 1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. mm1305@ic.ac.uk

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Quality of life (QoL) is significantly reduced in children with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) compared to healthy peers and those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This study assessed QoL in pediatric patients with GORD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Quality of Life Research
  • Clinical Pediatrics

Background:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common condition in children.
  • Assessing the impact of chronic pediatric conditions on Quality of Life (QoL) is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
  • Limited data exists on self-reported QoL specifically for children diagnosed with GORD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the self-reported Quality of Life (QoL) in children aged 5-18 diagnosed with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
  • To compare the QoL of children with GORD against disease-matched controls (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, chronic constipation) and healthy children.
  • To provide insights into the patient-reported outcomes for pediatric GORD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 184 children (aged 5-18) attending a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology clinic.
  • Participants included children with GORD, chronic constipation, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and healthy controls.
  • The validated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) generic assessment (self-report) was administered, measuring physical, emotional, social, and school domains.

Main Results:

  • Children with GORD (n=40) reported significantly lower QoL (mean score 74) compared to healthy children (n=41, mean score 84) and children with IBD (n=59, mean score 82).
  • QoL in the GORD group was comparable to children with chronic constipation (n=44, mean score 74).
  • The PedsQL scores ranged from 0 to 100, assessing multiple domains of daily functioning.

Conclusions:

  • Self-reported Quality of Life (QoL) is significantly diminished in pediatric patients with Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) attending specialist clinics.
  • Children with GORD experience a lower QoL than both healthy children and those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
  • These findings highlight the substantial impact of GORD on the well-being of affected children.
Abstract

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