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Characterization of cardiorespiratory events following gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants

J Di Fiore1, M Arko, B Herynk

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. jmd3@case.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|March 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) rarely triggers cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants. This study found GER does not worsen apnea, bradycardia, or oxygen desaturation severity or duration.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in preterm infants.
  • The association between GER and cardiorespiratory events requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize cardiorespiratory events following acid and nonacid GER in preterm infants.
  • To determine the impact of GER on the duration and severity of cardiorespiratory events.

Main Methods:

  • Overnight polysomnography with pH and multiple intraluminal impedance (MII) monitoring in 71 preterm infants.
  • Defined cardiorespiratory events (apnea, bradycardia, oxygen desaturation) occurring within 30 seconds of GER.
  • Analyzed event frequency, duration, and severity in relation to GER.

Main Results:

  • A total of 12,957 cardiorespiratory events and 4164 GER episodes were documented.
  • Less than 3% of cardiorespiratory events were preceded by GER.
  • GER was not associated with prolonged or more severe cardiorespiratory events; it shortened oxygen desaturation duration.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is infrequently associated with cardiorespiratory events in preterm infants.
  • GER does not appear to have a detrimental effect on the duration or severity of these events.
Abstract

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