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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Proton pump inhibitors in pediatrics: evaluation of efficacy in GERD therapy
Claudio Romano1, Andrea Chiaro, Donatella Comito
1Pediatric Department, University of Messina, Italy. romanoc@unime.it
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants and usually resolves with supportive care. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) effectively treat GER disease (GERD) in children, but their use requires careful consideration of indications and safety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a physiological process in infants.
- GER disease (GERD) involves troublesome symptoms or complications requiring intervention.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are effective for pediatric GERD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the appropriate use of PPIs in pediatric GERD.
- To outline indications, dosages, treatment duration, and safety of PPIs in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on PPIs for pediatric GERD.
- Analysis of current clinical practices and evidence.
Main Results:
- PPIs like omeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole are available for infants.
- Empirical PPI use for nonspecific infant symptoms is common but lacks randomized controlled studies.
Conclusions:
- Guidelines for correct PPI indications, dosages, and duration are needed for pediatric GERD.
- Ensuring the safe and effective use of PPIs in the pediatric population is crucial.
Abstract:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is defined as the passage of gastric contents into the esophagus. It occurs in healthy infants and can be considered physiological process. Uncomplicated GER can present with recurrent vomiting or regurgitation without any other symptoms and is usually managed by educating, reassuring, and guiding the parent without other intervention. GER disease (GERD) refers to the appearance of troublesome symptoms or complications (erosive esophagitis, ulceration, Barrett's esophagus) and may warrant acid suppression. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective pharmacologic agents available for the treatment of children with GERD. In the pediatric practice only omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole are available over the first year of life. The empiric use in infants with nonspecific symptoms (excessive crying, regurgitation, feeding refusal, chronic cough) is frequent without randomized controlled study. Our paper will focus on the correct indications, dosages, duration of treatment and safety of PPI use in pediatric population.
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