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Gastro esophageal reflux: an over investigated entity in neonates and infants

Zahid Anwar Khan1, Sarfraz Ahmad, Muhammad Younus Sheikh

  • 1Medical Imaging Department, King Abdul Aziz Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Saudi Arabia.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|March 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants often resolves naturally within 6-12 months. Over-investigation should be avoided, as most cases show mild symptoms and improve with conservative management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in neonates and infants.
  • Clinical suspicion of GER often leads to diagnostic evaluations.
  • Minimizing radiation exposure in infants is a key concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the outcome of clinically suspected gastroesophageal reflux in neonates and infants.
  • To establish an evaluation protocol to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure.
  • To assess the natural progression and resolution of GER in infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective descriptive case study of 53 neonates and infants (up to 1 year).
  • Upper gastrointestinal barium studies were performed for suspected GER.
  • Positive GER cases were followed for one year to evaluate outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 32 out of 53 infants were positive for GER; 4 had severe GER.
  • Mild to moderate GER cases managed conservatively showed normal weight gain and symptom resolution.
  • Severe GER cases responded to medical treatment and conservative management, with normal weight gain.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is a common finding in early infancy, particularly in preterm infants.
  • GER typically resolves by 6-12 months of age.
  • Avoidance of over-investigation is recommended for suspected GER in infants.
Abstract

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