Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
06:46

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring

Published on: December 14, 2020

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants

Frankie B Fike1, Vincent E Mortellaro, Janine N Pettiford

  • 1Center for Prospective Clinical Trials, Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.

Pediatric Surgery International
|June 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infantile gastroesophageal reflux is common, but diagnosing persistent disease remains challenging. This review evaluates current diagnostic tools for infant reflux to guide effective treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infant Health
  • Reflux Disease

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent condition in infants.
  • While most infants outgrow reflux, some develop persistent disease requiring intervention.
  • Diagnosing pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) effectively presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the diagnostic modalities for infantile gastroesophageal reflux.
  • To assess the merits and limitations of current diagnostic tools.
  • To inform the selection of effective diagnostic strategies for pediatric GERD.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of diagnostic tools for infantile GERD.
  • Analysis of the effectiveness and limitations of various diagnostic methods.
  • Comparison of diagnostic approaches used in pediatric versus adult populations.

Main Results:

  • The optimal diagnostic method for infantile GERD is not definitively established.
  • Existing diagnostic tools have varying degrees of efficacy and limitations.
  • Differentiating infants who will benefit from definitive therapy is complex.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to clarify the most effective diagnostic pathway for pediatric GERD.
  • Careful consideration of diagnostic tool limitations is crucial for accurate assessment.
  • Improved diagnostic clarity can lead to more targeted and effective treatment for infants with reflux.

More Related Videos

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver08:25

Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver

Published on: August 27, 2021

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease01:25

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the backward flow of stomach contents (acid, pepsin, or bile) into the esophagus, causing mucosal inflammation known as esophagitis. It results from failure of antireflux mechanisms, mainly the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), influenced by mechanical and physiological factors.Etiology and Risk FactorsGERD develops when LES function is weakened or when intra-abdominal pressure increases. Risk factors include aging, obesity, and sliding hiatal hernia,...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) involves the recurrent backflow of the stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus, leading to troublesome symptoms and potential esophageal mucosal damage. Although GERD is often referred to as a disease, it is more accurately described as a syndrome, as it encompasses a range of symptoms and complications rather than a singular pathological entity, impacting a large number of individuals as the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal problem. Roughly...
Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow01:24

Upper GI Series: Barium Swallow

The Barium Swallow Study, or a Barium Esophagogram, is a diagnostic imaging method used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. It employs barium sulfate, a radiopaque contrast material, to provide clear images of the upper digestive system, helping to identify abnormalities, diseases, or structural issues.
Purpose and Procedure
Patients undergoing this procedure ingest a liquid containing barium sulfate with a chalky...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy01:29

Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to: