Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells
08:54

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

Increased risk of Barrett's esophagus among individuals born preterm or small for gestational age

Lina Forssell1, Sven Cnattingius, Matteo Bottai

  • 1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Centre for Family Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. lina.forssell@ki.se

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
|February 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Infants born small for gestational age (SGA) have a significantly higher risk of developing Barrett's esophagus (BE) in adulthood. This finding highlights the importance of monitoring SGA infants for long-term esophageal health.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux is prevalent in infants, particularly those born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA).
  • Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a serious complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux.
  • The link between early-life factors and adult BE development requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if being born preterm or SGA increases the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus (BE) in adulthood.
  • To quantify the association between perinatal characteristics and adult BE diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based case-control study was conducted using data from Swedish hospitals (1986-2005).
  • Cases with BE were matched with controls based on birth hospital, sex, and birth order.
  • Perinatal data, including gestational age and birth weight, were extracted from birth records; conditional logistic regression was used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Infants born with low birth weight (<2500 g) showed an elevated risk of BE (adjusted OR, 8.22).
  • The increased risk was primarily attributed to being small for gestational age (SGA) rather than preterm birth.
  • Very SGA infants (<3rd percentile) had nearly triple the odds of developing BE compared to normal birth weight for gestational age infants (adjusted OR, 2.95).

Conclusions:

  • Infants born SGA face a threefold increased risk of developing Barrett's esophagus as adults.
  • This study underscores the long-term health implications of SGA status.
  • Early identification and management of SGA infants may be crucial for preventing adult BE.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma03:36

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 12, 2024

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice05:19

Surgical Models of Gastroesophageal Reflux with Mice

Published on: August 25, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction01:21

Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction

Barrett's esophagus is a medical condition where the esophageal mucosa is significantly damaged by stomach acid or other digestive fluids, often due to long-term exposure associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to flow persistently into the esophagus.
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more similar...
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...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
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,...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
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...