Proton pump inhibitors for irritable infants

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Infant crying, often termed colic or reflux, causes significant parental distress.
• Gastric acid suppression, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), is increasingly used for these infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in treating inconsolable crying in infants.
• To assess the benefits and risks of using PPIs for infant irritability and excessive crying.

Main Methods:

• This study reviewed the current evidence on the use of gastric acid suppression in infants with excessive crying.
• Analysis focused on the demonstrated efficacy and potential adverse effects of PPIs in this population.

Main Results:

• The efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has not been proven for treating irritability and excessive crying in healthy infants under 3 months.
• While PPIs are typically well-tolerated, potential risks include increased susceptibility to gastroenteritis and pneumonia.

Conclusions:

• Proton pump inhibitors do not provide interim symptom improvement for infant crying and irritability.
• Infant crying and irritability typically resolve with time, irrespective of PPI treatment.