[Our experience in the subject of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
• Esophageal Pathophysiology

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in children, potentially leading to serious complications.
• Diagnostic challenges exist in assessing GER severity and predicting outcomes.
• Understanding age-related differences in GER complications is essential for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of barium esophagogram, esophageal pH monitoring, and esophagoscopy in pediatric GER.
• To assess the effectiveness of medical therapy versus surgical intervention for GER in children.
• To investigate the relationship between age, diagnostic findings, and complication severity in pediatric GER.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 66 children diagnosed with GER between 1983 and 1988.
• Utilized barium esophagogram, esophageal pH monitoring, and esophagoscopy for diagnosis.
• Documented medical therapy (n=49) and surgical interventions (n=13) and their outcomes.

Main Results:

• Medical therapy led to clinical improvement in 46 out of 49 children.
• Older children experienced more severe complications associated with GER.
• Infants with GER and abnormal esophageal pH monitoring showed only mild (I-II grade) esophagitis.

Conclusions:

• Early and accurate diagnosis of GER in children is vital to prevent severe complications.
• Age is a significant factor influencing GER complication severity.
• Diagnostic tools like esophageal pH monitoring can help stratify risk and guide treatment decisions in pediatric GER.