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Sleep phase and gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants at possible risk of SIDS

J Y Paton1, U M MacFadyen, H Simpson

  • 1Department of Child Health, University of Leicester.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants frequently occurs during active sleep, not quiet sleep. This finding may explain why reflux during sleep is a risk factor for pulmonary disease in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Neonatal Physiology

Background:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is a common concern in infants.
  • The relationship between sleep state and GOR events requires further elucidation.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for managing potential complications like pulmonary disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux and specific sleep states in infants.
  • To determine the timing and frequency of GOR events relative to sleep patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Simultaneous monitoring of esophageal pH and polysomnography during overnight sleep in 24 infants.
  • Analysis of pH drops and their correlation with sleep stages (active, indeterminate, quiet) and body movements.

Main Results:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux was confirmed in 20 out of 24 infants.
  • Most reflux events (48%) initiated during active sleep, with another significant portion (47%) during indeterminate sleep often linked to body movements.
  • Reflux episodes rarely began (4%) or occurred during quiet sleep.

Conclusions:

  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux episodes in infants predominantly occur during active or indeterminate sleep, not quiet sleep.
  • The association of GOR with active sleep and body movements may contribute to its role as a risk factor for pulmonary complications.

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