Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Natural history of gastroesophageal reflux in infancy: new data from a prospective cohort
Marlène Curien-Chotard1, Prévost Jantchou2,3
1Pediatric Unit, Besançon Teaching Hospital , 3 Boulevard Alexandre Fleming, 25000, Besançon, France. mcurien@chu-besancon.fr.
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and GERD are common in infants, with most cases resolving naturally. This study tracked infant reflux symptoms from birth to 12 months, providing valuable data on prevalence and progression.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric gastroenterology
- Infant health and development
- Clinical epidemiology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a frequent condition in infants.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is diagnosed when GER causes significant symptoms or complications impacting daily life.
- Understanding the prevalence and natural course of GER and GERD in infants is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and progression of GER and GERD in a cohort of healthy, full-term infants from birth to 12 months of age.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with GER and GERD in this population.
- To evaluate the utility of the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) in screening and follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted with healthy neonates at Besançon Teaching Hospital, France.
- Parents completed the I-GERQ-R and a clinical report form at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age.
- GER and GERD were defined based on specific I-GERQ-R scores, with regurgitation assessed daily.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of daily regurgitation decreased from 72% at 1 month to 13% at 12 months.
- Physiological GER affected a significant proportion of infants, peaking at 3 months (59%), while GERD prevalence peaked at 1 month (19%) and decreased to 2% by 12 months.
- Family history of GER and passive smoking were identified as risk factors. Treatments included dietary modification (14%) and pharmacotherapy (5%).
Conclusions:
- GER and GERD are highly prevalent in infants, with physiological GER peaking at 3 months and GERD at 1 month.
- The majority of infant GER and GERD cases resolve spontaneously, indicating a generally favorable prognosis.
- The I-GERQ-R is a valuable tool for clinical screening and monitoring of GER and GERD in infants, aiding in parental education and reassurance.
Background:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as GER leading to troublesome symptoms that affect daily functioning and/or complications. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and progression of GER and GERD in a cohort of healthy term infants from birth to 12 months old.
Methods:
We conducted a prospective cohort study including all full-term living neonates born at Besançon Teaching Hospital, France. Parents completed a clinical report form and the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age. GER was defined as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score < 16, and GERD as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score ≥ 16. Regurgitation was based on the answer to the first question of the I-GERQ-R as anything coming out of the mouth daily.
Results:
157/347 births were included (83 boys). The prevalence of regurgitation at least once a day was 45.7% overall. In total: 72, 69, 56, 18, and 13% of infants regurgitated at least once a day at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age, respectively. Physiological GER affected 53, 59, 51, 16, and 12% of infants; GERD, 19, 9, 5, 2, and 2%, respectively. Two risk factors were identified: family history of GER and exposure to passive smoking. Treatment included dietary modification (14%) and pharmacotherapy (5%).
Conclusion:
Physiological GER peaked at 3 months, GERD at 1 month. Most cases resolved on their own. GER and GERD are very common in the infant's population and parents should be reassured/educated regarding symptoms, warning signs, and generally favorable prognosis. I-GERQ-R is useful to the clinical screening and follow up for GER and GERD.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
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...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...