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Effect of feeding volume on early postcibal gastroesophageal reflux in infants
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
Insights
Feeding volume significantly impacts gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants. Larger feeding volumes increase the duration and severity of GER episodes within one hour after eating, affecting both infants with and without reflux issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Nutrition and Digestion
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common concern in infants, impacting their well-being and requiring evaluation.
- Understanding factors that influence GER, such as feeding practices, is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of feeding volume on early postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants.
- To determine if feeding volume is a significant determinant of GER episodes in infants referred for evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Esophageal pH monitoring was used to assess GER in 50 infants.
- Infants were divided into two groups, receiving specified feeding volumes (9 and 18 ml/kg) or a combination of ad libitum and specified volumes.
- Paired analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of volume on GER.
Main Results:
- Feeding volume was a highly significant determinant of both total GER duration and the longest continuous GER episode within one hour post-feeding.
- This effect was consistent across infants with significant GER (n=44) and a subgroup with normal findings (n=6).
Conclusions:
- Feeding volume is a critical factor influencing early postcibal GER in infants.
- Clinical recommendations for infant feeding should consider the impact of volume on GER to potentially mitigate reflux episodes.
Abstract:
Using esophageal pH monitoring, we have investigated the effect of feeding volume on early (1 h) postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in a population of 50 infants referred for evaluation. Two feedings with the volume of both feedings specified (9 and 18 ml/kg) were given to one group of infants. A second group was given one feeding ad libitum and another specified at 9 ml/kg. Volume of intake was a very significant determinant of both the total duration and the maximum single continuous episode of GER during early postcibal esophageal pH monitoring in both groups by paired analyses. This effect was observed in infants with significant GER (n = 44) and in a subgroup of infants who were normal (n = 6).