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Vomiting and gastro-oesophageal reflux
J Y Paton1, C S Nanayakkhara, H Simpson
1Department of Child Health, University of Leicester.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Vomiting is not always present during gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants and children. Radionuclide scans show reflux can occur without visible vomiting, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in infants and children.
- Vomiting is often considered a primary indicator of GOR.
- Accurate detection of GOR is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux and vomiting in pediatric patients.
- To determine if the absence of vomiting excludes significant GOR.
- To assess the utility of radionuclide scans in detecting GOR in children.
Main Methods:
- Radionuclide scans were performed on 82 infants and children.
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux events were quantified by analyzing one-minute frames.
- Correlation between reflux events and the presence or absence of vomiting was assessed.
Main Results:
- A total of 636 reflux events were detected.
- Only 9.6% of these reflux events were accompanied by vomiting.
- The majority of GOR events occurred without the appearance of milk at the mouth.
Conclusions:
- The absence of vomiting does not rule out the presence of significant gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.
- Radionuclide scanning is a valuable tool for detecting GOR, even in the absence of emesis.
- Clinical evaluation for GOR should not solely rely on the presence of vomiting.