A Retrospective Review of Baclofen Treatment for Children with Rumination Syndrome at a Single Center

Baclofen can decrease rumination frequency in adults with rumination syndrome. Outcomes of baclofen treatment in children with rumination syndrome have not been described. The aim of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of baclofen in children with rumination syndrome in combination with behavioral therapy at a single center.

We performed a retrospective review of children aged 0-18 years with rumination syndrome based on Rome criteria and prescribed baclofen by a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA, between 2012 and 2019. Children without follow-up data or who were prescribed baclofen for other symptoms were excluded.

We identified 44 children with rumination syndrome who were prescribed baclofen by a pediatric gastroenterologist. Seventeen either did not have follow-up data or never started the medication. We included 27 patients in the study: 22 (81.5%) female, median age 14.5 years (range 10-18 years) and 100% Caucasian. Twenty patients (74%) received baclofen 5 mg and seven patients (26%) received baclofen 10 mg three times daily. Most patients received behavioral therapy and baclofen simultaneously. Thirteen patients (48%) reported improvement in symptoms, primarily a decrease in rumination frequency, at their first follow-up visit. Regurgitation frequency per week decreased after starting baclofen (p < 0.05). One patient experienced dizziness. No other side effects were reported.

Nearly half of our patients with rumination syndrome improved after baclofen. It was well tolerated with minimal side effects. This suggests that baclofen in addition to behavioral therapy can improve symptoms of rumination syndrome. Prospective, controlled studies in a larger cohort of children with rumination syndrome are needed to confirm these findings.