Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux Scale Reference Values

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Gastrointestinal and gastroesophageal reflux are common in infants and toddlers.
• Accurate assessment tools are crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• The Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale is a validated measure for these symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish age-based reference values for the GIGER Scale in children under 2 years old.
• To provide normative data for interpreting GIGER Scale scores in clinical practice and research.
• To facilitate earlier identification of infants and toddlers with significant reflux symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized GIGER Scale data from 625 healthy, full-term infants and toddlers (0-24 months).
• Calculated median, interquartile range, and 90th/95th percentile scores for each age group and subscale.
• Determined 90th percentile scores for all 36 individual items.

Main Results:

• Established age-based reference values for seven distinct age groups (0-24 months).
• Demonstrated a general improvement in reflux symptoms over the first 24 months of life.
• Observed the most significant symptom improvement within the first two months of life.

Conclusions:

• The GIGER Scale is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing reflux in young children.
• Age-based reference values enhance the clinical utility of the GIGER Scale for score interpretation.
• This study supports earlier identification and intervention for infants and toddlers experiencing significant reflux symptoms.