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Esophageal spasm associated with apnea and bradycardia in an infant
Pediatrics
|January 1, 1984
Insights
A newborn experienced diffuse esophageal spasm linked to apnea and bradycardia, a novel association. Glycopyrrolate treatment improved the infant
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is a rare esophageal motility disorder.
- Apnea and bradycardia are serious conditions in newborns, often linked to respiratory or neurological issues.
Observation:
- A newborn infant presented with diffuse esophageal spasm concurrently with episodes of apnea and bradycardia.
- This specific co-occurrence has not been previously documented in medical literature.
Findings:
- The infant's symptoms of apnea and bradycardia significantly improved following administration of glycopyrrolate.
- Glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic medication, was effective in managing the observed clinical signs.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential physiological link between esophageal spasm and bradycardia in neonates.
- The vagus nerve is speculated to be the mediating pathway for this association.
- This case highlights the importance of considering esophageal motility disorders in neonates presenting with unexplained apnea and bradycardia.
Abstract:
A newborn infant was found to have diffuse esophageal spasm in association with apnea and bradycardia. This association has not been physiologically documented before. The infant's condition improved after the administration of glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent. It is speculated that the association of esophageal spasm and bradycardia may be mediated by the vagus.