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Gastroesophageal reflux in infants: relation to apnea
Insights
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and apnea in infants are not typically linked in time. While brief obstructive apnea may occur at GER onset, they often represent separate issues possibly due to developmental delay.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and apnea are common concerns in infants.
- The relationship between these two conditions requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the temporal relationship between apnea and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants.
- To determine if apnea events are more likely to occur during or after GER episodes.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous polysomnography and intraesophageal pH monitoring were used in 14 infants.
- Apnea events were compared between GER episodes and control segments.
- Frequency and type of apnea were analyzed in relation to GER.
Main Results:
- Apnea occurred with similar frequency during GER episodes and control periods.
- Brief obstructive apneic episodes were more frequent at the onset of GER compared to control segments.
- GER duration was observed to be prolonged during sleep.
Conclusions:
- GER and apnea are not temporally related in most infant cases studied.
- These conditions may independently manifest as signs of a broader developmental delay.
Abstract:
The temporal relationship between apnea and gastroesophageal reflux was examined in 14 infants with abnormal GER scores and histories of prolonged apnea. Simultaneous polysomnographic and intraesophageal pH recordings were performed for each infant. GER episodes were compared to control segments of the recording (without GER) for frequency and type of apnea. Apnea was equally likely to occur during the control segments as during the GER episodes. Brief obstructive apneic episodes were more common during the onset of GER episodes than the onset of control segments. GER duration appeared prolonged during sleep. GER and apnea were not temporally related in the majority of instances, and may be two manifestations of a more general developmental delay.