Gastroesophageal reflux and severe combined immunodeficiency
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Gastroesophageal reflux is common in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), affecting 20.5% of patients. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for nutrition and preventing complications in SCID patients.
Area Of Science
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background
- Patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) often present with gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
- These symptoms, including failure to thrive, are not always linked to infections or medications.
Purpose Of The Study
- To determine the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in pediatric patients diagnosed with SCID.
- To compare GER incidence in SCID patients to high-risk populations.
Main Methods
- Retrospective review of 73 pediatric SCID patients treated between 1982 and 1995.
- GER diagnosis based on clinical course, barium swallow, esophageal pH monitoring, or endoscopy.
- Comparison with an age-matched group undergoing Nissen fundoplication.
Main Results
- Clinically significant GER was found in 20.5% of SCID patients, significantly higher than the normal population (0.1%-0.3%).
- The incidence of diagnosed GER in SCID patients increased over time, suggesting improved recognition and diagnostic methods.
- 46.6% of GER patients did not respond to medical management, necessitating surgical intervention for conditions like esophagitis, vomiting, pneumonia, and growth failure.
Conclusions
- The high incidence of GER in SCID patients with T-cell disorders requires further investigation.
- Early identification and management of GER are vital for ensuring adequate nutrition and preventing esophageal and pulmonary damage in SCID patients.