Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals

The prevalence of reflux oesophagitis (RO) in the normally intellectual population is about 2%, while this condition in the intellectually disabled has an estimated prevalence of 10%.

We investigated the presence of RO among 1687 intellectually disabled, with an IQ < 50, from 5 different institutes in the Netherlands. All were scored for possible associated factors and reflux symptoms, and compared with the overall population (n = 1580) from the same institutes (controls). Also, the effect of treatment on symptoms was evaluated after at least one year of therapy.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) was suspected clinically in 169 patients based on the following symptoms: vomiting, haematemesis, anaemia, rumination or behaviour problems. At endoscopy RO was diagnosed in 107 of 1687 patients (6.4%): 17 (15.9%) grade I, 34 (31.8%) gr. II, 42 (39.3%) gr. III and 14 (13.1%) gr. IV RO (Savary-Miller classification). Cerebral palsy, constipation, anticonvulsant drugs, an IQ < 35, underweight and gastrostomy feeding appeared to be possible associated factors, while as reflux symptoms persistent vomiting, haematemesis, iron deficiency anaemia, rumination, and behaviour problems were found. Concerning therapy, surgery was found to be effective in 38%, H2 receptor antagonists in 60% and the proton-pump inhibitor omeprazole in 96%.

In this group of Dutch intellectually disabled patients with IQ < 50 RO was diagnosed in about 6% (107 of 1687), mostly severe grades of oesophagitis. Several possible associated factors were significantly present. From non-specific reflux symptoms persistent vomiting was the most indicative factor. In this population the most effective treatment of RO was long-term omeprazole therapy.