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The diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in hospitalized infants: 1971-1995

C W Callahan1

  • 1Medical Corps, United States Army, Tripler Army Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Honolulu, Hawaii 96859-5000, USA. charles_w.callahan@tamc.chcs.amedd.army.mil

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|February 26, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Diagnoses of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux (GER) increased 20-fold in US Army hospitals from 1971 to 1995. This rise may reflect increased awareness, overdiagnosis, or a true increase in pathologic GER due to infant care changes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Epidemiology
  • Healthcare Trends

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is increasingly linked to pediatric health issues.
  • Understanding diagnostic trends is crucial for managing pediatric GER.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the diagnostic rate of GER in US Army hospitals over a 25-year period (1971-1995).
  • To identify changes in GER diagnosis frequency and patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of GER diagnoses within US Army hospitals.
  • Examination of diagnostic data spanning 1971 to 1995.

Main Results:

  • A 20-fold increase in GER diagnoses was observed over the 25-year study period.
  • Significant increases in both the rate and total number of GER cases were noted in various hospital settings.
  • 2059 GER diagnoses were identified during the study timeframe.

Conclusions:

  • The substantial rise in GER diagnoses may not solely indicate increased prevalence.
  • Potential contributing factors include heightened clinical awareness, diagnostic practices, and possible shifts in infant care influencing pathologic GER incidence.

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