Gastroesophageal reflux with protein-losing enteropathy and finger clubbing

Finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, and iron deficiency were documented in three children with severe gastroesophageal reflux. One patient had Sandifer syndrome and the other two had the rumination syndrome. In each case, surgical repair of the gastroesophageal reflux resulted in immediate clearing of signs of the Sandifer syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, and anemia and the return of serum protein levels to normal. There was definite regression of the finger clubbing during the ensuing year. It is suggested that finger clubbing, protein-losing enteropathy, Sandifer syndrome, and rumination be viewed as parts of an extended syndrome of unusual presentations of gastroesophageal reflux.