Feed thickeners in gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants

Kwok, T’ng Chang; Ojha, Shalini; Dorling, Jon

Abstract

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is the involuntary retrograde passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus with or without regurgitation. This is a common physiological, self-limiting condition in healthy infants with a prevalence peaking at 3–4 months of age, occurring more than once a day in 50% of healthy infants. As infants achieve upright posture with neurodevelopment maturation and acquire a more solid diet with age, symptoms usually improve by 6 months old with resolution by 12–14 months old.1 Transient inappropriate relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter and delayed gastric emptying are common mechanisms leading to GOR.
This is further exaggerated in preterm infants who have shorter and immature oesophagus with non-peristaltic motility.

Citation

Kwok, T. C., Ojha, S., & Dorling, J. (2018). Feed thickeners in gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2(1), e000262. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2018-000262

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 29, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jun 27, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 27, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jun 6, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Journal: BMJ Paediatrics Open
• Electronic ISSN: 2399-9772
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 1
• Pages: e000262
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2018-000262
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1882068
• Publisher URL: https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000262