Gastro-oesophageal reflux and oesophageal dysfunction in children and adolescents with brain damage.
The prevalence of pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and oesophageal dysfunction (OD) was investigated in 32 children, 0.7-19 years of age (mean 11.2 years), with brain damage, mainly severe cerebral palsy and tetraplegia. They underwent 24-h pH monitoring in the distal oesophagus and oesophageal manometry. In addition, radiological examination of the oesophagus, chest radiography, blood counts and blood tests for iron deficiency were carried out. Fifteen (47%) patients had mild pathological acid reflux, 5 (16%) had moderately severe and 5 (16%) severe acid GOR. Seven of 32 (22%) patients had no pathological GOR. Ten patients had abnormal manometry findings and 9 had a pathological radiological oesophagus examination. Three patients had radiographic lung consolidations. Thirteen patients had iron deficiency and 5 were anaemic. Two patients with severe acid reflux have died, presumably from aspiration-induced pneumonia. Findings of OD and GOR are frequent in children with brain damage and are related to significant complications, including fatal course.
Gustafsson
P M
PM
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
Tibbling
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology