Gastroesophageal reflux and acute life-threatening episodes: role of a central respiratory depression.
The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma levels of beta-endorphins in babies with gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) admitted for acute life-threatening episodes (ALTE). In case of ALTE (n = 15), beta-endorphin levels were significantly increased compared to sudden infant deaths syndrome siblings with GOR of a similar gravity evaluated for risk factors (n = 13). beta-Endorphin levels are decreased following successful treatment of GOR. Studies of ventilation suggest that changes in the central respiratory drive are associated with a reduction in plasma beta-endorphin levels.
Laboratoire Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Henri-Poincaré-Nancy, France.
C
C
Beyaert
F
F
Marchal
B
B
Dousset
M A
MA
Serres
P
P
Monin
D000208:Acute Disease; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D016638:Critical Illness; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood*
D001615:beta-Endorphin