Outcomes of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease: in the first year of life, in childhood, and in adults...oh, and should we really leave Helicobacter pylori alone?
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in childhood varies by age. As in adults, GER can result in a spectrum of disease manifestations. Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may become adults with GERD, as suggested by the frequency of childhood reflux symptoms reported by adults with reflux disease. Some studies suggest a causative association between Helicobacter pylori infection and GERD, whereas others postulate a protective role for H. pylori. To better understand pediatric GERD, age-appropriate case definitions and multicenter randomized controlled treatment trials are critically needed.
Gold
Benjamin D
BD
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Helicobacter Antimicrobial Resistance Project Laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. bgold@emory.edu
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015995:Prevalence