Improved infant swallowing after gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment: a function of improved laryngeal sensation?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to describe improvements in pediatric swallowing after gastroesophageal reflux treatment.


METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective database and chart review at two tertiary care children's hospitals.


METHODS
Patients (21 males, 7 females) ranged in age from 1 to 32 months. All patients had clinical evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as evidence of dysphagia with aspiration (laryngeal vestibule and/or trachea) or hypopharyngeal pooling on flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and sensation testing (FEESST) or videofluoroscopic swallow study (VSS).


METHODS
Each child underwent either medical or surgical intervention for control of their GERD.


METHODS
Outcome measures were change in laryngopharyngeal sensation and swallowing function with repeat swallow evaluation after GERD treatment.


RESULTS
A significant improvement in both swallow function and sensory testing was demonstrated after GERD treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
GERD may result in decreased laryngopharyngeal sensitivity, which may contribute to pediatric swallowing dysfunction. Control of GERD may improve swallow function. These findings have important clinical implications that need further study.
Suskind
Dana L
DL
Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. dsuskind@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
Thompson
Dana M
DM
Gulati
Martha
M
Huddleston
Penny
P
Liu
Donald C
DC
Baroody
Fuad M
FM
D002675:Child, Preschool; D016208:Databases, Factual; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D014743:Videotape Recording