Are we overprescribing antireflux medications for infants with regurgitation?
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of infants with persistent regurgitation who were referred to a pediatric gastroenterology service.


METHODS
The records of 64 infants with persistent regurgitation and without any neurodevelopmental abnormalities, underlying illness, or cigarette smoke exposure were evaluated for diagnostic workup and treatment. Forty-four infants underwent extended esophageal pH monitoring.


RESULTS
Only 8 of 44 pH studies showed abnormal acid reflux. Forty-two of these 44 infants were already on antireflux medications. Other etiologies included hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (4) and renal tubular acidosis (1). Discontinuation of medication did not result in worsening of symptoms in most infants with normal pH studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of infants who were prescribed antireflux drugs did not meet diagnostic criteria for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Khoshoo
Vikram
V
Pediatric Specialty Center, West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. vkhoshoo@sbcglobal.net
Edell
Dean
D
Thompson
Aaron
A
Rubin
Mitchell
M
D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D014839:Vomiting / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents