Natural evolution of regurgitation in healthy infants.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the natural history of infant regurgitation during the first year of life.


METHODS
Parents recorded prospectively the frequency of regurgitation for 1 week before consultation during the first year of life. A sub-group analysis according to the method of feeding was planned.


RESULTS
A total of 130 infants of an original sample of 163 (80%) newborns were followed up for 1 year. Daily spilling was highest during the first month of life (73%) and decreased gradually to 50% during the fifth month of life. During the first 2 months of life, 20% of the infants regurgitated more than four times per day. After the age of 12 months, only 4% of the infants had daily regurgitations. Exclusively breastfed infants did regurgitate less than partially breastfed infants. Weight gain was influenced by the frequency of regurgitation, especially in partially breastfed infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Regurgitation in infancy is common, decreasing from birth, and tends to disappear by 12 months of age. Weight gain during the first 4 months of life is decreased in infants who regurgitate more than four times a day. Our data suggest that exclusively breastfed infants regurgitate less than partially breastfed babies.
Hegar
Badriul
B
Department of Child Health, University of Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Dewanti
Nita R
NR
Kadim
Muzal
M
Alatas
Safira
S
Firmansyah
Agus
A
Vandenplas
Yvan
Y
D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014839:Vomiting / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015430:Weight Gain