title: The incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants with GERD-like symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Symptoms of infantile gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may overlap with oropharyngeal dysphagia, but the evaluation and treatment of these conditions vary greatly. In this investigation, the incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants with GERD-like symptoms is determined.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review was performed on infants referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic for GERD-like symptoms. A feeding screen was performed in all infants. Standardized bedside swallow evaluation and modified barium swallow (MBS) studies were then performed when clinically indicated. A similarly aged cohort of normal participants also underwent a standard bedside swallow evaluation for group comparison.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study population included 67 infants. A swallow evaluation was recommended in 39 of 67 infants with abnormalities noted in all. Swallowing abnormalities were more frequent and clustered in infants with GERD-like symptoms vs controls. MBS was abnormal in 16 of 17 qualifying infants. Characteristics of at-risk infants included extreme prematurity, developmental delay, or symptoms refractory to antireflux medications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oropharyngeal dysphagia is prominent in infants with GERD-like symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. mfishbein@luriechildrens.org
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fishbein
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Branham
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fraker
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Walbert
authors.forename: Sibyl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scarborough
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies