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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research article

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants in a rural population: longitudinal data over the first six months

Authors: Robert S Van Howe, Michelle R Storms

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Background

Increasing numbers of infants are receiving prescription medications for symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux. Our aim was to prospectively measure reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in healthy term infants for the first six months of life.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study in the rural Upper Peninsula of Michigan, 128 consecutive maternal-infant pairs were followed for six months and administered the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) at the one-month, two-month, four-month, and six-month well-child visits.

Results

The I-GERQ-R scores decreased with age. Average scores were 11.74 (SE = 5.97) at one-month, 9.97(4.92) at two-months, 8.44(4.39) at four-months, and 6.97(4.05) at six months. Symptoms associated with colic were greatest at one month of age.

Conclusion

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux as measured by the I-GERQ-R decrease with age in the first six months of life in otherwise healthy infants; however the I-GERQ-R may have difficulty differentiating gastroesophageal reflux disease from colic in those under 3 months of age.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/10/7/prepub

Title: Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants in a rural population: longitudinal data over the first six months
Authors: Robert S Van Howe
Michelle R Storms
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-10-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants in a rural population: longitudinal data over the first six months

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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