Gastroesophageal reflux in newborns and premature infants

Abstract

Gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) is defined as the retrograde passage of gastric contents back into the esophagus where it does not belong. Food and gastric juice may damage the mucosa, interfere with respiratory function and impair nutrition. This phenomenon, which follows a failure of the anti-reflux barrier, is particularly frequent in infancy, a period during which it is considered a near-normal event. Episodes are usually short, occur after feeds and tend to decrease with the passage of time. When GER becomes bothersome, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops. In this chapter, only GER and GERD in newborns and young infants are addressed. The mechanisms, symptoms, associated conditions, diagnostic procedures and treatment recommendations are summarized.