Gastroesophageal Reflux in the Child with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the objective pathologic sequelae of retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus as it leads to troublesome symptoms or complications. Patients with cerebral palsy (CP) are at increased risk for GERD due to a number of contributing factors such as anatomy, altered gastrointestinal motility, posture, and other comorbidities. There is no gold standard diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of GERD. The diagnosis is often made clinically, based on signs and symptoms. There are different testing methods that can be used to document the presence of pathologic reflux and complications. One should have a high index of suspicion for GERD in children with CP in order for timely diagnosis and management. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgical options. Suboptimal treatment of GERDcan lead to complications such as erosive esophagitis and Barrett esophagus.