Preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestation experience more symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in the first 6 months of life than infants born at later gestational ages

In this study of 582 infants less than 6 month old, we found that infants born prior to 32 weeks gestation experienced more symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) than infants born at later gestational ages. While full-term infants experience improvement in GER symptoms over the first 6 months of life, infants born at 32 – 37 weeks do not show this same improvement. Family history of allergy was related to an increase in GER symptoms. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms and development of GER symptoms in infants born before 37 weeks gestation.

Authors: Britt Pados, Grace Briceno, Victoria Feaster, & Katherine Gregory

Publication information: Pediatric Medicine. 2021; 4: 12. doi: 10.21037/pm-20-100

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Elevated intestinal inflammation in preterm infants with signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

In this study of 32 infants born preterm, we found that infants with signs and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had higher levels of intestinal inflammation as measured by fecal calprotectin. Further studies are need to explore the role of intestinal inflammation in development of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Authors: Colleen Shelly, Evgenia Filatava, Julia Thai, Britt Pados, Sara Rostas, Hidemi Yamamoto, Raina Fichorova, & Katherine Gregory

Publication information: Biological Research for Nursing. 2021; 23(3): 524-532.

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Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in healthy, full-term infants less than 7 months old

In this study of 559 healthy, full-term infants, we found that symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as measured by the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire – Revised (I-GERQ-R) decreased over the first 7 months of life. Reference values are provided for the I-GERQ-R for infants 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, and 6-7 months old. In this study, we found the I-GERQ-R to have acceptable internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity.

Authors: Britt Pados & Joy Yamasaki

Publication information: Nursing for Women’s Health. 2020; 24(2): 84-90. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2020.01.006

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Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and non-pharmacologic strategies for symptom management

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common, but complex pathophysiologic process in young infants. Recent clinical practice guidelines suggest use of non-pharmacologic management strategies given concerns about the safety and effectiveness of acid-reducing medications in this population. In this paper, we holistically review the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease with a focus on identify symptom management targets. Symptom management strategies include targeting stress, alterations in the intestinal microbiome, food intolerances, feeding difficulties, and positioning.

Authors: Britt Pados & Emma Davitt

Publication information: Nursing for Women’s Health. 2020; 24(2): 101-114. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2020.01.005

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