Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Infants and Children

Abstract

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as gastroesophageal reflux causing troublesome symptoms or complications. In this study we reviewed the literature regarding the prevalence of GERD symptoms in infants and children. Methods: Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically searched from inception to June 26, 2018. English-written studies based on birth cohort, school-based, or general population samples of ≥50 children aged 0 to 21 years were included. Convenience samples were excluded. Results: In total, 3581 unique studies were found, of which 25 studies (11 in infants and 14 in children) were included with data on the prevalence of GERD symptoms comprising a total population of 487,969 children. In infants (0–18 months), GERD symptoms are present in more than a quarter of infants on a daily basis and show a steady decline in frequency with almost complete disappearance of symptoms at the age of 12 months. In children older than 18 months, GERD symptoms show large variation in prevalence between studies (range 0%-38% of study population) and overall, are present in >10% and in 25% on respectively a weekly and monthly basis. Of the risk factors assessed, higher body mass index and the use of alcohol and tobacco were associated with higher GERD symptom prevalence. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that the reported prevalence of GERD symptoms varies considerably, depending on method of data collection and criteria used to define symptoms. Nevertheless, the high reported prevalence rates support better investment of resources and educational campaigns focused on prevention.

Validity and reliability testing of the Toddler and Infant (TANDI) Health Related Quality of Life instrument for very young children

“…Problems with feeding or eating are common in children with 20-50% of typically developing children, and 70-89% of children with developmental disabilities reported as having feeding problems [53]. Gastroesophageal reflux is a common eating problem which causes pain or discomfort [53,54] and could be contributing to the report of pain and eating problems most noted in the GP group. Reflux is present in more than 25% of children under 18 months [54] this could be reflected in the larger confidence interval seen in the proportion of problems reported in the youngest age group.…”

“…Gastroesophageal reflux is a common eating problem which causes pain or discomfort [53,54] and could be contributing to the report of pain and eating problems most noted in the GP group. Reflux is present in more than 25% of children under 18 months [54] this could be reflected in the larger confidence interval seen in the proportion of problems reported in the youngest age group. More severe problems with feeding was associated with illness as AI had the highest report of a lot of problems with eating.…”

Pharmacodynamics of tegoprazan and revaprazan after single and multiple oral doses in healthy subjects

“…Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as 'gastroesophageal reflux causing troublesome symptoms or complications'. 1 Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn and regurgitation of food or sour liquid, which might be worse at night. 2 GERD patients who have nocturnal acid breakthrough (NAB) might also experience chronic cough, laryngitis and disrupted sleep.…”

Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal formula combined with western medicine for gastroesophageal reflux disease

“…The prevalence varies in different areas, and it increases with age. [ 3 – 5 ] It reduces patients’ quality of life, and it is associated with a strong and severity-dependent increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. [ 6 , 7 ]…”