Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children

Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common in infants and children.To review the recent literature on GERD in children and to outline the approach to diagnosis and management.A literature search in PubMed was conducted with regard to the prevalence, clinical features, diagnosis and management of GER and GERD in children with special attention to low- and middle-income countries. Articles in English published during the last 25 years, the full text of which was available, were considered and the relevant information extracted.Almost 50% of all healthy infants regurgitate at least once a day which peaks at 4 months of age and subsides by 12 months in 90% of cases. Conversely, the prevalence of GERD increases with age and, by adolescence, is similar to that in adults (20%). While GER in infancy does not require investigation or therapy, an empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 4-8 weeks is justified in older children with classical symptoms of GERD. There is no gold-standard investigation for GERD. In extra-oesophageal manifestations, a pH/impedance is useful and endoscopy in cases with oesophagitis. PPIs play a pivotal role in the management of GERD but have not been found useful in infants with GER. Anti-reflux surgery plays a minor role in GERD owing to the associated morbidity and high failure rate, especially in high-risk groups who most need it.Unless there are warning features such as failure to thrive, haematemesis, abnormal posturing, choking/gagging or coughing while feeding, regurgitation in infancy need not be investigated. In older children and adolescents with typical reflux symptoms, empirical PPI therapy is justified. For extra-oesophageal manifestations, a pH/impedance study and endoscopy to detect oesophagitis are the investigations of choice. PPI is the mainstay of therapy in GERD, but not in GER.