The Management of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux in Infants
Keywords:
medicineAbstract
Objective: To determine the optimal management of gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants.
Methods: Searches were made on medical databases (Cochrane Library, National Electronic
Library for Health, PubMed). Three randomised control studies, a case control study, an
intervention study and one systematic review were chosen and appraised according to a
critical appraisal checklist. Results: Antacids and feed thickeners were found to be effective
in decreasing the symptoms, but not the gastric acidity associated with gastro-oesophageal
reflux. There was no evidence supporting the use of positioning in decreasing symptoms. No
evidence was found to support the use of pharmacological agents (metoclopramide,
omeprazole) in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Conclusion: The optimal
management of gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants is parental reassurance and education.
If essential, conservative measures such as feed thickeners and antacids may be employed.
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