Korean J Perinatol.
1997 Dec;8(4):372-378.
A Study of Gastroesophageal Reflux using 24hour pH Meter in Fullterm and Preterm Infants
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Gastroesophageal reflux is common in infants. The incidence of reflux in preterm infant has been reported to be higher than in fullterm infant. We perform this study to evaiuate the gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infant and fullterm infant. METHOD: A continuous 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 28 asymptomatic infant(16 preterm infants and 12 fullterm infants). Four parameters(reflux index, number of reflux episodes in 24 hours, number of reflux episodesp 5 minutes in 24 hours, and duration of the longest reflux episode) were analyzed by gestation and birth weight. RESULT: All four parameters were not different in the low birth weight infant group(birth weight<2,500gm) compaired with infant of birth weight> or =2,500gm. In preterm infant group, mean reflux index was 3.08+/-6.84%; number of reflux episodes in 24 hours was 85.94+/-145.99; number of reflux episodes longer than 5 minutes was 0.38+/-0.72; and duration of the longest reflux episode was 3.69+/-4.88 minutes. In fullterm infant group, mean reflux index was 9.42+/-8.98%; number of reflux episodes in 24 hours was 190.58+/-158.27; number of reflux episodes longer than 5 minutes was 5.17+/-5.97; and duration of the longest reflux episode 16.58+/-15.41 minutes. Significant differences in reflux index, number of reflux episode longer than 5 minutes, and duration of the longest reflux episode were found between the preterm infant and fullterm infant. The number of reflux episodes in 24 hours was not different between preterm and fullterm infants.
CONCLUSION
In continuous 24 hour esophageal pH monitoring, gastroesophageal reflux was more common in fullterm infant than preterm infant.
