Gastroesophageal Reflux and Prokinetic Agents

Abstract

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX (GER), a common problem in preterm and term infants, occurs when there is retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. The severity of the reflux is related to the height of the gastric contents up into the esophagus or the oral pharynx. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is the main mechanism thought to be responsible for GER in infants.1–3In a study conducted by Marino and associates, approximately 60 percent of preterm infants were affected by reflux.4GER is associated with irritability, apnea and bradycardia, poor weight gain, aspiration pneumonia, and esophagitis.2,5–7