The Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Adenoid Hypertrophy in Children

Abstract

Objectives To establish the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in the treatment of adenoid hypertrophy in children. Design Randomized controlled double-blinded clinical trial. Population Forty children, aged 2 to 12 years, with adenoid hypertrophy fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methods Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: one to be treated with oral Losec MUPS for a period of 2 months (treatment group) and the other to be given a low-dose vitamin C tablet for the same period (control group). The patients were reviewed on 2 occasions during the 2-month study period, during which endoscopy was performed to examine the adenoid glands to assess their size and the larynx to assess signs of reflux disease. Examination of tonsillar size was also performed. Results There was a significant reduction in adenoid size in the treatment group, but the control group also demonstrated a significant reduction in adenoid size. Comparison between the 2 groups in terms of adenoid grade change between the first and second visits did not reveal any significant statistical difference. Conclusion The results of this study do not demonstrate any efficacy of PPIs for adenoid hypertrophy in children, and these drugs should not be used for this purpose.