Risk factors for development of infantile GORD

Children with the following conditions are with an increased risk of GORD:

• neurologic impairment and delay (1)
• history of premature birth (2)
• oesophageal atresia with repair
• hiatus hernia
• bronchopulmonary dysplasia (preterm infants with lung disease)
• asthma
• cystic fibrosis (1)
• oesophageal sphincter disorders
• raised intra-abdominal pressure (3)

NICE state that when deciding whether to investigate or treat, take into account that the following are associated with an increased prevalence of GORD (4):

• premature birth
• parental history of heartburn or acid regurgitation
• obesity
• hiatus hernia
• history of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (repaired)
• history of congenital oesophageal atresia (repaired)
• a neurodisability

Reference:

• 1. Jung A.D. Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants and Children. Am Fam Physician. 2001;64(11):1853-60
• 2. Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinical Practice Guidelines: Joint Recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2009; 49:498-547
• 3. Kumar Y, Sarvananthan R. GORD in children. Clin Evid (Online). 2008; pii: 0310
• 4. NICE (January 2015). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: recognition, diagnosis and management in children and young people