LECTURES 73 & 74 - pediatrics GI disorders Flashcards
(100 cards)
Define “GER”
“gastroesophageal reflux”
Passage of gastric contents into the esophagus
normal physiological process in healthy infants & children
Describe the causes of GER
Caused by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) (relaxation is transient in healthy children)
Decrease incidence in older children likely due to starting infant food, more upright/sitting time, decreased esophageal sphincter relaxation
Define “GERD”
“gastroesophageal reflux disease”
causes troublesome symptoms or complications (irritability, feeding difficulties, poor weight gain)
List GI symptoms of GERD in infants
Regurgitation
Feeding difficulties
Hematemesis
List extra-intestinal symptoms of GERD in infants
Irritability
Failure to thrive
Back arching
Persistent cough
Apnea/BRUE
List GI symptoms of GERD in children
Heartburn
Feeding difficulties
Hematemesis
Vomiting
Regurgitation
Dysphagia
Chest pain
List extra-intestinal symptoms of GERD in children
Persistent cough
Wheezing
Laryngitis
Stridor
Asthma
Recurrent pneumonia
Dental erosions
List alarm symptoms of GERD in peds pts
Bilious / projectile emesis
GI bleeding / hematemesis
Vomiting begins after 6 months of age
Difficulty swallowing
History of food allergies
Fever
Diarrhea / constipation
Lethargy
Hepatosplenomegaly
Suspicion of genetic / metabolic disorder
List the requirements for a peds diagnosis of GERD
- History & physical exam
- May consider endoscopy, motility, or pH studies (in some cases)
- Investigation of warning / alarm symptoms
List the goals of therapy for a peds patient with GERD
Provide symptom relief
Promote mucosal healing
Promote weight gain
Prevent complications
Describe the role of PPIs in infants with GERD
Uncertain if PPIs provide benefits with infants:
- No significant change in irritability or crying w/ PPI vs. placebo
- No decrease in infant regurgitation with PPI vs placebo
Describe the use of antacids in infants
AVOID antacids in infants – risk of milk alkali syndrome or increased aluminum levels
List general non-pharmacologic options for the treatment of pediatric GERD
- Feeding changes
- Positioning therapy
- Lifestyle changes
Describe “feeding changes” as a non-pharmacologic option for the treatment of pediatric GERD
- Thickening of feeds
- Increasing caloric density of feeds while decreasing volume
- Hypoallergenic diet (if suspected allergy)
Describe “positioning therapy” as a non-pharmacologic option for the treatment of pediatric GERD
- Keep upright after feeds
- Elevate head of bed
- Although positioning may help, infants must sleep in supine (flat on back) position (risk of SIDS)
Describe “lifestyle changes” as a non-pharmacologic option for the treatment of pediatric GERD
- Smaller, more frequent feedings
- Frequent burping
- Dietary modifications
- Weight reduction (if obese)
- Elimination of smoke exposure or alcohol use
List the indications for pharmacologic therapy for the treatment of pediatric GERD
- GERD presents with complications
- No improvement after lifestyle modifications (2-4 weeks)
- Failure to thrive
What is a potential issue of using PPIs to treat peds patients with GERD
may cause rebound hyperacidity, especially with long-term PPI use
or PPIs are suddenly stopped instead of weaned
What should be considered when trialing drug therapy for the treatment of pediatric GERD?
consider weaning after 4-8 weeks
DO NOT STOP SUDDENLY
List the drug classes that can be used for treatment of pediatric GERC
- acid suppressants (H2RAs, PPIs)
- prokinetics
- antacids (not in infants!!)
- antihistamine (cyproheptadine)
Describe the MOA of H2RAs
Competitive inhibitors of histamine at receptors on gastric parietal cells which results in decreased acid secretion
What is the first line treatment for mild-moderate pediatric GERD?
H2RAs
Describe the length of usage of H2RAs in the treatment of pediatric GERD
Short-term use
Tachyphylaxis observed with chronic use
What is the pediatric H2RA of choice for the treatment of pediatric GERD?
Famotidine (Pepcid)