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PMID: 17511920 Published · ppublish English Journal Article Review

Infant apnea and gastroesophageal reflux: a critical review and framework for further investigation.

Current gastroenterology reports ·Vol. 9 ·No. 3 ·2007-06-00 ·Pages 219-24

Slocum C, Hibbs AM, Martin RJ, Orenstein SR

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux and apnea of prematurity are both common occurrences in premature infants. However, a causal relationship between the two remains controversial. Strong physiologic evidence indicates that a variety of protective reflex responses may elicit laryngeal adduction and apnea. Although a potential link between gastroesophageal reflux and apnea may exist through this pathway, clinical studies can be cited to either support or refute such a link in premature infants. The majority of gastroesophageal reflux episodes do not appear to be related to apnea. In a specific subset of events, a causal relationship may exist. Whether this is related to the character of the reflux episode or to a predisposition in a subpopulation of infants is unclear. This review presents the evidence for and against an association between gastroesophageal reflux and apnea, discusses techniques used in their evaluation, and identifies approaches for future investigation.

MeSH Terms
Apnea/etiology,physiopathology Esophageal Sphincter, Lower/physiopathology Gastroesophageal Reflux/physiopathology Humans Infant Infant, Newborn Infant, Premature, Diseases/physiopathology Larynx/physiopathology Monitoring, Ambulatory/methods Research Design
Authors & Affiliations
4 authors, click to expand affiliations / ORCID
Slocum Christopher
Division of Neonatology, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Suite 3100, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Hibbs Anna Maria
Martin Richard J
Orenstein Susan R
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Article Info
Journal
Current gastroenterology reports
Abbr.
Curr Gastroenterol Rep
ISSN
1522-8037
DOI
10.1007/s11894-007-0022-3
Published
2007-06-00
Pages
219-24
Language
English
Region
United States
NLM ID
100888896
Subset
IM
External Links
PubMed source DOI: 10.1007/s11894-007-0022-3 View journal details
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