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Presenting symptoms of nonerosive and erosive esophagitis in pediatric patients

Gupta SK, Hassall E, Chiu YL, Amer F, Heyman MB

Digestive diseases and sciences, 2006

45 participants

Abstract

Children and adolescents with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE) of grade >/=2 (n=45) or nonerosive esophagitis (NEE) (n=45) were assessed to determine the relationship between presenting symptoms, esophagitis severity, and patient age. Overall, regurgitation/vomiting, abdominal pain, and cough were the most frequent symptoms. The prevalence and severity of anorexia/feed refusal was significantly greater in EE versus NEE children; this symptom was also significantly more prevalent in younger (1-5 years) children (both NEE and EE groups) compared to older children. Cough was significantly less severe in NEE adolescents than in younger children. Cough, anorexia/feed refusal, and regurgitation/vomiting were more severe and heartburn was less severe in EE children aged 1-5 years compared with older patients. In conclusion, GERD in children manifests differently than that in adults and symptoms vary with patient age. Symptoms were not predictive of presence or lack of mucosal damage.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 45 participants or records.

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