Biochemical Manifestations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Progression in Children: A Single Center Case-Control Study
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive condition, representing one of the most frequent reasons for medical examination, especially in pediatric gastroenterology departments. GERD could be associated with biochemical alterations representing either its systemic manifestations or markers of complications. The aim of our paper was to evaluate biochemical parameters secondary to GERD in children. Two hundred and sixty-seven children of both genders aged between 1 month and 18 years who displayed suggestive symptoms for this condition were included in the study and were monitored for a period of 5 years. Depending on the range of symptoms and technical possibilities, the following procedures/investigations were performed: esophageal pH monitoring and imagistic or endoscopic examination, besides specific biochemical investigations. The cohort was sub-divided into two groups: one that included 213 children with confirmed GERD who represented the study group and 54 healthy children where GERD had been excluded, the control group. Out of all the investigated children, 39.0% displayed low hemoglobin values, 43.7% displayed low values of erythrocyte indices (MCH), and 68.5% had increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, while increased eosinophil levels were recorded in 46.9% of the cases. Such parameters were proven to be a biomarker of suspected eosinophilic esophagitis, whereas 32.9% of the cases displayed high blood glucose values that could be…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 213 participants or records.
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