Abstract
The relationship between GER and AOP in newborns is still controversial. The aim of our study was to assess if MII-pH study could be useful to detect the association between GER and AOP in a subgroup of preterms selected for the absence of confounding factors. Were included newborns who satisfied the following criteria: postnatal age less than 30 days, no response to conventional treatment of AOP, no ventilatory support, full enteral feeding (intermittent suckling bolus) and absence of known causes of AOP. Five newborns [3 M; median ga 32 weeks (range 29–36); bw 1740 gr (range 1300–2350); age at study 15 days (range 8–21)] underwent simultaneous 24hours recording of MII-pH, continuous pulse oximeter saturation and ECG. A reflux event (RE) was defined by MII when a fall in impedance <50% from baseline occurred in at least the two distal channels in an aboral direction. A temporal association between RE and apnea and/or bradycardia was considered present if these events commenced within 20 seconds the onset of a RE. In the recording period a total of 285 RE [median rate of 55 per recording (range: 41–71)] and 115 apnoea [median rate of 24 per recording (range: 3–35)] were detected. Thirty-six AOP were associated with RE (31%). Frequency of events during RE was significantly greater than in reflux-free period [0.48/min (0 - 1.28) vs. 0.013/min (0.003 - 0.05); p<0.05]. Out of 36 RE-associated apnea, 31 were not acid (86%). Frequency of events during non-acid RE was greater than in reflux-free period [0.38/min (0 - 1.3) vs. 0.004/min (0.02 - 0.036); p<0.05]. No difference was found in the frequency of events associated and not associated with acid-RE.
Our data show that both AOP and GER were common in these infants and seem to be temporally related.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Magista', A., Indrio, F., Baldassarre, M. et al. 121 Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance (MII) to Detect Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Apnea of Prematurity (AOP). Pediatr Res 58, 375 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00150
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200508000-00150