Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised Research Articles

Self-reported respiratory and gastrointestinal outcomes in children with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A prospective multicentre study.

To evaluate medium-term self-reported respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) outcomes in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Self-reported respiratory and GI outcomes correlated with prenatal severity indicators. Prospective study at three fetal medicine units. Families of children prenatally diagnosed with isolated, left-sided CDH surviving for >1 year. Families received validated questionnaires for GI outcomes (Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised, I-GERQ-R, for infants aged <2 years, or Paediatric Gastro-oesophageal Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire, PGSQ, for children aged aged 2-8 years or >9 years) and respiratory outcomes (preschool respiratory outcome questionnaire, for children aged ≤5 years, or the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood asthma questionnaire, for children aged 6-8 years or ≥9 years). Prenatal data collected from the medical records included lung size (percentage observed/expected lung-to-head ratio, O/E LHR %), liver position, fetal endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) gestational age (GA) at delivery, and perinatal data included birthweight, location, patch repair and respiratory support. The GI and respiratory scores were correlated with O/E LHR using linear and logistic regression models. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate associations with perinatal variables. We obtained 142 responses from 342 families (representing a response rate of 45%). The baseline characteristics of participants and non-participants were comparable. No correlations between perinatal variables and respiratory or GI scores were identified. Children aged ≤5 years with lower O/E LHR values reported higher respiratory scores (P = 0.0175); this finding was not reported in older children. Overall, the children who underwent FETO (n = 51) had GI (P = 0.290) and respiratory (P = 0.052) scores that were comparable with those of children who were expectantly managed. Families and children with prenatally diagnosed CDH reported fewer respiratory symptoms with increasing age. There was no correlation between O/E LHR or the use of FETO and self-reported outcomes.

Age-dependent normal values for the ‘Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised’

The Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) is used to score and evaluate gastroesophageal reflux (GER) related symptoms such as regurgitation, irritability and crying. A cut-off of ≥ 16 has been suggested to discriminate between GER and GER-disease. However, age-specific normal values were not assessed. Aim of this study was to determine age-specific normal values in healthy infants. Cross-sectional survey in healthy infants aged 0–24 months during their regular check-ups at well-baby clinics and through an online questionnaire using the I-GERQ-R. Infants with a history of (suspected) GER-disease were excluded. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated to explore age-related trends. A total of 979 healthy infants (47% male, median age 6 [0–24] months) were included. Median I-GERQ-R score, regardless of age, was 6 (range: 0–27). I-GERQ-R scores significantly decreased with age (rs = -0.569, p < 0.001). Of all infants, 49 (5%) had a score of ≥ 16 which previously has been considered ‘suggestive of GER-disease’. Scores of ≥ 16 were most frequently seen in newborns aged 0–4 months (16% in 0–1 months to 4% in 3–4 months) and disappeared after the age of 16 months. High scores in the first months of life were caused by a high prevalence of regurgitation, colic-associated symptoms and hiccup frequency. Conclusion: Age-dependent normal values for the I-GERQ-R show that reflux symptoms decrease in the first 24 months of life in healthy infants. Scores of ≥ 16 should not necessarily be considered abnormal in young infants. Validation as a diagnostic tool for GER-disease using age-appropriate normal values is needed.What is Known:• The Infant Gastro Esophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) was developed to objectively score and evaluate GER-related symptoms in infants.• Previously a cut off of ≥ 16 has been suggested to differentiate between gastro esophageal reflux (GER) and GER-disease.What is New:• We present age-specific normal values of the I-GERQ-R in healthy infants.• I-GERQ-R scores clearly decrease with age and up to 16% of young healthy infants have a score that is above the previously suggested cut-off score of 16 for GER-disease.

Feeding at 6-12 months in infants with CHD.

Feeding difficulty is common in infants with CHD. The purpose of this study was to describe the feeding skills and behaviours of infants with CHD at 6-12 months of age and explore relationships between feeding, gastrointestinal distress, and gastroesophageal reflux. Parents of 30 infants with CHD completed online surveys when their infant was 6, 8, 10, and 12 months old. Surveys included parent-report measures of feeding skills (Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale), feeding behaviours (Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool), symptoms of gastrointestinal distress (Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire), and gastroesophageal reflux (Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised). We found that 95, 32, 67, and 30% of infants were delayed in their feeding skill development at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months, respectively. Symptoms of problematic feeding behaviours were similarly high, with 90, 62, 29, and 38% of infants meeting criteria for problematic feeding at 6, 8, 10, and 12 months, respectively. Feeding skills and behaviours were related but unique contributors. Feeding behaviours were related to both gastrointestinal distress and gastroesophageal reflux, but feeding skills were rarely related to either. Delayed acquisition of feeding skills and problematic feeding were common in infants with CHD. Infants with more gastrointestinal and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms had more symptoms of problematic feeding behaviours. Comprehensive assessment, targeted interventions, and early involvement of feeding specialists are important to support feeding in infants with CHD through at least the first year of life.

The Sensitivity and Specificity of GERD Score Questionnaire in Detecting the Prevalence of GERD among Children with Recurrent Secretory Otitis Media

Background: Gastroesoghageal Reflux and Otitis Media are two of the most prevalent diseases in young children. Aim: To describe the prevalence of Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children with recurrent secretory otitis media. Patients and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study cross sectional included Ninety-one children of both sex aged from 3 months to 8 years were assessed with history of recurrent secretory otitis media type B Tympanometry not improved completely by medical treatment. X-ray of the nasopharynx was done. The parent or legal guardian completed the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire–Revised (I-GERQ-R) symptom-based 11 points questionnaire (I-GERQ GERD). Results: this study include 61 male (67%) and 33 female (33%) and mean GERD score in patients with GER was (7.23 ± 3.1) compared to Non-GERD group (0.76 ± 0.83) (p < 0.001). The mean GERD score in patients with GER was 5.98 +/- 4.22 compared to GERD with adenoid group (3.87 ± 2.45) and Non-GERD group (0.76 ± 0.83) (p < 0.001).GERQ score ≥7 had a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 98% in diagnosing GERD among our patients with overall accuracy of 97%. Conclusion:The I-GERQ-R is thus adequately sensitive to be used diagnostically to screen children for symptom burden.

The Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers

The purpose of this study was to describe the development of the Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux (GIGER) Scale for Infants and Toddlers, and determine its factor structure and psychometric properties. Items were developed to comprehensively assess gastrointestinal (GI) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms observable by a parent. Exploratory factor analysis on 391 responses from parents of children under 2 years old resulted in a 36-item scale with 3 subscales. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable (α = .78-.94). The GIGER total score and all 3 subscales were correlated with the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) (P < .05) and Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ) (P < .05). GIGER total score was higher in infants with a diagnosis of GER (P < .05) or constipation (P < .05) compared to those without. The GIGER is a parent-report measure of GI and GER symptoms in children under 2 years old with adequate psychometric properties.

Effect of frenotomy on breastfeeding and reflux: results from the BRIEF prospective longitudinal cohort study

ObjectivesTo assess the Efficacy of Frenotomy with regard to Breastfeeding and Reflux Improvement (BRIEF) in infants with breastfeeding problems.Materials and methodsA cohort of 175 consecutive breastfeeding women with breastfeeding and reflux problems related to a tongue-tie or lip-tie fulfilling the inclusion criteria was longitudinally followed for 6 months. The effect of frenotomy on these problems was studied by a standardized oral assessment and completing the validated Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Short Form (BSES-SF), nipple pain score (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), and Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) questionnaires pre-frenotomy and at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months’ post frenotomy.ResultsAll 175 women completed the 1-month follow-up and 146 women the 6 months’ follow-up. Frenotomy resulted in a significant improvement of BSES-SF, nipple pain score, and I-GERQ-R after 1 week, which improvement maintained to be significant after 1 month for BSES-SF and I-GERQ-R, and after 6 months for I-GERQ-R. The improvements were irrespective of the type lip-tie or tongue-tie underlying the breast feeding and reflux problems. No post-operative complications were observed. About 60.7% of infants still was breastfed 6 months after treatment.ConclusionsFrenotomy is a safe procedure with no post-operative complications and resulting in significant improvement of breastfeeding self-efficacy, nipple pain, and gastro-oesophageal reflux problems.Clinical relevanceFrenotomy of a tongue-tie and or lip-tie can lead to improvement of breastfeeding and reflux problems irrespective of the type of tongue-tie or lip-tie and should be considered by clinicians as a proper tool to resolve these problems if non-interventional support did not help.International trial registerISRCTN64428423

Abstract 14053: Problematic Feeding is Common and Related to Gastroesophageal Reflux in the First 6 Months After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery

Introduction: Feeding problems are often reported in infants after cardiac surgery. To date, no studies have followed the development of feeding after cardiac surgery using valid and reliable measures. Purpose: To describe feeding problems and the relationship between feeding and gastrointestinal tract symptoms in infants over the first 6 months (mos) after neonatal cardiac surgery. Methods: Parents of neonates requiring cardiac surgery were invited to complete surveys when their infant was 2, 4, and 6 mos old. The survey included the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT), Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire – Revised (I-GERQ-R), and Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ). Scores on the NeoEAT subscales ( Infant Regulation, Energy &amp; Physiologic Stability, Gastrointestinal Tract Function, Sensory Responsiveness , and Compelling Symptoms of Problematic Feeding) were categorized as problematic (≥ 90 th percentile) or not problematic (&lt; 90 th percentile) based on reference data. Percent of the sample with problematic feeding at each time point was determined. Bivariate correlations were calculated between the NeoEAT, IGSQ, and I-GERQ-R. Results: 27 parents completed the surveys, reporting on 6 infants with single ventricle and 21 with two ventricle conditions. Problematic feeding scores were common at all times and in both cardiac conditions. Problematic scores were reported on Compelling Symptoms of Problematic Feeding for 52% of the sample at 2 mos, 36% at 4 mos, and 22% at 6 mos. Problematic scores occurred in Gastrointestinal Tract Function for 22% at 2 mos, 10% at 4 mos, and 39% at 6 mos. Problems occurred in Sensory Responsiveness in 17% at 2 mos, 24% at 4 mos, and 33% at 6 mos. Energy &amp; Physiologic Stability problems occurred in 13%, 10%, and 22%, respectively. None reported problems in Infant Regulation . Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (I-GERQ-R) were significantly correlated with the NeoEAT ( p &lt; .05), but gastrointestinal symptoms (IGSQ) were not. Conclusions: Problematic feeding is common in the first 6 mos after neonatal cardiac surgery and is related to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Some areas of feeding improved over time, while others worsened, likely related to developmental and disease-related changes.

Overlapping Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux and Aspiration Highlight the Limitations of Validated Questionnaires.

Infants frequently present with feeding difficulties and respiratory symptoms, which are often attributed to gastroesophageal reflux but may be because of oropharyngeal dysphagia with aspiration. The Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) is a clinical measure of gastroesophageal reflux disease but now there is greater understanding of dysphagia as a reflux mimic. We aimed to determine the degree of overlap between I-GERQ-R and evidence of dysphagia, measured by Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool-10 (Pedi-EAT-10) and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). We performed a prospective study of subjects <18 months old with feeding difficulties. All parents completed Pedi-EAT-10 and I-GERQ-R as a quality initiative to address parental feeding concerns. I-GERQ-R results were compared with Pedi-EAT-10 and, whenever available, results of prior VFSS. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between scores. Groups were compared with 1-way ANOVA and Fisher exact test. ROC analysis was completed to compare scores with VFSS results. One hundred eight subjects with mean age 7.1 ± 0.5 months were included. Pedi-EAT-10 and I-GERQ-R were correlated (r = 0.218, P = 0.023) in all subjects and highly correlated in the 77 subjects who had prior VFSS (r = 0.369, P = 0.001). The blue spell questions on I-GERQ-R had relative risk 1.148 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.043-1.264, P = 0.142) for predicting aspiration/penetration on VFSS, with 100% specificity. Scores on the question regarding crying during/after feedings were also higher in subjects with abnormal VFSS (1.1 ± 0.15 vs 0.53 ± 0.22, P = 0.04). I-GERQ-R and the Pedi-EAT-10 are highly correlated. I-GERQ-R results may actually reflect oropharyngeal dysphagia and not just gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants.

Does Combined Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance and pH (MII-pH) Testing Improve Clinical Outcomes in Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

The aim of the study was to investigate the role of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) testing in clinical management of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by exploring the impact of treatment changes made based on MII-pH testing results on symptoms and quality of life outcomes. All patients (<18 years) referred to the Sydney Children's Hospital for MII-pH testing were recruited. Patients were classified by acid suppression therapy (AST) status (on AST and off AST) and changes in medical and surgical management were evaluated. Validated questionnaires (Pediatric Gastroesophageal Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire and Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised) were administered at baseline at the time of MII-pH testing, and 4 weeks after treatment changes were made and questionnaire scores were compared. Of the 45 patients recruited, 24 patients (53.3%) were off AST and 21 patients (46.7%) were on AST. MII-pH testing led to medication changes in 30 patients (66.7%). This included 15 of 24 (62.5%) in those off AST and 15 of 21 (71.4%) in those on AST. More than 98% of patients who had treatment changes showed a significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life scores. Our study is one of the first pediatric studies to evaluate the clinical validity of MII-pH testing in the pediatric population referred for suspected GERD, and its ability in guiding clinical management. Our study has shown that treatment decisions guided by and based on results of MII-pH testing led to a significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life in infants and children with GERD.

Natural history of gastroesophageal reflux in infancy: new data from a prospective cohort

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in infants. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as GER leading to troublesome symptoms that affect daily functioning and/or complications. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and progression of GER and GERD in a cohort of healthy term infants from birth to 12 months old.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study including all full-term living neonates born at Besançon Teaching Hospital, France. Parents completed a clinical report form and the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age. GER was defined as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score < 16, and GERD as score ≥ 1 to the first question with I-GERQ-R score ≥ 16. Regurgitation was based on the answer to the first question of the I-GERQ-R as anything coming out of the mouth daily.Results157/347 births were included (83 boys). The prevalence of regurgitation at least once a day was 45.7% overall. In total: 72, 69, 56, 18, and 13% of infants regurgitated at least once a day at 1, 3, 6, 10, and 12 months of age, respectively. Physiological GER affected 53, 59, 51, 16, and 12% of infants; GERD, 19, 9, 5, 2, and 2%, respectively. Two risk factors were identified: family history of GER and exposure to passive smoking. Treatment included dietary modification (14%) and pharmacotherapy (5%).ConclusionPhysiological GER peaked at 3 months, GERD at 1 month. Most cases resolved on their own. GER and GERD are very common in the infant’s population and parents should be reassured/educated regarding symptoms, warning signs, and generally favorable prognosis. I-GERQ-R is useful to the clinical screening and follow up for GER and GERD.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Healthy, Full-Term Infants Under 7 Months of Age

PurposeTo describe symptoms of gastrointestinal distress experienced by healthy, full-term infants in the first 7 months of life and test the psychometric properties of the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ). Design and methodsParents of infants <7 months (n = 320) completed the IGSQ, the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire – Revised (I-GERQ-R), and the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) – Breastfeeding and/or Bottle-feeding. Median and percentile scores were calculated for the IGSQ scores for each age group: 0–2, 2–4, 4–6, and 6–7 months. Change in IGSQ scores with age were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test with Mann-Whitney U tests for post-hoc comparisons. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Concurrent validity was tested using Spearman's rho between the IGSQ and the I-GERQ-R and NeoEAT. ResultsIGSQ scores decreased significantly with increased infant age, from a median of 28 at 0–2 months to 23 at 6–7 months old. The IGSQ had acceptable internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.74). IGSQ total score was significantly correlated with I-GERQ-R total score (Spearman's rho (rs) = 0.69, p < .001), NeoEAT – Breastfeeding: Gastrointestinal Function subscale score (rs = 0.46, p < .001), and NeoEAT – Bottle-feeding: Gastrointestinal Tract Function subscale score (rs = 0.47, p < .001). ConclusionsGastrointestinal symptoms decrease with increasing age in the first 7 months of life. The IGSQ has evidence of acceptable internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity. Practice implicationsThese data can be used to guide IGSQ score interpretation.

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Healthy, Full-Term Infants Younger Than 7 Months Old

ObjectiveTo describe the range of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in healthy, full-term infants in the first 7 months of life. DesignCross-sectional, descriptive study. Median and percentile scores for the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire–Revised (I-GERQ-R) were calculated for each of the following age groups of infants: 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 7 months. Psychometric properties, including internal consistency reliability and concurrent validity of the I-GERQ-R, were also tested. SettingOnline. ParticipantsPrimary caregivers of 559 healthy, full-term (≥37 weeks gestational age) infants younger than 7 months. MeasurementsParticipants were asked to answer questions about themselves, their family, and their infant and to complete the I-GERQ-R, the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire, and the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool. ResultsSymptoms of gastroesophageal reflux decreased over the first 7 months of life. Scores in the 95th percentile decreased from 19 in infants 0 to 2 months old to 16.7 in infants 6 to 7 months old. Internal consistency reliability of the I-GERQ-R was acceptable (Cronbach’s α = .71). The I-GERQ-R had evidence of concurrent validity with the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (rs = .69, p < .001) and Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool–Breastfeeding Gastroesophageal Function subscale (rs = .52, p < .001). ConclusionsAuthors of prior studies used a cutoff score of 16 for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants younger than 18 months. Our results indicate that symptoms of reflux change with age over the first 7 months of life and that using more age-specific reference values may be more appropriate. Health care providers can use these age-specific percentile scores, together with clinical assessment, to identify significant symptomatology related to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Magnesium Alginate in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: A Randomized Multicenter Cross-Over Study in Infants.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium alginate in decreasing functional regurgitation symptoms in infants, and to assess the cost–benefit ratio of magnesium alginate compared to a thickened formula. A multicenter perspective cross-over study was conducted in formula-fed infants with persisting regurgitation, randomly assigned to receive two weeks of a magnesium-alginate-based formulation followed by two weeks of thickened formula, or vice-versa. Infants, exclusively breast-fed, were followed up for two weeks while receiving magnesium alginate. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were evaluated through the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R). Direct cost of treatments was also calculated. Seventy-two infants completed the study. We found a significant reduction of I-GERQ-R scores over time (F = 55.387; p < 0.001) in all groups with no difference between the sequences of administration (F = 0.268; p = 0.848) in formula-fed infants and between exclusively breast-fed and formula-fed infants receiving magnesium alginate (t = 1.55; p = 0.126). The mean cost savings per infant was € 4.60 (±11.2) in formula-fed infants treated with magnesium alginate compared to thickened formula (t = 2.91, p < 0.0005). Conclusions were that the magnesium-alginate formulation reduces GER symptoms both in formula-fed and breast-fed infants. In formula-fed infants, clinical efficacy is similar to thickened formulas with a slightly lower cost of treatment.

Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool - Mixed Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding (NeoEAT - Mixed Feeding): factor analysis and psychometric properties

BackgroundEarly identification of feeding difficulty in infancy is critical to supporting breastfeeding and ensuring optimal nutrition for brain development. The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) is a parent-report assessment that currently has two versions: NeoEAT – Breastfeeding and NeoEAT – Bottle-feeding for use in breast and bottle-fed infants, respectively. There are currently no valid and reliable parent-report measures to assess feeding through a combination of both breast and bottle delivery. The purpose of this study was to conduct a factor analysis and test the psychometric properties of a new measure, the NeoEAT – Mixed Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding (NeoEAT – Mixed Feeding), including internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, construct validity and known-groups validity.MethodsParents of infants younger than 7 months who had fed by both bottle and breast in the previous 7 days were invited to participate. Internal consistency reliability was tested using Cronbach’s α. Test-retest reliability was tested between scores on the NeoEAT – Mixed Feeding completed 2 weeks apart. Construct validity was tested using correlations between the NeoEAT – Mixed-Feeding, the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire - Revised (I-GERQ-R), and the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ). Known-groups validation was tested between healthy infants and infants with feeding problems.ResultsA total of 608 parents participated. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 68-item scale with 5 sub-scales. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α = .88) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.91; p < .001) were both acceptable. Construct validity was demonstrated through correlations with the I-GERQ-R (r = 0.57; p < .001) and IGSQ (r = 0.5; p < .001). Infants with feeding problems scored significantly higher on the NeoEAT – Mixed Feeding, indicating more problematic feeding symptoms, than infants without feeding problems (p < .001), supporting known-groups validity.ConclusionsThe NeoEAT – Mixed Feeding is a 68-item parent-reported measure of breast- and bottle-feeding behavior for infants less than 7 months old that now has evidence of validity and reliability for use in clinical practice and research. The NeoEAT – Mixed Feeding can be used to identify infants with problematic feeding, guide referral decisions, and evaluate response to interventions.

Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool-Bottle-Feeding (NeoEAT-Bottle-Feeding).

Feeding difficulties are common in infancy. There are currently no valid and reliable parent-report measures to assess bottle-feeding in infants younger than 7 months. The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT)-Bottle-feeding has been developed and content validated. To determine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding. Parents of bottle-feeding infants younger than 7 months were invited to participate. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine factor structure. Internal consistency reliability was tested using Cronbach α. Test-retest reliability was tested between scores on the NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding completed 2 weeks apart. Construct validity was tested using correlations between the NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding, the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R), and the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (IGSQ). Known-groups validation was tested by comparing scores between healthy infants and infants with feeding problems. A total of 441 parents participated. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 64-item scale with 5 factors. Internal consistency reliability (α= .92) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.90; P < .001) were both excellent. The NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding had construct validity with the I-GERQ-R (r = 0.74; P < .001) and IGSQ (r = 0.64; P < .001). Healthy infants scored lower on the NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding than infants with feeding problems (P < .001), supporting known-groups validity. The NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding is an available assessment tool for clinical practice. The NeoEAT-Bottle-feeding is a valid and reliable measure that can now be used in feeding research.Video Abstract Available at https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx.

Tu1748 Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Healthy Infants Measured by the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-Gerq-R): A Cross-Sectional Study

Tu1748 Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Healthy Infants Measured by the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-Gerq-R): A Cross-Sectional Study

Interactions during feeding with mothers and their infants with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux.

To examine whether maternal-child interaction during feedings was suboptimal in dyads in which the infant had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to compare massage therapy to a nonmassage therapy sham treatment in improving the mother-child interaction in these dyads. In this randomized, controlled pilot study, infants received massage therapy (n=18) or a nonmassage touch/holding sham treatment (n=18). Mothers, data collectors, and the investigator who scored the feeding observations were blinded to group assignment. Dyads were recruited from pediatric care providers in the Denver metropolitan area and online advertisements at the University of Colorado. Treatments were given in the home of the dyad. Healthy infants, born at 38-42 weeks gestational age, were 5-10 weeks of age at enrollment; had a score of at least 16 on the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised; and were diagnosed with GERD by their pediatric provider. Mothers were English speaking and at least 18 years of age. Treatments were given for 30 minutes twice weekly for 6 weeks. A certified infant massage therapist administered massage, and a registered nurse or physical therapist experienced with infants administered the control treatment. Maternal and infant scores on the Nursing Child Assessment of Feeding Scale (NCAFS). NCAFS scores were significantly lower than national norms. Small to moderately sized effects showing improvement in the massage group relative to the nonmassage group were seen for Sensitivity to Cues, Social-Emotional Growth Fostering, Cognitive Growth Fostering, and Clarity of Cues (Cohen d) and ranged from 0.24 to 0.56. Mothers and infants with GERD experience significantly worse interactions than those without GERD. Massage given twice weekly by a professional trended toward improved interaction during feeding. Daily maternal administration of massage may have a positive effect on the relationship.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Infants With Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

This randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of massage therapy (MT) for relief of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The hypothesis was that, when compared to infants who received nonmassage therapy, infants who received MT would display fewer GERD symptoms, greater weight gain, greater amount of sleep, lower cortisol levels before and after treatment, and lower daily (area under the curve [AUC]) cortisol secretion. Participants were 36 infants born at term, 4-10 weeks of age at enrollment, healthy except for a diagnosis of GERD by their pediatrician, and with a score of at least 16 on the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R). Infants were randomized to receive either MT or a nonmassage sham treatment in their homes for 30 min twice a week for 6 weeks. Data collectors and parents were blind to study condition. GERD symptoms decreased in both groups and weight increased. Pretreatment salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly over time in the massage group while increasing in the nonmassage group. Daily cortisol level also decreased in the massage group and increased in the nonmassage group, but the difference was not significant. MT administered by a professional therapist did not affect symptoms of GERD differently than a sham treatment but did decrease infant stress as measured by cortisol. Research focusing on stress reduction in infants with GERD and multimodal treatments addressing GERD symptoms may yield the most effective treatment.

Subacute Rhinitis in Infants: Gastroesophageal Reflux Must Be Considered

The study sought to evaluate the influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and allergy on subacute rhinitis in infants. Mothers of 74 infants with subacute rhinitis completed the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised. Participants with GERD were randomized to undergo one of the following regimens for 10 days: use of fluorometholone nasal drops with positional and feeding changes; positional and feeding changes; or a placebo. The daily amount of nasal secretion decreased by 75.9% (p < 0.001), the intensity of swallowing difficulty by 79.2% (p < 0.001), and the incidence of uneasiness by 92.0% (p < 0.001) in infants treated with nasal glucocorticoid and positional and feeding changes; and the percentage differences in the amount of nasal secretion (p < 0.001), feeding difficulty (p < 0.001), and uneasiness (p < 0.001) were greater than those in the group treated with positional and feeding changes. The infants treated with placebo did not improve. The influence of nasal allergy was nonsignificant. Gastroesophageal reflux disease might contribute to aggravation of subacute rhinitis in infants.

Symptoms and Reflux in Infants: Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R)—Utility for Symptom Tracking and Diagnosis

Answering a need for a thoroughly validated infant gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire, the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R) was designed, refined, and validated using state-of-the-art psychometric methods. Diagnostic and evaluative (tracking) validity was identified. However, perplexing results of some clinical trials using the I-GERQ-R for diagnosis prompted analysis of possible reasons, including ambiguities in defining symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and aspects of the validation process. Symptomatic GERD is defined by "troublesomeness" of symptoms and attribution of their causation to reflux--two crucial issues. Methods of quantifying symptom-reflux associations are described and their limitations identified. The location of "symptomatic esophageal GERD" in the continuum of erosive GERD, histologic GERD, and nonerosive reflux disease is indicated, with the last including "suberosive," "premicroscopic," and "functional heartburn" subcategories. Another category is defined solely by surrogate measures of propensity to GERD (e.g., acid exposure thresholds defined on esophageal pH monitoring). During diagnostic validation of the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ) instruments, asymptomatic normals were contrasted with symptomatic GERD infants (who also tested positive with esophageal histology and esophageal pH monitoring). However, the diagnostic validation did not attempt to distinguish symptomatic GERD infants from symptomatic infants without GERD. The I-GERQ-R is thus adequately sensitive to be used diagnostically to screen infants for symptom burden, but should probably be supplemented by other, perhaps invasive, testing to assure appropriate specificity. The I-GERQ-R's validation for evaluative properties, however, supports its use for tracking symptoms within clinical trials.