Treatment Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Research Articles

Surgical treatment strategies for gastroesophageal reflux after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for combating obesity. As the most commonly performed bariatric surgery, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has a long-term and effective outcome in weight reduction. However, studies have reported an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among patients after LSG. For those who fail to respond to conventional oral acid-suppressing medication, surgical intervention comes into consideration. The most commonly performed revisional surgery for sleeve gastrectomy is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of reflux in patients and also continues to promote weight loss in patients who have not achieved satisfactory results or have experienced weight regain. In addition to this established procedure, innovative techniques such as laparoscopic magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) are being explored. MSA is less invasive, has good reflux treatment outcomes, and its safety and efficacy are supported by the literature, making it a promising tool for the future treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. This article also explores the role of endoscopic interventions for GERD treatment of post-sleeve gastrectomy patients. Although these methods have shown some therapeutic effect, their efficacy still requires further study due to a lack of support from more clinical data. For patients with preoperative hiatal hernia or gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, some experts now consider performing LSG combined with hiatal hernia repair or fundoplication to alleviate or prevent postoperative reflux symptoms. Both of these surgical approaches have demonstrated favorable outcomes; however, the addition of fundoplication requires further investigation regarding its long-term effects and potential postoperative complications. This article gathers and examines the current laparoscopic and endoscopic treatments for refractory gastroesophageal reflux following LSG, as well as the concurrent treatment of LSG in patients with preoperative gastroesophageal reflux or hiatal hernia.

Pharmacological Prescription at the End of Life: Quality Assessment in the Transition of Care to a Community Palliative Care Support Team.

Appropriate pharmacological management is a cornerstone of quality in palliative care (PC), focusing on comfort and quality of life. Therapeutic review is crucial in PC, aiming to optimize symptom relief, reduce adverse effects, and manage drug interactions. This study aims to delve into the real-world pharmacological prescription practices within a Community Palliative Care Support Team (CPCST) in the northern region of Portugal, comparing practices at admission and at the last consultation before death. It is an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study without intervention involving patients admitted to a CPCST in 2021. Data were obtained from clinical records, and the statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential measures. Sixty-four patients were included, with an average age of 77.34 years, referred mainly by a specialized Hospital Palliative Care Support Team (65.63%). Polypharmacy was present, with a significant increase in opioids, antipsychotics, prokinetics, antiemetics, antispasmodics, and local corticosteroids, and a reduction in drugs for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux treatment, antithrombotics, hypolipidemics, antihypertensives, and antidiabetics, among others. The oral route was preferred, decreasing between the two analyzed moments (85.5% versus 49.1%). Pro re nata (PRN) medications increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001). The prescription profile reflects a focus on symptom relief. The deprescription of drugs for chronic comorbidities suggests adaptation to care goals. At the end of life, PRN medications increase significantly (1.34 versus 3.26, p ≤ 0.001), administered as needed to soothe fluctuating symptoms. The pharmacological classes that have significantly increased are relevant in alleviating common symptoms in PC. The use of alternative routes for medication administration increases as instability of the oral route occurs, leading to a reduction in orally administered medications. Among these alternatives, the subcutaneous route shows the largest increase. The findings underscore the importance of flexible and responsive medication strategies in end-of-life care.

Inflammatory responses in esophageal mucosa before and after laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Currently, the primary treatment for gastroesophageal reflux is acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors, but they are not a cure, and some patients don't respond well or refuse long-term use. Therefore, alternative therapies are needed to understand the disease and develop better treatments. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) can resolve symptoms of these patients and plays a significant role in evaluating esophageal healing after preventing harmful effects. Successful LARS improves typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in most patients, mainly by reducing the exposure time to gastric contents in the esophagus. Amelioration of the inflammatory response and a recovery response in the esophageal epithelium is expected following the cessation of the noxious attack. To explore the role of inflammatory biomolecules in LARS and assess the time required for esophageal epithelial recovery. Of 22 patients with LARS (pre- and post/5.8 ± 3.8 months after LARS) and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. All subjects underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, during which esophageal biopsy samples were collected using endoscopic techniques. Inflammatory molecules in esophageal biopsies were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and multiplex-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Post-LARS samples showed significant increases in proinflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon-γ, C-X-C chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2)], anti-inflammatory cytokines [CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 11, CCL13, CCL17, CCL26, CCL1, CCL7, CCL8, CCL24, IL-4, IL-10], and homeostatic cytokines (CCL27, CCL20, CCL19, CCL23, CCL25, CXCL12, migration inhibitory factor) compared to both HCs and pre-LARS samples. CCL17 and CCL21 levels were higher in pre-LARS than in HCs (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of AKT1, fibroblast growth factor 2, HRAS, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 were significantly decreased post-LARS vs pre-LARS. CCL2 and epidermal growth factor gene levels were significantly increased in the pre-LARS compared to the HCs (P < 0.05). The presence of proinflammatory proteins post-LARS suggests ongoing inflammation in the epithelium. Elevated homeostatic cytokine levels indicate cell balance is maintained for about 6 months after LARS. The anti-inflammatory response post-LARS shows suppression of inflammatory damage and ongoing postoperative recovery.

A systematic review of Sandifer syndrome in children with severe gastroesophageal reflux

PurposeSandifer syndrome (SS), which combines gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and a neurological or psychiatric disorder, is an uncommon condition that often takes a long time to diagnosis. We aimed to systematically review available papers regarding SS.MethodsAfter presenting our two cases of SS, we systematically reviewed articles published in MEDILINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.ResultsThe meta-analysis included 54 reported cases and 2 of our own cases. Our results showed that all cases achieved symptom improvement with appropriate treatment for GER. Notably, 19 of the 56 cases exhibited anatomical anomalies, such as hiatal hernia and malrotation. Significantly more patients with than without anatomical anomalies required surgery (p < 0.001). However, 23 of the 29 patients without anatomical anomalies (79%) achieved symptom improvement without surgery. Patients who did not undergo surgery had a median (interquartile range) duration to symptom resolution of 1 (1–1) month.ConclusionThe primary care providers should keep SS in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with abnormal posturing and no apparent neuromuscular disorders. Fundoplication may be effective especially for patients with anatomical anomalies or those whose symptoms do not improve after more than 1 month with nonsurgical treatment.

Gasteric Emptying Study With Milk: Analysis in Children of Pakistan

Gastro esophageal reflux (GER) is a widespread physiological phenomenon in children. In some children GER may be described as pathological and contribute to respiratory problems such as bronchial asthma and upper respiratory tract. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children. Thirty children (up to 6 months of age) suspected with GERD were included in this study. The gastric emptying (SPECT) study was conducted according to predetermine protocol. All patients underwent Tc-99m DTPA gastric imaging for 30 minutes for children. The study was analyzed qualitatively i.e. visual analysis and quantitatively i.e. time activity curve (TAC) and Reflux index percentage (RI %) analysis for the presence of GER. The detection rate of GER in our study was 33% in children. This shows poor diagnoses of physicians because most of the children suffering from vomiting problems were diagnosed GERD but actually they were suffering from asthma and tonsillitis. The diagnosis and treatment of GER is mandatory in children asthma and tonsillitis. Gastric SPECT represents a significant advance in the diagnosis and quantitation of GER. It is one of the simplest radionuclide investigations which can be conducted with least patient inconvenience at a considerable low radiation burden. It can detect GERD with great accuracy even after physiologic neutral pH meal.

A single-center experience of using milk scintigraphy in 251 pediatric patients: A retrospective study.

To report our experience with milk gastroesophageal scintigraphy and the management of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children. In 251 pediatric patients we recorded age, underlying disease, central nervous system (CNS) disorders, and GER management. GER management was classified based on treatment plans: grade 0, non-pharmacological treatment; grade 1, non-pharmacological but using a nasogastric tube; grade 2, pharmacological treatment; grade 3, transpyloric feeding; and grade 4, Nissen fundoplication surgery. Patients were included in classified groups with (grades 2, 3, and 4) and without (grades 0 and 1) GER treatment. We evaluated the GER height (classified based on the height of GER, grade 0; no GER, 1; GER in the lower esophagus, 2; GER in the upper esophagus), GER duration in the lower and upper esophagus, presence or absence of massive GER amounts in the lower and upper esophagus, and gastric emptying time. We compared milk scintigraphy results and patient characteristics between groups with (grades 2, 3, and 4) and without (grades 0 and 1) GER treatment. We treated 121 patients for GER. CNS disorders (presence/absence: 46/74 with vs 21/110 without treatment, P < .001). The GER height grade (1.7 ± 0.5 [range, 0-2] with vs 1.5 ± 0.7 [range, 0-2] without treatment, P = .002), massive GER amount (present/absent: 21/99 with vs 9/122 without treatment, P = .011), and duration of GER (seconds) (324.5 ± 508.3 [range, 0-1800] vs 125.0 ± 291.9 [range, 0-1750], P < .001) in the upper esophageal half differed significantly. Similarly massive GER amount (present/absent: 54/66 with vs 34/97 without treatment, P = .002) and GER duration (621.3 ± 601.0 [range, 0-1800] vs 349.8 ± 452.4 [range, 0-1800], P < .001) in the lower esophageal half differed significantly. Additionally, CNS disorders, age, and massive GER in the upper esophageal half differed significantly among grades 2 and 4 in treated patients (P < .05, P < .001, P < .05, respectively). Milk scintigraphy is useful for deciding whether GER treatment is indicated. However, the treatment plan needs to be decided based on each patient's condition.

Endoscopic anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and endoscopic anti-reflux ablation (ARMA) as a potential treatment for gastroesophageal reflux - preliminary report.

&lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is one of the most common disorders of the alimentary tract. Apart from troublesome symptoms, untreated GERD can lead to Barrett's esophagus and, as a consequence, esophageal adenocarcinoma. As for now, the most common treatment of GERD is PPI pharmacotherapy. However, in a number of cases, this treatment is not sufficient or the patient does not tolerate PPI-group drugs. In such cases, interventional therapy is recommended. So far, laparoscopic fundoplication has been the only suggested option. Other, minimally invasive procedures such as Stretta, MUSE, TIFF, or EsophyX were not recommended due to the lack of clinical data. In 2014, Professor H.Inoue from the Digestive Diseases Center, Showa University in Japan reported on the first series of novel, endoscopic, anti-reflux procedures: anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; We conducted our prospective, single-center study in 30 patients (14 female, 16 male) with PPI-refractory GERD. All patients underwent FSSG and GERD-HRQL evaluation and GE junction pressure study prior, 6 weeks and 6 months after the procedures. After the procedure, all patients received PPI treatment for 4 weeks.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; We successfully completed the procedures in all 30 patients. The mean procedure time was 42 minutes. No complications occurred. In 86.67% (26) of our patients, we achieved total remission of GERD symptoms, FSSG scores &lt; 6 and GERD-HRQL scores &lt; 8.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; The results of our study show that ARMS and ARMA are simple, safe, improve GERD-related symptoms, and restore the GE junction's anti-reflux capacity.&lt;/br&gt.

Anti-reflux surgery vs. bariatric surgery as anti-GERD and hiatal hernia treatment in obese patient: New surgical proposals

The persistence of obesity favors the failure of the Fundoplication (FP) in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER). However, the weight loss obtained with the performance of a Gastric Bypass (GBP) allows a good resolution of symptoms, without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications. All of this leads us to consider that while FP is the indication in patients with BMI < 30, in those patients with BMI > 35, GBP appears to be the procedure of choice. But there is still no position in the case of patients with a BMI between 30 and 35, although we must take into account that an increase in GER recurrence has been described after FP in patients with a BMI > 30. Although Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently used bariatric procedures in recent years, its association with a high rate of postoperative GER has led several authors to propose its performance associated with an anti-reflux procedure in patients with GER symptoms. Likewise, if the existence of an Hiatal Hernia is verified, it must be treated by hiatoplasty, both during the performance of a GBP and a SG. This simultaneous treatment is not associated with an increase in complications.

The Safety and Efficacy of Acid Suppression Therapy in Neonatal GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common physiologic process in infants that often resolves with growth and maturation, while gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a serious and common referral disease in infants and neonates. The first-line treatment for both GER and GERD is conservative therapy. H2RAs and PPIs are the two basic pharmacologic agents in the treatment of GERD in pediatrics and adults. The efficacy of PPIs is higher than that of H2RAs in GERD treatment. There are controversies in the pharmacologic treatment of neonatal GERD, and performing more clinical trials to survey the effect of PPIs and H2RAs and compare them with each other is necessary in this age group. We conducted three different clinical trials to compare the efficacy and safety of ranitidine with omeprazole or lansoprazole in refractory neonatal GERD.

Pharmacological treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.

Pharmacological treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux in children.

Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux: a narrative review.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease that affects one-third of the population worldwide. In recent years, there have been significant advances for diagnostic workup, which leads to better identification of reflux-related complications. Classically, the mainstay of therapy has been proton pump inhibitor and lifestyle and dietary modifications. For refractory GERD the gold-standard therapies are surgical antireflux procedures. Recently, endoscopic procedures have emerged as safe and efficient alternatives to surgery. These could represent a less invasive approach, with scarce morbidity and with a well-tolerated profile. Each of the existing endoscopic techniques for the treatment of GERD are addressed in this report, highlighting their potential advantages, aiming at helping decide the best management of these patients. Future studies, with larger numbers of patients, may allow a definitive role for these techniques in the management of GERD to be established.

#4068 EVALUATION OF CHRONIC TOXIC EFFECT OF PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS (PPIS) ABUSE ON MAGNESIUM LEVEL IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Proton Pump Inhibitors are widely used in haemodialysis patients for the prevention and treatment of uremic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastritis, esophagitis and gastro oesophageal reflux. Hypomagnesaemia is reported recently in some patients who abuse intake of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) but this problem is still not well studied yet. Our study aims to evaluate the chronic toxic effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor on Magnesium level in Egyptian haemodialysis patients, especially those who suffer from abuse of intake without medical prescriptions. Method The study was conducted at the haemodialysis centre and clinic of Alzawya One-Day Surgery Hospital in Cairo including 60 end stage renal disease patients after their consents and approval of ethical committee in our hospital. PPIs use and duration were investigated. The patients were dialyzed using a dialysate magnesium level of 0.5 mmol/L and Calcium level 1.5 mmol/L in all groups, after at least one month of haemodialysis with the mentioned dialysate, laboratory tests were performed. The patients participating in this study after their consents were divided into 3 groups: • Group A: - 20 patients on Proton Pump Inhibitors regularly with long term intake for more than 6 months on high dose above or equal280 mg/week [1] • Group B: -20 patients on Proton Pump Inhibitors irregularly for less than 6 months on low dose below 280 mg/week. • Group C: -20 patients not intake Proton Pump Inhibitors. The magnesium level in haemodialysis patients was evaluated by comparison between the 3 groups, and its correlation with duration of its use, Calcium and Phosphorus level in blood. Dialysate magnesium and calcium concentration in all groups were fixed and abuse of intake of PPIs without medical prescription in the participated patients was evaluated. Results Show highly statistically significant higher mean value in Non-intake of PPI group, followed by PPI intake ≤6m group and the lowest value in PPI intake &amp;gt;6m group according to magnesium “mg/dl”, with p-value (p&amp;lt;0.001). There is no statistically significant difference between groups according to calcium “mg/dl”; with p-value (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusion Proton Pump Inhibitors regularly with long term intake for more than 6 months on high dose above or equal 280 mg/week associated with hypomagnesaemia. So we recommend stoppage of abuse intake of PPIs in haemodialysis patients.

Do Patients with Scleroderma Benefit from Surgical Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux?

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Tolerability and safety of a semi-elemental enteral formula with partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) in tube-fed children aged 1–4 years: An open-label, single-arm study

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble fiber supporting digestive health with well-established safety and efficacy. This open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial aimed to assess the tolerability and safety of a semi-elemental enteral formula containing PHGG at 12g/L in tube-fed young children. Children aged 1-4 years with stable conditions requiring tube feeding to provide ≥80% of their nutritional needs received the study formula for seven days. Tolerability, safety, adequacy of energy/protein intake, and weight change were assessed. Of 24 children (mean age 33.5 months; 10 [41.7%] female), 23 (95.8%) commenced treatment and 18 (75%) completed the study. All children had underlying neuro-developmental disabilities, often in association with gastrointestinal comorbidities requiring treatment for constipation (70.8%) or gastroesophageal reflux (66.7%). The formula was well-tolerated by 19 (82.6%) subjects, while 4 (17.4%; 95% CI: 5%, 39%) subjects withdrew early from the study due to gastrointestinal intolerance. The mean (SD) percentage energy and protein intake across the 7-day period were 103.5% (24.7) and 139.5% [50], respectively. Weight remained stable over the 7-day period (p=0.43). The study formula was associated with a shift towards softer and more frequent stools. Pre-existing constipation was generally well controlled, and 3/16 (18.7%) subjects ceased laxatives during the study. Adverse events were reported in 12 (52%) subjects and were deemed 'probably related' or 'related' to the formula in 3 (13%) subjects. Gastrointestinal adverse events appeared more common in fiber-naïve patients (p=0.09). The present study indicates that the study formula was safe and generally well tolerated in young tube-fed children. NCT04516213.

Development and in Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation of Itopride Hydrochloride Expanding Tablets

PurposeGastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have attracted interest for enhancement of absorption and bioavailability of some drugs. Itopride hydrochloride (ITOP) is a drug used for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and other gastric motility disorders, but is characterized by narrow absorption window and short in vivo half-life. Therefore, it is expected that its formulation in expanding gastroretentive tablets would increase its gastric residence, thus leading to decreased frequency of administration and increased patient compliance.MethodsThe direct compression method was used for formulation of tablets. Four different hydrophilic polymers (xanthan gum, sodium alginate, gellan gum, pectin) were screened separately with Avicel 102 and PVP k30 as excipients. The effect of different factors (polymer type and amount, and excipient amount) on the tablet properties such as hardness, friability, thickness, diameter, weight variation, swelling, and in vitro drug dissolution was studied. In addition, swelling test, accelerated stability test, and in vivo study were performed on the optimized formulation.ResultsTablets prepared using xanthan gum exhibited favorable properties compared to tablets prepared using the other gums, however increasing the polymer amount led to increased tablet friability. The selected formulation exhibited obvious expansion reaching 17.45 mm and lasting for 24 h, coupled with a sustained release behavior. X-ray scans in human volunteers suggested the residence of the tablet in the stomach for a period of 6 h in fed state.ConclusionSuccessful preparation of directly compressible ITOP expanding tablets was achieved in this study, which is expected to result in better therapeutic outcome in gastroesophageal reflux.

Cirugía antirreflujo vs cirugía bariátrica como tratamiento anti-RGE y de la hernia de hiato en el obeso. Nuevas propuestas quirúrgicas

The persistence of obesity favors the failure of the fundoplication (FP) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, the weight loss obtained with the performance of a gastric bypass (GBP) allows a good resolution of symptoms, without increasing the incidence of post-operative complications. All of this leads us to consider that while FP is the indication in patients with BMI<30, in those patients with BMI>35, GBP appears to be the procedure of choice. But there is still no position in the case of patients with a BMI between 30 and 35, although we must take into account that an increase in GER recurrence has been described after FP in patients with a BMI>30. Although sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most frequently used bariatric procedures in recent years, its association with a high rate of post-operative GER has led several authors to propose its performance associated with an anti-reflux procedure in patients with GER symptoms.Likewise, if the existence of an hiatal hernia is verified, it must be treated by hiatoplasty, both during the performance of a GBP and a SG. This simultaneous treatment is not associated with an increase in complications.

Bloom syndrome: an oral potentially malignant disorders aiding in malignancy vigour.

Bloom syndrome: an oral potentially malignant disorders aiding in malignancy vigour.

Clinical use of gastric antisecretory drugs in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a narrative review.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants. Usually, it resolves spontaneously in 95% of cases within 12-14 months of age, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may develop in some children. Most authors do not recommend pharmacological treatment of GER, while the management of GERD is debated. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze and summarize the available literature on the clinical use of gastric antisecretory drugs in pediatric patients with GERD. References were identified through MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE search engines. Only articles in English were considered. The following keywords were used: "gastric antisecretory drugs", "H2RA", "PPI", "ranitidine", "GERD", "infant", "child". Increasing evidence of poor efficacy and potential risks of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is emerging in neonates and infants. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), including ranitidine, have been used successfully in older children, although less effective than PPIs at relieving symptoms and healing GERD. However, in April 2020, both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) requested manufacturers of ranitidine to remove all ranitidine products from the market due to the risk of carcinogenicity. Pediatric studies comparing effectiveness and safety of different acid-suppressing treatments for GERD are generally inconclusive. A proper differential diagnosis between GER and GERD is crucial to avoid the overuse of acid-suppressing medications in children. Further research should be directed towards the development of novel antisecretory drugs, with proven efficacy and good safety profile, for treating pediatric GERD, particularly in newborns and infants.

Use of proton pump inhibitors – part I: Sociodemographic profiles of patients in an internal medicine outpatient clinic of a university hospital, Bahia – Brazil

The great effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] in reducing gastric acid secretion is crucial for their wide therapeutic use, overlapping with other antacids such as H2 receptor antagonists. The main situations in which the use of PPIs is a recommended therapeutic practice are: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers associated or not with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or Helicobacter pylori infection. The present analytical-descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out through the analysis of medical records of patients from the Ambulatory of Internal Medicine of the Ambulatório Professor Francisco Magalhães Neto- (Outpatient Clinic) - part of the Complexo Hospitalar Universitário Professor Edgar Santos, Federal University of Bahia, in the year 2016; its main objectives were to outline the clinical profiles of patients using PPIs or not, in addition to the characteristics of the prescriptions, seeking to understand the therapeutic use related to the main morbidities. Regarding the socio-epidemiological profile of the patients studied, it was concluded that the population was characteristically elderly and composed of women; the assessment of the level of formal education was hampered because in most cases there was no specific record; about religion, most of the cases studied had no record, and the most declared was the Catholic Christian; about the functional status most patients declared themselves retired. The clinical profile of the patients, characteristics of the prescriptions, and the general conclusions will be addressed in Part II of this study – in the following article.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Treatment in Infancy Through Young Adulthood.

Gastroesophageal reflux treatment varies greatly across the pediatric age spectrum. Infant reflux treatments rely heavily on nutritional interventions, whereas reflux in older children is treated more commonly with medications. However, because of the broad differential diagnosis, treatment nonresponse merits a re-evaluation of the diagnosis being treated and additional testing to provide a more precision-medicine approach to care.