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Medical intervention in parent‐reported infant gastro‐oesophageal reflux: A population‐based study
Author(s) -
Hua Sun,
Peters Rachel L,
Allen Katrina J,
Dharmage Shyamali C,
Tang Mimi LK,
Wake Melissa,
Foskey Rebecca,
Heine Ralf G
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.12760
Subject(s) - medicine , odds ratio , pediatrics , reflux , incidence (geometry) , population , confidence interval , logistic regression , atopy , medical advice , food allergy , allergy , disease , psychiatry , physics , environmental health , optics , immunology
Aim To report the cumulative incidence, health‐seeking behaviour and medical intervention of infants with gastro‐oesophageal reflux ( GOR ) in the first year of life. Methods The HealthNuts study is a longitudinal, population‐based study. At 12 months of age, infants underwent skin prick testing to food allergens, including cows milk. Parents completed a questionnaire on GOR symptoms, food allergy and treatments. Factors associated with seeking health care for infants with GOR were modelled using logistic regression. Results Of 4674 infants, parents reported GOR in 1054 (23%; 95% confidence interval ( CI ) 21.4–23.8). Parents consulted a medical practitioner in 662 (64%) cases. Symptoms commenced in the first month in 411 (48%) and resolved within 6 months in 703 (75%) infants. Factors associated with doctor consultation for GOR were prematurity (adjusted odds ratio ( aOR ) 1.94; 95% CI 1.43–2.63) and family history of atopy ( aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.1–2.43). Eight per cent of infants (371/4674; 95% CI 7.2–8.7) received anti‐reflux medication and 6% (296/4674; 95% CI 5.7–7.1) changed formula. Parents were more likely to seek treatment if they perceived their infant to be unsettled ( aOR 2.55; 95% CI 1.26–5.17) and if the duration of GOR was prolonged ( aOR 3.36 for symptoms >6 months; 95% CI 1.83–6.17). Conclusions In the first year of life, approximately 14% of the population seek medical advice for GOR symptoms. The use of anti‐reflux medication in the general community remains high, despite the absence of evidence that it is appropriate or effective for uncomplicated GOR .