Failure of proton pump inhibitors to treat GERD in neonates and infants: a question of drug, diagnosis, or design

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2012 Sep;92(3):388-92. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2012.86. Epub 2012 Jul 18.

Abstract

Distressful symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux constitute a clinical description of gastroesophageal reflux disease, a pathologic condition commonly treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Despite their pervasive use in neonates and infants, PPIs have not been approved for gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment in this population. This creates a therapeutic conundrum: namely, whether to institute PPI treatment based on knowledge and experience or to withhold it consequent to absence of labeling for young infants.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / drug therapy
  • Off-Label Use / statistics & numerical data
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors