This systematic review was conducted with the objective of understanding the efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the pediatric population. We used PubMed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1 June 2010 and 30 June 2023, performed in patients from birth to 18 years old with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who received treatment with any PPI. This literature search yielded 76 articles and 13 of these met the inclusion criteria. For infants, PPIs were equal to placebos in reducing GERD symptoms in four articles. In one article, the numbers of GER episodes and esophageal acid exposures were lower in infants who received PPIs in the left lateral position, but there was generally no significant improvement in symptoms. In another publication, the combination of PPIs and feeding modifications (FMs) was not more effective than PPIs alone. For children and adolescents, PPIs were effective in improving symptoms and achieving endoscopic healing, which was subsequently maintained. To conclude, PPIs are not effective in reducing the symptoms related to GERD in infants but are effective in older children, where histological remission can be seen. Generally, PPIs are well tolerated, but it is important to remember the possible adverse events (AEs), especially if PPIs are used for an extended period.
Keywords: efficacy; gastroesophageal reflux disease; pediatric patients; proton pump inhibitors; safety; systematic review.