Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
-
J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Feb 2010
Characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux and potential risk of gastric content aspiration in children with cystic fibrosis.
Increased gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We studied the occurrence of acid, weakly acidic (WA), and weakly alkaline (WALK) reflux in children with CF and evaluated a possible surrogate marker for risk of gastric content aspiration. ⋯ Although WA-GER is uncommon, acid GER is prevalent in children with CF. It is a primary phenomenon and is not secondary to cough. One third of the children with CF have BA in saliva, which may indicate an increased risk for aspiration. However, the impact of salivary BA and potential aspiration on CF pulmonary disease needs further investigation.