James L. Sutphen

Effect of feeding volume on early postcibal gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Using esophageal pH monitoring, we have investigated the effect of feeding volume on early (1 h) postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in a population of 50 infants referred for evaluation. Two feedings with the volume of both feedings specified (9 and 18 ml/kg) were given to one group of infants. A second group was given one feeding ad libitum and another specified at 9 ml/kg. Volume of intake was a very significant determinant of both the total duration and the maximum single continuous episode of GER during early postcibal esophageal pH monitoring in both groups by paired analyses. This effect was observed in infants with significant GER (n = 44) and in a subgroup of infants who were normal (n = 6).

Discordant erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in children with inflammatory bowel disease taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms during relapse and prolonging the duration of remissions. 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and its prodrug azathioprine (AZA) are commonly used to prolong clinical remissions. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are two widely used laboratory markers of inflammation. The authors observed an unexplained discordance between ESR and CRP in children with asymptomatic IBD who were being treated with AZA or 6-MP. Objective: To characterize children with IBD in remission treated with 6-MP or AZA who have persistently elevated ESR but normal CRP. Methods: All patients seen in Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2002, with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis who received AZA or 6-MP continuously for at least 6 months were identified and their medical records reviewed. Results: One hundred twenty patients met the eligibility criteria. Twelve had an ESR >18 mm/hour on at least three occasions during at least 12 consecutive months with a simultaneous CRP <0.8 mg/dL. Eleven of these 12 had no signs or symptoms of active disease and had Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index scores <10 for at least 12 consecutive months while the ESR was elevated. Disease duration was similar in the 11 children with asymptomatic disease and with discordant ESR and CRP and in 108 children with concordant ESR and CRP (69.2 + 22.5 months v 54.3 ± 40.1 months, P = 0.0709). Duration of AZA or 6-MP therapy was greater in the 11 children with asymptomatic disease and discordant ESR and CRP than in those with or without symptoms and with concordant ESR and CRP (58.1 ± 16.4 months v 36.6 ± 24.1 months, P = 0.0043). There were no differences between the groups with respect to diagnosis, location of disease, or age at onset of symptoms. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was somewhat larger in the children with discordant ESR and CRP than in the children with concordant ESR and CRP (91.4 ± 6.97 fL v 87.0 ± 7.07 fL, respectively, P = 0.0373); however, in both groups, the MCV was in the normal range. There were no significant differences in hematocrit, white blood cell count, serum albumin, total serum protein, or estimated serum globulin between the groups. Conclusions: The results suggest that among children treated with AZA or 6-MP, CRP may be a more reliable indirect indicator of inflammation than ESR. This report alerts clinicians that some children taking AZA or 6-MP may have persistent elevation of the ESR with a normal CRP and have no clinical evidence of active disease.

Medium chain triglyceride in the therapy of gastroesophageal reflux

Carbohydrate solutions that empty rapidly from the stomach have been shown to produce less gastroesophageal reflux (GER) during the postcibal period than more slowly emptying formulas. These observations have not been extended to complete infant formulas containing fat, carbohydrate, and protein constituents. Medium chain triglyceride has been shown to significantly accelerate gastric emptying compared to long chain triglyceride for preterm infants when investigated in commercial infant formulas. Using a previously reported acidified formula model coupled with esophageal pH probe testing, we have documented in a group of 28 infants that modification of formula by enrichment with medium chain triglyceride produced no improvement in rates of GER during the first 2 h after feeding.

PH-ADJUSTED FORMULA AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

To facilitate the detection of postcibal gastroesophageal reflux (GER), we have constructed an infant formula from modular carbohydrate, fat, and protein components with a pH of 4 and a nutrient composition identical to standard infant formula, in comparison to standard infant formula and sugar solutions, this pH-adjusted formula demonstrates a significantly greater amount of gastroesophageal reflex during the first postcibal hour. We speculate that the greater caloric density and slower gastric emptying of regular infant formula promotes greater gastroesophageal reflux than is observed with regular dextrose feedings. This effect is obscured unless the pH of the formula is adjusted. Use of this weakly acid formula in conjunction with postcibal esophageal pH probe recording facilitates the detection and, during simultaneous apnea monitoring, potential association of symptoms with postcibal gastroesophageal reflux.

Changes in inflammation and QoL after a single dose of infliximab during ongoing IBD treatment.

Background and Objectives: Infliximab is used increasingly as maintenance therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the effects of a single maintenance dose of infliximab are unclear with respect to the quality of life and hormones related to growth and puberty. The aim of the present study was to determine the time course of inflammatory, hormonal, and quality-of-life changes following a single dose of infliximab in the context of ongoing therapy, as related to presence of IBD symptoms at time of administration. Methods: Children and adolescents with IBD receiving ongoing therapy with infliximab for clinical indications were recruited. The Pediatric Crohns Disease Activity Index was determined at baseline and laboratory measures of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and hormones of growth and puberty were determined on days 0, 2, and 14. IBD-related quality of life (IMPACT III questionnaire) was tested on days 0 and 14. Subjects who had symptoms of IBD were compared with asymptomatic subjects. Results: Subjects overall and in the symptomatic group exhibited improved hsCRP by day 2 following treatment. Symptomatic subjects had higher Pediatric Crohns Disease Activity Index scores and lower quality-of-life scores than asymptomatic subjects on day 0, whereas at day 14 there were no significant differences in quality-of-life scores between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Even in the context of ongoing treatment, a single dose of infliximab results in decreased hsCRP, an improvement that is particularly noted among subjects who are symptomatic at the time of treatment. Although randomized trials are needed, these observational data may assist clinicians, patients, and families regarding expectations about timing and extent of these changes following a single treatment dose.

ANTACID AND FORMULA EFFECTS ON GASTRIC ACIDITY IN INFANTS WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

A variety of peptic diseases are treated with antacids. Antacid dose requirements for young children have not been extensively evaluated. Moreover, the effects of formula feedings on antacid requirements are also unknown. We have investigated the effects of antacids and formula feedings on gastric acidity in infants less than 1 year of age. Small formula feedings of 15 mL/kg per feeding significantly improve antacid buffering of 0.5 mL/kg per dose of standard magnesium-aluminum hydroxide antacids.