Impact of the Maternal and/or Infant Elimination Diet on Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infantile gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cow milk protein allergy (CMPA) are common conditions. There is a potential link between these two disorders. AIM: To outline the possible impact of the maternal and /or infant elimination diet on improving GERD manifestations in infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study that was conducted in the General Pediatric outpatient clinics at Aswan University investigating the possible positive effect of the maternal and/or infant elimination diet on outcomes of GERD in infants. RESULTS: Forty -five infants were enrolled in our study. A significant difference (P value =0.001) regards the frequencies of spitting at presentation and the fourth week of follow-up was noticed (Median (IQR)= 5 (3), 4 (3) respectively). A significant decline in aspirations was detected (P value =0.001). The overall prevalence of CMPA in infants with GERD in our study was 33%. CONCLUSION: It seems that the maternal and /or infant elimination diet could be a potential therapeutic modality for infants with GERD.