Introduction:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common problem in preterm newborns. GERD influences growth, length of hospital stays time and the respiratory development.

Objective:

To identify the frequency of GERD in preterm newborns.

Material and methods:

We included 58 newborns who underwent 24 hr. esophageal pH-metry from January 2015 to March 2017. Each newborn presented 3 suggestive clinical findings for GERD (frequent vomiting, delayed development and exacerbation of respiratory symptoms). Diagnostic was made by a Boix-Ochoa score ≥ 16.6.

Results:

Finally, 34.5% of the studies were positives for GERD (n = 20). 67.2% of the patients were male (n = 39) with a mean age of 33.2 ± 2.9. The Boix-Ochoa score was 67.77 ± 65. 85% of the reflux episodes happened in the postprandial period (85%, N = 17/20), 70% in supine position (70%, N = 14/20). Symptomatic index was positive in 38.9% (n = 7) and the symptoms association probability was 55.6% (n = 10).

Conclusions:

There is association between prematurity and GERD diagnosis. The GERD symptom association probability is more sensitive in preterm newborns.