In a new study, researchers reviewed 12 clinical trials that studied the effectiveness of medications for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants, children, and teens. The researchers found there was wasn't enough evidence to show that these medications, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), were that effective in treating symptoms of GERD in infants. For older children and teens, these medication appeared to be more effective in treating the symptoms.
This researchers, in an article published in the journal, Pediatrics, stated that there isn't enough data yet to tell whether or not there is any long-term benefits or safety to using PPIs in children. However, this doesn't mean PPIs should never be used to treat GERD in children, according to lead researcher Dr. Rachel J. van der Pol, of Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam.
There are other physicians who appear to disagree with this research. Dr. Steven J. Czinn at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore who also chairs the American College of Gastroenterology's Pediatric Gastrointestinal Committee, stated "I would caution against drawing conclusions from a review of 12 studies." He added that there were hundreds of studies on GERD treatment of children, but only a dozen fit the researchers' criteria.
Those involved in this new study do state that further research is needed to study the effectiveness of GERD treatment in infants and children.
More details on this study can be found on the Pediatrics Journal website.
PPIs include Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix .
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