Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: Thirty-four polygraphic recordings of combined esophageal pH study and respiration in infants with ALTE, age 4.1 +/- 4.9 months, range 0.4-27 months, were studied. This group of children had uncomplicated perinatal history, no congenital anomalies, no neuropathology, and no drug exposure. A written questionnaire was administered to the parents to determine the following: environmental variables, degree of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure (number of cigarettes/day), and nutrition (breast vs. bottle feeding). RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between pH study parameters and ETS exposure (p < 0.005). The esophageal pH parameters were markedly elevated in the ETS-exposed group and in this group there was a linear relation between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and reflux index, as well as reflux > 5 min/hr (p < 0.05, r = 0.46). Nursing mothers were less likely to be smokers (18.2% vs. 34.0%). The only significant respiratory finding was in the obstructive/mixed apnea group; there was strong association between ETS exposure and high reflux index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that ETS exposure represents a significant contributing factor to GER. Pediatricians should systematically ask questions about the infant environment, explain the risk of ETS exposure to the caretaker, and recommend that children should remain in a smoke-free environment.
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Authors | B Alaswad, P L Toubas, J E Grunow |
Journal | The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
(J Okla State Med Assoc)
Vol. 89
Issue 7
Pg. 233-7
(Jul 1996)
ISSN: 0030-1876 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8783522
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Apnea
(diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology)
- Esophagus
(metabolism)
- Female
- Gastroesophageal Reflux
(diagnosis, etiology)
- Humans
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Infant
- Male
- Monitoring, Physiologic
- Retrospective Studies
- Tobacco Smoke Pollution
(adverse effects)
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