Newborn Lamb as a New Model for Studying Gastroesophageal Reflux

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine whether the newborn lamb at term is a valid model for studying gastroesophageal reflux. Seven bottle‐fed lambs, ages 2 to 3 days, underwent esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH). A total of 196 reflux episodes were recorded, including 73% alkaline and 27% weakly acidic. No acid refluxes were observed. Median bolus clearance time was 4 seconds (3; 5.5), and proximal reflux extent was 35% (26). This first report of MII‐pH in the newborn mammal sets the foundations for future studies with physiological and clinical relevance to human neonates.