The Effect of Alginate in Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants

Background Guidelines are contradictory regarding the use of alginate in infants with persisting gastroesophageal reflux (GER). While The British National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) guidelines consider alginate as a treatment option, the guidelines of the European and North-American Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN, NASPGHAN) do not recommend alginates. Aims We assessed the efficacy of alginate to reduce GER episodes in infants. Methods In a prospective, observational study, we consecutively enrolled all infants referred for pH-multiple intraluminal impedance (pH-MII) recording because of persisting GER symptoms not responsive to behavior and dietetic modifications. A 48-h pH-MII was performed in all infants; a baseline recording was performed during the first 24 h while magnesium or sodium alginate was administered during the second 24 h. The primary endpoint was the difference in the total number of GER episodes per 24 h between the baseline day and the second day during which the alginate was administered. The secondary outcome was the difference in symptoms between each period. We also compared other pH-MII data from before and during alginate administration. Results We recruited 43 infants (median age 68 days, range 25–306); three pH-MII tracings were excluded because of artifacts. The median number of all MII reflux episodes was significantly reduced during alginate administration (76.0 vs 69.5; p