Gastroesophageal reflux and acute life-threatening episodes: role of a central respiratory depression.

The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma levels of beta-endorphins in babies with gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) admitted for acute life-threatening episodes (ALTE). In case of ALTE (n = 15), beta-endorphin levels were significantly increased compared to sudden infant deaths syndrome siblings with GOR of a similar gravity evaluated for risk factors (n = 13). beta-Endorphin levels are decreased following successful treatment of GOR. Studies of ventilation suggest that changes in the central respiratory drive are associated with a reduction in plasma beta-endorphin levels.