[Gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Value of orthostatism and ventral decubitus].

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may induce severe complications in infants: besides esophagitis numerous authors have established a relationship between GER and relapsing respiratory infections, between GER and apnea, cyanosis or bradycardia. This required a more precise estimation of the postural treatment than the clinical data of vomiting or the weight curve. Esophageal pH studies are considered to be the most valuable investigational technique in case of GER. It allowed us to study the importance of acid reflux in 43 patients under 1 year of age in different postures: 45 degrees upright in an infant-seat, horizontal prone and 30 degrees prone positions.