Children With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Consume More Calories and Fat Compared to Controls of Same Weight and Age.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare the rates of nutrients consumption in children and adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to the control group without the disease.

METHODS

Based on symptom evaluation and esophageal pH-impedance recordings patients were allocated on to GERD and control groups. All patients underwent esophagogastroscopy. Levels of nutrients consumption were assessed with the use of food frequency questionnaire in the regard to the presence of the disease, esophagitis, and z score body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Data of 219 children and adolescents were available for the final analysis. Risks to have GERD were higher in groups with obesity (risk ratio 1.2 [95% confidence interval 0.8-1.7]) and excessive weight (1.1 [0.9-1.4]). Energy values of the rations and amount of fat consumption were higher in the GERD group compared to the control when rations were compared according to z score BMI. In contrast to nonerosive form of GERD, patients with erosive esophagitis consumed more protein (percentage deviation from the recommended daily allowance Me [25%;75%]): 14.3 (11.07; 19.1) % versus 8.5 (6.71; 14.1) %, total fat 36.8 (12.5; 75.5) % versus 16.9 (10.1; 17.9) %, and less polyunsaturated fats -54.3 (-73.4; -47.7) % versus -45.6 (-56.2; -33.1) %, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

The rations of children with GERD are characterized by higher calorie values and larger amounts of fat intake compared to the control group in the regard to z score BMI. Low dietary fiber consumption is additional factor associated with GERD in children with excessive weight and obesity. Compared to nonerosive GERD, higher intake of energy, protein, and total fat and lower of polyunsaturated fats revealed in patients with GERD with erosive esophagitis.