Exposure to H2 receptor antagonists may be associated with increased risk of NEC and infections in preterm infants
BACKGROUND Inhibitors of gastric acid ( IGA ) are used for upper gastrointestinal bleeding or gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants .
The result ant increase in gastric pH may enhance the growth of pathogens and increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) .
Our systematic review examined the association between  IGA and NEC in preterm infants .
Effect of Omeprazole on Acid Gastroesophageal Reflux and Gastric Acidity in Preterm Infants With Pathological Acid Reflux
Introduction : Proton pump inhibitor ( PPI ) therapy is increasingly being used to treat premature infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) ; however , the efficacy of PPI on acid production in this population has yet to be assessed in this patient group . The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 0.7 mg/kg/d omeprazole on gastric acidity and acid gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants with reflux symptoms and pathological acid reflux on 24-h pH probe . Methods : A r and omized , double blind , placebo-controlled , crossover design trial of omeprazole therapy was performed in 10 preterm infants ( 34–40 weeks postmenstrual age ) . Infants were given omeprazole for 7 d and then placebo for 7 d in r and omized order . Twenty-four-hour esophageal and gastric pH monitoring was performed on days 7 and 14 of the trial . Results : Compared to placebo , omeprazole therapy significantly reduced gastric acidity ( % time pH < 4 , 54 % vs 14 % , P < 0.0005 ) , esophageal acid exposure ( % time pH < 4 , 19 % vs 5 % , P < 0.01 ) and number of acid GER episodes ( 119 vs 60 episodes , P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions : Omeprazole is effective in reducing esophageal acid exposure in premature infants with pathological acid reflux on 24-h pH probe ; however , the far more complex issues of safety and efficacy have yet to be addressed
Exposure to H2 receptor antagonists may be associated with increased risk of NEC and infections in preterm infants
BACKGROUND Inhibitors of gastric acid ( IGA ) are used for upper gastrointestinal bleeding or gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants .
The result ant increase in gastric pH may enhance the growth of pathogens and increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) .
Our systematic review examined the association between  IGA and NEC in preterm infants .