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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/118803
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Acid suppressants for managing gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in infants: a national survey |
Author: | Bell, J.C. Schneuer, F.J. Harrison, C. Trevena, L. Hiscock, H. Elshaug, A.G. Nassar, N. |
Citation: | Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2018; 103(7):660-664 |
Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
Issue Date: | 2018 |
ISSN: | 0003-9888 1468-2044 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Jane C Bell, Francisco J Schneuer, Christopher Harrison, Lyndal Trevena, Harriet Hiscock, Adam G Elshaug, Natasha Nassar |
Abstract: | Objectives: To evaluate the diagnosis and management of reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in infants aged <1 year presenting to general practitioners (GPs). Design, setting and participants: A nationally representative, prospective, cross-sectional survey of GP activity in Australia, 2006–2016 (Bettering the Evaluation And Care of Health Study). Annually, a random sample of around 1000 GPs recorded details for 100 consecutive visits with consenting, unidentified patients. Outcome measures: Diagnoses of reflux and GORD and their management including prescribing of acid-suppressant medicines (proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs)) and counselling, advice or education. Results: Of all infants’ visits, 512 (2.7%) included a diagnosis of reflux (n=413, 2.2%) or GORD (n=99, 0.5%). From 2006 to 2016, diagnostic rates decreased for reflux and increased for GORD. Prescribing of acid suppressants occurred in 43.6% visits for reflux and 48.5% visits for GORD, similar to rates of counselling, advice or education (reflux: 38.5%, GORD: 43.4% of visits). Prescribing of PPIs increased (statistically significant only for visits for reflux), while prescribing of H2RAs decreased. Conclusions: Overprescribing of acid suppressants to infants may be occurring. In infants, acid-suppressant medicines are no better than placebo and may have significant negative side effects; however, guidelines are inconsistent. Clear, concise and consistent guidance is needed. GPs and parents need to understand what is normal and limitations of medical therapy. We need a greater understanding of the influences on GP prescribing practices, of parents’ knowledge and attitudes and of the pressures on parents of infants with these conditions. |
Keywords: | gastroenterology general paediatrics general practice health services research infants |
Rights: | © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted. |
DOI: | 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314161 |
Grant ID: | http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1067066 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1109626 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1104136 http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1136222 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2017-314161 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest 4 Paediatrics publications |
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