van Wijk, M.Benninga, M.Davidson, G.Haslam, R.Omari, T.2010-08-122010-08-122010Journal of Pediatrics, 2010; 156(5):744-7590022-34761097-6833http://hdl.handle.net/2440/59764<h4>Objective</h4>To investigate the threshold amount of constantly infused feed needed to trigger lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) in the right lateral position (RLP) and left lateral position (LLP).<h4>Study design</h4>Eight healthy infants (3 male; gestational age: 32.9 +/- 2.4 weeks; corrected age: 36.1 +/- 1.3 weeks) were studied using an esophageal impedance-manometry catheter incorporating an intragastric infusion port. After tube placement, infants were randomly positioned in RLP or LLP. They were then tube-fed their normal feed (62.5 [40 to 75] mL) at an infusion rate of 160 mL/h. Recordings were made during the feed and 15 minutes thereafter. The study was repeated with the infant in the opposite position.<h4>Results</h4>More TLESRs were triggered in the RLP compared with LLP (4.0 [3.0 to 6.0] vs 2.5 [1.0 to 3.0], P = .027). First TLESR occurred at a significantly lower infused volume in RLP compared with LLP (10.6 +/- 9.4 vs 21.0 +/- 4.9 mL, P = .006). The percentage of feed infused at time of first TLESR was significantly lower in RLP compared with LLP (17.6% +/- 15.5% vs 35.4% +/- 8.02%, P = .005).<h4>Conclusions</h4>In the RLP, TLESRs and gastroesophageal reflux are triggered at volumes unlikely to induce gastric distension.enCopyright © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.Esophageal Sphincter, LowerHumansGastroesophageal RefluxInfant, Premature, DiseasesEnteral NutritionManometryElectric ImpedancePostureMuscle RelaxationInfant, NewbornInfant, PrematureFemaleMaleJournal article002010016910.1016/j.jpeds.2009.11.0060002765256000142-s2.0-7795062733333751Omari, T. [0000-0001-5108-7378]