Gastro-oesophageal reflux and apnoea

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Exploring the role of acid and non-acid reflux in apnoea

• IRAS ID

  122897

• Contact name

  Anne Greenough

• Contact email

  anne.greenough@kcl.ac.uk

• Research summary

  For many years gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), the back flow of stomach contents into the oesophagus, has been thought to cause apnoea (stopping breathing) in preterm infants. However, studies looking at acid levels in the oesophagus have generally not shown a temporaneous association between reflux and apnoea. This may be a result of the stomach contents often not being acidic in infants.
  Using the multichannel intraluminal impedance technique (MII) we can test for reflux of stomach contents, irrespective of acidity, and compare the timing of these events with episodes of apnoea.
  In this study we will examine a group of infants with frequent apnoea. Monitoring of GOR will be done by passing the MII probe through the nose towards the stomach. Simultaneously the infant’s breathing pattern will be monitored for apnoea. The events will be analysed to see if apnoea is more frequent following the reflux episodes.

• REC name

  London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/LO/1099

• Date of REC Opinion

  5 Sep 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion