Use of proton pump inhibitors for treatment of GERD in preterm infants is associated with:
a) Increased gastric acidity
b) Reduced duration of acid exposure
c) Decreases morbidity
d) Decreased incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage
Answer b. PPIs act by irreversible inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase in the parietal cells thus decreasing the amount of hydrogen ions secreted. Although widely used, there is limited data to suggest that acid suppression has any short or long term morbidity benefits in preterm infants with GER. Studies have shown that PPI reduces gastric acidity and the duration of acid exposure in preterm infants group. Unfortunately, gastric acid suppression has been associated with potential adverse side effects including necrotizing enterocolitis, altered gastric colonization, and intraventricular hemorrhage.