Choosing the Therapeutic Strategy in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Pediatric Patients: Is it a Challenge for Clinicians?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 8-33% of individuals worldwide, independent of age or gender. Diagnosis relies on mucosal lesions or symptomatic discomfort, validated by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response. Lyon Consensus categorizes diagnostic tests as supportive, refuting, or inconclusive. A retrospective cohort study on 78 pediatric subjects at the ‘Sfântul Ioan’ Galați Hospital (February 2018-October 2020) aimed to assess GER incidence and management principles. Data analyzed using SPSS v26 revealed urban predominance (66.7%) and varied age distribution (1 month to 18 years), with heartburn as a prevalent symptom. Treatment modalities included antacids, PPIs, H2RAs, and prokinetics. Symptom relief and therapeutic response guided management, with PPIs commonly administered. This study underscores the need for comprehensive GERD diagnosis and tailored therapeutic strategies in pediatric populations.