Proton pump inhibitors for treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux in preterms: A review

Background Gastroesophageal reflux is primarily physiological in newborns, especially in prematures less than 34 weeks of gestation. Recently there has been a surge in the use of anti reflux medications especially proton pump inhibitors to treat significant reflux in newborns the rewards of which are questionable and hence their use needs to be addressed. Material Methods A PubMed search was done using the key words “gastroesophageal reflux”[all fields] and “preterm”[all fields] and/or “term” [all fields] and/or “newborn”[all fields]. The articles included were randomized trials, prospective studies, retrospective studies, review articles and observational studies. Conclusion As per current evidence, the risk to reward ratio of proton pump inhibitors does not favour it to be routinely recommended for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in preterm newborns.