Clinical Features of Esophagitis and Gastritis in Neonates

Kwak, Min Jung; Park, Su Eun; Park, Jae Hong

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and clinical features related to esophagitis and gastritis in the newborn.
METHODS
From January 1995 to July 2002, twenty-six neonates were diagnosed as having esophagitis and/or gastritis. The clinical and demographic data of the patients and their mothers were evaluated retrospectively.
RESULTS
Twelve males and 14 females were studied. All but one premature infant were full-term. All the babies had a birth weight that was appropriate for their gestational age. The risk factors related to esophagitis and gastritis were not found. The clinical symptoms leading to endoscopy were frequent regurgitation or vomiting, hematemesis and poor feeding. Esophagitis by itself was found in 4 cases, gastritis alone was found in 13 cases and esophagitis associated with gastritis was found in 9 cases. The endoscopic findings of esophagitis showed somewhat severe lesions that consisted of multiple erosions or a fibrinous exudate. The gastric lesions were petechiae and aphthous ulcers on congestive mucosa. All the infants were treated with antisecretory drugs, and transfusion was done in 4 cases and hemoclipping was done in 2 cases. The clinical symptoms resolved rapidly with treatment. All the patients fully recovered without disease recurrence.
CONCLUSION
The clinical features and endoscopic findings of esophagogastritis in the neonates were quite different from those features and findings in the older children and adults. Esophagitis may be characterized by frequent association with gastritis.