Expiratory Flow Increase Technique and Acid Esophageal Exposure in Infants Born Preterm With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Objective: To determine if an expiratory flow increase technique (EFIT) is associated with acid reflux episodes in infants born preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Methods: A crossover study was carried out. Eighteen subjects divided into 2 groups were randomly assigned to receive 2 EFIT sessions at 2 postprandial time points. Group 1 started 2 hours after feeding and group 2 started 3 hours after feeding. Esophageal acid exposure was assessed by the reflux index (RI) during EFIT and 20 minutes before EFIT by esophageal pH monitoring. Results: A significant reduction in the RI was observed in group 1 with EFIT performed 2 hours after feeding. Group 2 showed no significant differences in RI values before and during EFIT in both postprandial periods. Conclusion: When EFIT is performed 2 and 3 hours after feeding, it is not associated with an increase in acid reflux episodes in infants born preterm with BPD. (Pediatr Phys Ther 2011; 23: 328-334)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Ctr Integral Attent Womens Health CAISM, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Campinas UNICAMP, Dept Pediat, Sch Med Sci, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2006/54414-7Web of Scienc