Nutritional State and Feeding Behaviors of Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Objective: Because both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are associated with malnutrition and feeding dysfunction, this study compares growth, nutrition and feeding behaviors in children with GERD and EoE. Methods: Subjects aged 1-7 with GERD or EoE were enrolled in a prospective study. Assessments included length/height, weight, 3-day food diary, serum biomarkers of nutrition, and the Behavioral Pediatric Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS). Results: Mean weight-for-length z-scores in GERD and EoE children were -0.93 and -1.14 (p = NS) and mean body mass index z-scores were 0.29 and -0.13 (p = NS). Vitamin D intake was below the daily recommended intake (DRI) in GERD subjects. EoE subjects' intake was below DRI of Vitamin D and calcium. GERD and EoE groups both had normal intake of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and iron and normal serum ferritin (25 vs. 34 ng/mL), prealbumin (21 vs. 20 mg/dL), PTH (42 vs. 37 pg/mL), and Vitamin D (both 30 ng/mL). BPFAS problem and frequency scores were similar in GERD and EoE subjects but were higher than those of a historical cohort of healthy controls (Hedges'g of 0.95 and 1.1 respectively). EoE subjects on food allergen restriction diets had significantly less feeding dysfunction than those on regular diets. Conclusion: Since a selected group of children with uncomplicated GERD or EoE were without nutritional deficiencies but had maladaptive feeding, providing anticipatory guidance to minimize mealtime challenges, monitoring for improvement, or referring to a feeding therapist may be beneficial. A trial of food allergen restriction may provide additional benefit for those with EoE. (C) 2017 by European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology,

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