Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 40° supine body position on infant regurgitation, reflux-associated symptoms and acid reflux.

Intervention: Thirty of 52 consecutive infants presenting with frequent regurgitation and reflux-associated symptoms occurring mainly during feeding were evaluated in the Multicare AR-Bed (Peos, Ninove, Belgium). The Infant-Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised (I-GERQ-R) and an oesophageal pH monitoring were performed at inclusion and after 1 week.

Results: Eight out of 30 (27%) infants did not tolerate the 40° positioning, and had to be taken out of the study within the first 2 days. However, in 22/30 (73%) infants the I-GERQ-R and acid reflux decreased significantly with the Multicare AR-Bed. The mean duration of use of the Multicare AR-Bed was 3.2 months.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggest that a specially made bed that nurses the infant at 40° supine body position reduces regurgitation, acid reflux and reflux-associated symptoms. However, the intervention was open, the sample size small and the withdrawal rate was substantial. Larger trials are needed.