[Gastroesophageal reflux in children]

Abstract

The main pathogenetic mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux in children are disturbances in the motor activity of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter, disorder of esophageal clearance, and lowered esophageal mucosal tissue resistance. Factors that lead to disturbances in the motor activity of the esophagus and the lower esophageal sphincter are primary insufficiency including natal cervical spinal injury, and disbalance of mediators that regulate the motor activity (dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin). Secondary insufficiency factors are hiatal hernia, pylorospasm, and pylorostenosis. Disorders of mucosal tissue resistance include pre-epithelial, epithelial, and post-epithelial factors.