Effects of Quince syrup on clinical symptoms of children with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Quince syrup in pediatrics with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Method: Participants (n = 80) were randomly assigned to the Quince group (0.6 cc/kg/day) or the Omeprazole group (1 cc/kg/day). Age specific questionnaires were used to assess the frequency and severity of the GERD symptoms. Mean of cumulative symptom score (CSS) at weeks 4 and 7 were compared with baseline.

Results: The mean CSS value was significantly decreased from baseline in each treatment group without statistically significant differences between them. Although the mean CSS value among infants and young children was slightly decreased in the Quince group at week seven, this value was increased among children aged 5-18 years in both treatment groups without significant differences.

Conclusion: Despite the effectiveness of Quince syrup in reducing symptoms in all pediatrics age groups, no significant differences were observed in comparison with the control group.

Keywords: Children; Clinical trial; Cydonia oblonga Mill.; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Omeprazole; Traditional Persian medicine.