Children
Interpreting Early Neurological Findings in Infants with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Longitudinal Evaluation Using the HINE
By Gabriella Di Rosa, Giulia Spoto, Carla Consoli and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common during infancy. Transient neuromotor features, including alteration in muscle tone, posture, and motor behaviour, have been observed in infants with GER symptoms.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included 55 infants with clinical symptoms of GER, including 43 preterm and 12 term-born infants, evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months (chronological or corrected age for preterms) using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE). General Movements Assessment (GMA) and motor milestones were used as outcome indicators. Preterm cases were compared with 141 low-risk preterm controls. Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMMs) with Bonferroni correction evaluated longitudinal Movements trajectories, while term-born infants were analyzed descriptively.