Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sudden infant death: mechanisms behind an under-recognized association

Pediatr Dev Pathol. 2011 Jan-Feb;14(1):53-6. doi: 10.2350/09-11-0748-CR.1. Epub 2010 Apr 29.

Abstract

We present 4 cases of sudden infant death in which we believe that gastroesophageal reflux (GOR) was a contributory, if not a causative, factor. Two of our patients had documented GOR reflux disease during life, and all 4 cases showed histologic evidence of GOR. No other cause of death was identified in any of the patients. Gastroesophageal reflux can cause sudden death in a vulnerable infant during a critical period of development through failure of "autoresuscitation" mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Sudden Infant Death / etiology*
  • Sudden Infant Death / pathology