Disorders of oesophageal motility in children with psychomotor retardation and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

A group of 25 children affected by different degrees of psychomotor retardation (severe (n = 13); mild-moderate (n = 12)) and symptoms suggesting gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) underwent oesophageal manometry and oesophageal pH monitoring. Of these patients, 21 (84%) were affected by GOR. In all children with severe brain damage and GOR (12/13), oesophageal manometry showed marked motility abnormalities that persisted after cure of GOR. In patients with minor retardation and GOR (9/12), oesophageal manometry showed normal motility or a less severe degree of oesophageal motor dysfunction which improved after curing the GOR. These results suggest that oesophageal motor dysfunction is a frequent occurrence in children affected by severe psychomotor retardation and GOR.