THE INCIDENCE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN RECURRENT CROUP

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux in recurrent croup was evalua ted by a retrospective analysis of patients at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1986 to 1991. Sixty-six patients required hospitaliz ation for recurrent croup during this 6-year period. Of the patients e valuated, 47% with recurrent croup had an additional diagnosis establi shed of gastroesophageal reflux. In patients with three or more hospit alizations for croup, there was a 63% association with gastroesophagea l reflux. Compared to ail patients with recurrent croup, the patients with gastroesophageal reflux tended to be younger and had a shorter in terval between episodes of croup. A prospective series of six cases of recurrent croup was seen in consultation. The diagnostic procedures i nvolving lipid-laden macrophage quantitation, endoscopy, and gastroeso phageal reflux scintiscans were utilized to establish the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux with tracheal aspiration. The results of thes e studies and the followup is discussed.