PURPOSE: Regurgitation is known to peak at the age of 3-4 months, with a sharp decrease around the age of 6 months. Little is known about the natural evolution of infants who still regurgitate after the age of 6 months. METHODS: Hundred thirty-one infants older than 6 months regurgitating more than once a day were followed for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: According to our data, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is seldom at this age. Most of the infants regurgitated 3 or more times/day and spit up an estimated volume of more than 15 mL. Eighty-five parents were educated regarding frequency of feeding. There were only 6 infants that still had frequent regurgitation (>3 times/day) despite an appropriate feeding schedule. The Infant GER Questionnaire score reached a score of 0 in 50% of the infants after one month of follow-up and in 81.9% at the third month of follow-up. There was an increase of the "weight for age z-score" trends in infants that still regurgitated at the end of follow-up and a declining z-score in infants that no longer regurgitated. An explanation may be that infants that regurgitate drink larger volumes than infants who do not regurgitate. Conservative treatment (reassurance, dietary treatment, behavioral advice) resulted in a significant better outcome than natural evolution. CONCLUSION: Regurgitation that persisted after the age of 6 months, strongly decreased during a 3-month follow-up with conservative treatment. GERD is rare in this age group; therefore, anti-reflux medication is only seldom needed.
Appointments and Schedules ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastroesophageal Reflux* ; Humans ; Infant* ; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux ; Parents ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND: A self-assessment questionnaire, the GERD-Questionnaire (GERD-Q) was used to determine the prevalence of GERD in adolescents, describe the related factors, and determine the impact on quality of life (QoL). METHODS: The incidence of GERD was evaluated using the GERD-Q in adolescents aged 12–18 years. The Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire and Quality of Life Questionnaire (PGSQ-A) for adolescents were additionally administered. Some factors considered related to GERD were also evaluated. RESULTS: The 520 adolescents were included. The prevalence of suspected GERD, according to a GERD-Q cutoff score of ≥7 was 32.9%, and those drinking soda were 1.7 times more likely to have GERD (95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.2; p<0.001). However, soda consumption was not a risk factor for development of GERD symptoms. Applying a cutoff score of ≥8, only 10.9% of the participants had a positive GERD score, but the association with soda consumption persisted. The median PGSQ-A score in subjects suspected of GERD was 8 (range 0–37) on weekends and 1 (range 0–17) during weekdays (p<0.001) compared to those not suspected of GERD, with a median of 2 (range 0–27) during weekends and 0 (range 0–10) during weekdays. Heartburn, regurgitation, and extraesophageal symptoms correlated significantly with QoL (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of suspected GERD in adolescents was 32.9% or 10.9%, depending on the cutoff score used. There was a statistically significant difference in PGSQ-A scores between the subjects suspected or not of GERD, indicating an impaired QoL.
Adolescent ; Drinking ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Heartburn ; Humans ; Incidence ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life ; Risk Factors ; Self-Assessment

Extensive studies have shown that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants, especially during the first six months, because it fulfills almost all of their nutritional needs. Among the many functional building blocks in breast milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been receiving more attention recently. Furthermore, it is the third most common group of compounds in human milk, and studies have demonstrated the health benefits it provides for infants, including improved nutritional status. HMOs were previously known as the ‘bifidus factor’ due to their ‘bifidogenic’ or prebiotic effects, which enabled the nourishment of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Healthy gastrointestinal microbiota are intestinal health substrates that increase nutrient absorption and reduce the incidence of diarrhea. In addition, HMOs, directly and indirectly, protect infants against infections and strengthen their immune system, leading to a positive energy balance and promoting normal growth. Non-modifiable factors, such as genetics, and modifiable factors (e.g., maternal health, diet, nutritional status, environment) can influence the HMO profile. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of how HMOs can contribute to the prevention and treatment of nutritional issues during exclusive breastfeeding.

Purpose: Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) may be genetically determined based on the secretor and Lewis status of the mother. This study aims to determine the HMO profile and the secretor and Lewis gene status of Indonesian lactating mothers. Methods: Baseline data of 120 mother-infant pairs between 0-4 months post-partum obtained from a prospective longitudinal study was used. The concentrations of 2'-fucosyllactose (2’FL), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP I), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), lactoN-neotetraose (LNnT), 3'-sialyllactose (3’SL), and 6'-sialyllactose (6’SL) were measured.Genetic analysis was performed for mothers using targeted next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Wild-type AA with the rs1047781 (A385T) polymorphism was categorized as secretor positive, while heterozygous mutant AT was classified as a weak secretor. The presence of rs28362459 (T59G) heterozygous mutant AC and rs3745635 (G508A) heterozygous mutant CT genes indicated a Lewis negative status, and the absence of these genes indicated a positive status. Subsequently, breast milk was classified into various groups, namely Group 1: Secretor+Lewis+ (Se+Le+), Group 2: Secretor−Lewis+ (Se−Le+), Group 3: Secretor+Lewis− (Se+Le−), and Group 4: Secretor−Lewis− (Se−Le−). Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis rank tests, and a p-value of 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: A total of 58.3% and 41.7% of the samples had positive and weak secretor statuses, respectively. The proportion of those in Group 1 was 85%, while 15% were Group 3.The results showed that only 2'FL significantly differed according to the secretor status (p-value=0.018). Conclusion All Indonesian lactating mothers in this study were secretor positive, and most of them had a Lewis-positive status.

Purpose: The updated ROME IV criteria for functional constipation (FC) in children were published in 2016. However, information on the use of these criteria is scarce. This study aimed to report the frequency of the use of the ROME IV criteria by Indonesian pediatricians and general practitioners (GPs) in FC management in infants and toddlers. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Results: A total of 248 respondents (183 pediatricians and 65 GPs) from 24 Indonesian provinces completed the survey. Most respondents reported an estimated prevalence of FC to be less than 5% both in infants and toddlers. On average, only 64.6% of respondents frequently used the ROME IV criteria. Pediatricians used the ROME IV criteria more often than GPs did (p<0.001). The most frequently used criteria were painful or hard bowel movements (75.0%) and ≤2 defecations/week (71.4%). Lactulose as a laxative was the preferred treatment choice, followed by changing the standard formula to a specific nutritional formula. Most of the respondents carried out parenteral reassurance and education. Normal growth, as a marker of good digestion and absorption function, and normal stool consistency and frequency were the most reported indicators of gut health. Conclusion The ROME IV criteria for functional constipation are not extensively used by pediatricians and GPs in Indonesia. Laxatives and specific nutritional formulas were the most used management approaches in infants and toddlers. Medical education, especially for general practitioners, should be updated.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the minimally meaningful dosage of inulin leading to a prebiotic effect in Indonesian infants. METHODS: In a randomized controlled double-blinded, parallel, 3-arm intervention study, 164 healthy formula-fed infants aged 3 to 5 months first obtained formula-A (without inulin) during a 4-week adaptation period. Subsequently, 142 subjects were subjected to a 4-week feeding period by administering either formula-A (no inulin), formula-B (0.2 g/100 mL inulin) or formula-C (0.4 g/100 mL inulin). The primary outcome parameter was %-bifidobacteria in faecal samples determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Secondary outcome parameters were faecal %-lactobacilli, pH and stool frequency, and consistency. Growth and tolerance/adverse effects were recorded as safety parameters. RESULTS: Typical %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli at the end of the adaptation period in the study population were 14% and 2%, respectively. For faecal pH, significant differences between formula groups A vs. C and A vs. B were found at the end of the intervention period. Testing for differences in faecal %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli between groups was hampered by non-normal data set distributions; no statistically significant differences were obtained. Comparisons within groups revealed that only in formula group C, all the three relevant parameters exhibited a significant effect with an increase in faecal %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli and a decrease in pH. CONCLUSION: A consistent prebiotic effect along with a decrease in pH and increase in %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli was found only in the group administered 0.4 g inulin/100 mL.
Dataset ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infant Formula ; Infant* ; Inulin* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prebiotics*

Purpose: Impaired intestinal mucosal integrity may affect the gastrointestinal function, especially in relation to nutrition, absorption, and barrier function. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in presumed healthy children aged 1–3 years and assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation in them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 children aged 1–3 years in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. A randomized double-blind parallel group method clinical trial was then performed to assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation. Results: Elevated calprotectin was found in 91/200 subjects (45.5%) at the onset of the study. After 10 months, 144 subjects completed the study: 72 subjects received the trial formula, whereas the other 72 received the standard formula. A transitory decrease in fecal calprotectin (FC) was observed after 6 months in the subgroup with normal FC levels, who were fed the test formula (p=0.012). Conclusion The prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in this group of Indonesian children aged 1–3 years was high. Supplementation with zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotics during 6 months reduced FC only in those who had low levels at baseline but not in those with impaired integrity.

PURPOSE: Lactose intolerance (LI) is perceived to be frequent in Asia and has been reported to have considerable impact on dietary intake, nutritional status and the quality of life. We aimed to gather information from healthcare professionals on the perceived incidence, diagnosis and management of LI in 1 to 5 year old children in Southeast Asia. METHODS: An anonymous electronic survey was sent randomly among healthcare professionals registered in the database of the pediatric societies in Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore between June and October 2016. RESULTS: In total, 259 health care professionals responded of which 45.5% (n=118) were from Thailand, 37.4% (n=97) from Indonesia and 16.9% (n=44) from Singapore. Of the participants who responded (n=248), primary LI prevalence among children 1 to 3 years of age was estimated to be less than 5% by 56.8%. However, about 18.9% (n=47) answered they did not know/unsure. Regarding secondary LI, 61.6% of respondents (n=153) estimated the prevalence to be less than 15%. But again, 10.8% (n=27) answered they did not know or unsure. Rotavirus gastroenteritis was ranked as the top cause for secondary LI. There was considerable heterogeneity in the diagnostic methods used. The majority of respondents (75%) recommended lactose-free milk to manage primary and secondary LI. CONCLUSION: More education/training of pediatricians on this topic and further epidemiological studies using a more systematic approach are required.
Anonyms and Pseudonyms ; Asia ; Asia, Southeastern ; Child* ; Delivery of Health Care ; Diagnosis ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Far East* ; Gastroenteritis ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Incidence ; Indonesia ; Lactose Intolerance* ; Lactose* ; Milk ; Nutritional Status ; Population Characteristics ; Prevalence* ; Quality of Life ; Rotavirus ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Thailand

The World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life to provide optimal nutrition in this critical period of life. After this, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while breastfeeding continues for up to 2 years of age or beyond. For nonbreastfed infants, infant formula is an available option to provide the nutrition needed. Infant formula is usually prepared from industrially modified cow's milk and processed to adjust for the nutritional needs of infants. However, cow's milk is one of the most common causes of food allergy, affecting 2%–5% of all formula-fed infants during their first year of life. One strategy to prevent cow's milk allergy in nonbreastfed infants is the use of partially hydrolyzed formula (pHF) in high-risk infants, which are infants born in families with atopic disease. However, based on an epidemiological study, approximately half of the infants who develop allergy are not part of the at-risk group. This is because the non-at-risk group is significantly larger than the at-risk group and the non-at-risk infants have approximately 15% risk of developing allergies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partially hydrolyzed whey formula (pHF-W) in nonbreastfed infants and determine whether pHF-W can prevent atopic disease in high-risk infants and can be used as routine starter formula regardless of the allergy risk status.
Breast Feeding ; Critical Period (Psychology) ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Infant Formula ; Infant ; Milk ; Milk Hypersensitivity ; Whey ; World Health Organization

PURPOSE: Feeding tolerance is extremely important in preterm infants. This study aimed to evaluate whether preterm infants receiving Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 would develop fewer symptoms of feeding intolerance. Secondary outcomes were duration of parenteral nutrition, time to reach full feeding, length of hospital stay, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), diarrhea, and mortality. METHODS: This double-blind randomized controlled trial of L. reuteri DSM 17938 versus placebo included 94 neonates with a gestational age of 28–34 weeks and birth weight of 1,000–1,800 g. RESULTS: Feeding intolerance (vomiting and/or distension) was less common in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (8.5% vs. 25.5%; relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.96; p=0.03). No significant intergroup differences were found in proven sepsis, time to reach full feeding, length of hospital stay, or diarrhea. The prevalence of NEC (stages 2 and 3) was 6.4% in the placebo group vs. 0% in the probiotic group (relative risk, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.15; p=0.24). Mortality rates were 2.1% in the probiotic group and 8.5% in the placebo group, p=0.36). CONCLUSION: The administration of L. reuteri DSM 17938 to preterm infants was safe and significantly reduced feeding intolerance. No significant differences were found in any other secondary outcomes.
Birth Weight ; Diarrhea ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Lactobacillus reuteri ; Lactobacillus ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Parenteral Nutrition ; Prevalence ; Probiotics ; Sepsis