Association of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages and gastroesophageal reflux in children

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 110; no. 2; pp. 190 - 194
• Main Authors: Nussbaum, Eliezer, Carlos Maggi, J., Mathis, Richard, Galant, Stanley P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.02.1987; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Esophagus; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastroesophageal Reflux - complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux - metabolism; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lipid Metabolism; Lung Diseases - etiology; Lung Diseases - metabolism; Macrophages - metabolism; Male; Medical sciences; Other diseases. Semiology; Pneumonia, Aspiration - etiology; Pulmonary Alveoli - metabolism; Human; Gastroesophageal reflux; Respiratory disease; Lung; Bronchus; Lipids; Washing; Liquid; Aspiration pneumonia; Pulmonary alveolus; Digestive diseases; ENT disease; Child; Macrophage
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3476(87)80152-X

The association of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages (LLAM) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was investigated prospectively in 115 patients in two groups. Group 1 included 74 children with chronic respiratory tract disorders and documented GER by prolonged esophageal pH monitoring, barium esophagram, and esophagoscopy; group 2 included 41 children with chronic respiratory tract disorders without GER. LLAM were present in 63 (85%) and eight (19%) children from groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.0001). Thus a strong association between the presence of LLAM and GER in children with chronic respiratory tract disorders was established. We suggest that LLAM from bronchial lavage may be a useful marker for tracheal aspiration in children with GER in whom chronic lung disease may subsequently develop.