Proton pump inhibitors in Paedriatrics: A battle won against acidity

Abstract

Proton pump inhibitors are used with increasing frequency in upper gastrointestinal disorders in children. The aim of this investigation was to increase the awarness about the appropriate use of the these drugs by general paediatricians. A review of the use of proton pump inhibitors in children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was conducted in order to evaluate its effectivity and safety in the long and short term, as well as to define the optimal doses and routes of administration. A search of papers focused on children and published in Spanish or English was conducted through medline between 1990 and Noviber 2003. Current literature available supports the effectivity of this therapy compared with other anti-secretory drugs and also establishes the safety of proton pump inhibitors in the short term managient of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and other acid related diseases i.e. ulcers. Currently the paedriatric dose for omeprazol and lanzoprazol have been established. There is still a lack of data related to the efficacy of other related proton pump inhibitors and safety data of long term usage in children.