Magnesium Alginate in Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: A Randomized Multicenter Cross-Over Study in Infants

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium alginate in decreasing functional regurgitation symptoms in infants, and to assess the cost–benefit ratio of magnesium alginate compared to a thickened formula. A multicenter perspective cross-over study was conducted in formula-fed infants with persisting regurgitation, randomly assigned to receive two weeks of a magnesium-alginate-based formulation followed by two weeks of thickened formula, or vice-versa. Infants, exclusively breast-fed, were followed up for two weeks while receiving magnesium alginate. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were evaluated through the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire Revised (I-GERQ-R). Direct cost of treatments was also calculated. Seventy-two infants completed the study. We found a significant reduction of I-GERQ-R scores over time (F = 55.387; p < 0.001) in all groups with no difference between the sequences of administration (F = 0.268; p = 0.848) in formula-fed infants and between exclusively breast-fed and formula-fed infants receiving magnesium alginate (t = 1.55; p = 0.126). The mean cost savings per infant was € 4.60 (±11.2) in formula-fed infants treated with magnesium alginate compared to thickened formula (t = 2.91, p < 0.0005). Conclusions were that the magnesium-alginate formulation reduces GER symptoms both in formula-fed and breast-fed infants. In formula-fed infants, clinical efficacy is similar to thickened formulas with a slightly lower cost of treatment.

<p>Clinically Meaningful Difference for the Infant Gastroesophageal Questionnaire Revised version (I-GERQ-R): A Quantitative Synthesis</p>

“…17 One randomised cross-over trial. 23 The other studies comprised a study investigating a positional bed, 18 as well as three observational studies. [19][20][21] The study periods varied from 1 week up to 24 months.…”

El alginato y sus inmensas aplicaciones industriales

“…La ventaja que suponen los alginatos de bajo peso molecular con respecto a los quelantes ampliamente utilizados se basa en que son capaces de unirse selectivamente a los metales pesados, dejando intactos a los elementos minerales esenciales [61]. Por otro lado, un estudio en bebés ha concluido que la utilización de alginato de magnesio reduce los síntomas persistentes de reflujo gastroesofágico en ellos, tanto en los lactantes como en los alimentados con fórmula [62].…”

“…Uso específico Referencia Biotecnología, bioingeniería, biomedicina y clínica Apósitos para heridas y quemaduras [78] Quelante de metales pesados [61] Andamiaje en ingeniería tisular [79] Liberación controlada [80] Bioimpresión 3D [68] Prótesis [56] Inmovilización de enzimas y células [81] Industria farmacéutica Complementos alimenticios [82] Tratamiento para reflujo gástrico [62] Industria química, textil y de la construcción Cosmética [4] Tintas textiles [83] Detergentes [8] Adhesivos [75] Soldaduras [76] Aislamiento de edificios [77] Alimentos y bebidas Fabricación de helados [21] Aglutinante y espesante [32] Estabilizador de espuma de cerveza [84] Confitería y gastronomía en general [27] Acuicultura Aglutinante para alimentación [85] Odontología Moldes [86] Industria del papel Espesante [74] Arte y artesanía Moldes de taxidermia [87] Industria del ocio Máscaras protectoras [88] AGRADECIMIENTOS Los autores agradecen a la Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir el apoyo económico a través del proyecto 2019-231-003UCV.…”

Prescription of acid inhibitors in infants: an addiction hard to break

“…Data supporting the efficacy of this drug is obtained from two studies without showing long-term outcomes [31,32]. Further, two other studies were published after the guideline release favouring alginates [33][34]. However, a major shortcoming of alginate is the recommendationaccording to the information provided by the company-to not combine alginate with thickened feedings to avoid bezoar formation [35] and obstruction [36,37].…”