Development of A Core Outcome Set For Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

OBJECTIVE: In therapeutic trials for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ways to define GERD and measure and report study outcomes vary widely. The aim of this study was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for infant GERD.

METHODS: The COS was developed using the Delphi technique, adhering to the OMERACT 2.0 recommendations. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) (predominantly pediatric gastroenterologists and general pediatricians) and parents of infants (age 0-12 months) with GERD, listed up to five primary goals of therapy from their perspective and up to five persistent signs or symptoms that would signify inadequate treatment. Outcomes mentioned by >10% of participants were included in two shortlists. Next, HCPs and parents rated and prioritized outcomes on these shortlists. Outcomes with the highest rank formed the draft COS. The final COS was created after two consensus meetings between an expert panel and patient representatives.t In total, 125/165 HCPs (76%) and 139/143 parents (97%) of infants with GERD completed the first phase. The second phase was completed by 83/139 HCPs (60%) and 127/142 different parents (89%). Outcomes of these phases were discussed during the consensus meetings and a 9-item COS was formed: "Adequate Growth," "Adequate Relief," "Adverse events,", "Crying," "Evidence of Esophagitis," "Feeding Difficulties," "Hematemesis," "No Escalation of Therapy," and "Sleep Problems".

CONCLUSIONS: We developed a COS for infant GERD consisting of 9 items that should minimally be measured in future therapeutic trials to decrease study heterogeneity and ease comparability of results.