GERD Infant Feeding Therapeutics Trial (GIFT Trial)

Pathophysiological Evidence Driven Management of GERD in Neonatal ICU Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this investigator-initiated, single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare the effects of four weeks of three therapies on clinical and mechanistic outcomes based on pH-Imp testing using a three-arm parallel design in NICU infants with objective GERD diagnosis. The three therapies being compared are natural maturation, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and added rice (AR) formula use. The main goals are:

• to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the three commonly used treatment interventions used in the NICU for GERD in a randomized controlled manner with the primary endpoint of oral feeding success and absence of troublesome symptoms (as defined below).
• to characterize the mechanisms of primary end point (success or failure) using pH-Impedance metrics.

In consented subjects, eligibility is determined after initial diagnostic 24-hour pH Impedance test. These subjects will be randomized to one of the 3 arms of the study (natural maturation, PPI, AR formula) for 4 weeks of treatment. A second 24-hour pH Impedance test will be done on therapy at 4 weeks or before discharge, whichever occurs first. Primary outcome will also be measured at 4 weeks or at discharge, whichever comes first.

Inclusion Criteria:

• NICU infants of any gestational age who are between 37 - 47 weeks postmenstrual age at inception of the study meeting the following requirements:

  • GERD diagnosis using pH-impedance criteria (Acid Reflux Index ≥ 3% plus at least one of the following: # GER events >70 / day, Symptom Associated Probability ≥ 95%, Discal Baseline Impedance < 900 Ω)
  • Full enteral feeds
  • No current GERD therapies

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known lethal chromosomal abnormalities or complex congenital syndromes
• Severe neurologic pathologies requiring neuroactive medications or neurosurgery
• Positive airway pressure or oxygen flow > 4 LPM
• Upper gastrointestinal malformations requiring surgery