Gastro-oesophageal reflux--pathogenesis and clinical implications.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is a common phenomenon in young infants. Normally it will disappear during the first months of life. The most important antireflux mechanism is the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). Another main factor to prevent reflux is an adequate oesophageal clearance. The significance of the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) and gastric emptying as antireflux barriers has yet to be clarified. Primary or secondary impairment of physiological antireflux factors may lead to a considerable number of clinical complications.