Research progress and clinical practice considerations on assessment tools for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and young children

Ruo-Xin LIU; Rong-Hua LI; Cai-Xin YIN

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2510025

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2026, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (5) : 636-642. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2510025

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Research progress and clinical practice considerations on assessment tools for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and young children

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Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants and young children is a common digestive disorder with diverse clinical manifestations that often overlap with physiological reflux and behavioral expressions, creating diagnostic challenges. Comprehensive searches were conducted in English- and Chinese-language databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data, to review the epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentations, and impacts of GERD on children and their families. Particular emphasis is placed on four principal assessment tools [Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ), GERD Symptom Questionnaire for Infants/Young Children (GSQ-I/YC), I-GERQ Revised (I-GERQ-R), and Gastrointestinal and Gastroesophageal Reflux Scale for Infants and Toddlers (GIGER)], appraising their development background, structural characteristics, reliability, validity, and clinical application value. The aim is to support early identification, standardized assessment, and individualized management of GERD in infants and young children. Evidence indicates that the I-GERQ-R shows high specificity, good reliability and validity, and cross-cultural applicability, and is currently recommended for symptom assessment and treatment-response monitoring in GERD among infants and young children, while the GIGER scale shows potential for comprehensive screening. Future research should prioritize translation and development of Chinese versions of GERD questionnaires for infants and young children, as well as the establishment of a multidimensional assessment system.

Key words

Gastroesophageal reflux disease / Assessment tool / Questionnaire / Infant and young child

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Ruo-Xin LIU , Rong-Hua LI , Cai-Xin YIN. Research progress and clinical practice considerations on assessment tools for gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants and young children[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2026, 28(5): 636-642 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2510025

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