[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in mentally retarded persons: prevalence, diagnosis and treatment].

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease among institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals with an IQ < 50 is high: about 50% have an deviant 24-hour pH measurement and 70% of them have refluxoesophagitis. Intellectually disabled individuals have an increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease in case of cerebral palsy, IQ < 35, scoliosis, use of anticonvulsant drugs or benzodiazepines, not being ambulant, and in case of symptoms such as haematemesis, rumination or dental erosions. To establish the diagnosis is difficult because of the aspecific symptoms. Reflux disease is only diagnosed at a late stage. 24-hour pH measurement should be used in all those intellectually disabled individuals in whom gastroesophageal reflux disease is clinically suspected. For the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults as well as children, proton pump inhibitors are highly effective, independent of the severity of oesophagitis. Marked improvement of symptoms and quality of life can be noticed after treatment.