MODIFICATIONS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF IMPAIRED CHILDREN WITH GERD AFTER GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL FUNDOPLICATION

Key words: Cerebral palsy, Quality of life, Fundoplication

Objective - Many children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have gastro- esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a gastroesophageal fundoplication is done in the majority of these cases. Our aim was to evaluate how the Quality of Life (QoL) of impaired children changes after the surgery and the impact on life of patient’s family. Methods - We enlisted 24 children with CP and GERD who had fundoplication at IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo” in Trieste (Italy) between 2000 and 2006, and sent them a questionnaire divided into two parts: the first one evaluated the modification of symptoms and signs of reflux after the surgery (GERD-HRQoL- Velanovich’ test), the second one focused on the general QoL of the family (WHQoL-BREF). Results - 18 families completed the questionnaire. The average time between surgery and enlistment in the study was 2 years and 2 months. The general health status got better after the surgery in the 67% of the sample, all children gained their weight, the symptoms improved (heartburn and regurgitation much more than cough and respiratory distress) in the majority of the children; the patients’ QoL improved in the 40% of them, but single abilities as social activities or sport did not get better; the QoL of parents improved in the 77% of the sample, negative thoughts and depression feelings were more rare. Conclusion - Almost all parents (93%) were satisfied with fundoplication because it has improved their QoL as well as, indirectly, the life of their children.