In a crossover study (J Pediatr 2016; 172: 205-8) with 30 preterm infants (adjusted age 33 weeks at time of study) showed that non-nutritive sucking with a pacifier had no effect on acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux based on esophageal pH-impedance.

My take: It is good that sucking a pacifier did not effect reflux.  What would the authors have proposed if it had?

Another curious report: “Syncope with Swallowing” J Pediatr 2016; 172: 209-11.  Case report of a teenager who had syncope with drinking and eating along with atrial septal defect; after repair of ASD, the symptoms persisted and ultimately the patient had a pacemaker placed due to an exaggerated vagoglossopharyngeal reflex leading to high-grade AV block.

Gibbs Gardens