NICU Currents: GER and GERD in Preterm Infants: A Narrative Review of Diagnosis, Nutrition Evaluation and Management

Publication Date: 28 August 2024
Continuing Education Units: Nurse Contact: 1.0; Dietitian CPEU: 1.0

Course Description:

In this article, Michelle Johnson, RDN, LD will describe the difference between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); consider diagnostic criteria indicative of GERD in preterm infants; review nutrition assessment considerations for preterm infants with suspected or diagnosed GER and GERD; and discuss strategies for the care of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit with GERD.

Course Objectives:

• Describe the difference between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 
• Consider diagnostic criteria indicative of GERD in preterm infants. 
• Review nutrition assessment considerations for preterm infants with suspected or diagnosed GER and GERD. 
• Discuss strategies for the care of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit with GERD.
  • CDR Level: 2
  • Performance Indicators: 5.2.6, 9.1.5, 11.2.14
  • Run Time: 60

Course Instructor Bio(s)

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Michelle Johnson, RDN, LD

Neonatal/Pediatric Clinical Specialist 
Abbott Nutrition 
Columbus, OH, USA
Michelle Johnson is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Research Scientist at Abbott, where she provides global clinical and scientific leadership for Abbott’s infant nutrition products. At Abbott, Michelle participates in pediatric clinical research and product development while providing scientific education for Abbott’s infant nutrition products. Prior to joining Abbott in 2014, Michelle was a neonatal and pediatric nutritionist for 17 years in multiple neonatal intensive care units and pediatric hospitals in the U.S. Her areas of expertise include neonatal and pediatric clinical nutrition. Michelle is an editor for the Pocket Guide to Neonatal Nutrition, 3rd edition, author for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on the topic of neonatal nutrition and is an author of peer-reviewed scientific publications and consumer articles on infant and preterm infant nutrition. She is passionate about nutrition care for the preterm infant and the importance of nutrition for improved outcomes.
Abbott Nutrition’s Provider Statement for Nursing CEs:

Abbott Nutrition Health Institute is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider #CEP 11213.

Abbott Nutrition’s Statement for Dietitian CPEUs:

This educational activity has been prior-approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). CDR credentialed practitioners will receive the specified continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/material.

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