Disparities Of Gerd Treatment And Gastroenterology Care In Black Children With Food Allergy In Forward Cohort

Previous studies link gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and food allergy (FA), but racial differences are unclear. This study assesses the relationship between race, GERD, FA type, asthma, eczema, and gastroenterology consultation. We analyzed intake and 6 month follow-up surveys for FORWARD, a multicenter prospective study of Black and White food allergic children aged 0-12 years. We evaluated potential links between race, GERD, associated conditions and specific types of FA. Univariable statistics described demographics and GERD-related variables including GERD prevalence and treatment. Chi square tests of independence determined associations between categorical variab There were 654 food allergic children in the current analyses, and 126 (19.3%) reported GERD. (Black, 15%, n=37; White, 21.2%, n=89). White children (83.2%) received more treatment for GERD than Black children (56.8%; p=0.002). Black children were more likely to have co-existing eczema and GERD (97.2%) vs. eczema without GERD (80.7%, p=0.015). White children with GERD were likely to have coexisting milk allergy (p<0.001) or egg allergy (p=0.02). Black children with GERD had shellfish allergy (43.2%), versus Black children with shellfish allergy without GERD (29.8% ) (p>0.05). Six months follow-up, Black children with GERD were less likely to be followed by a gastroenterology physician (Black, 5.6%; White, 30.4%; p=0.03). GERD was reported in 19% of food-allergic children, similar to the general population, without racial differences. The association between GERD and FA reveals racial differences in associated conditions, food allergens, and gastroenterology care. We will further explore these associations as we finalize recruitment of the FORWARD cohort.