1 From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco
A newborn infant was found to have diffuse esophageal spasm in association with apnea and bradycardia. This association has not been physiologically documented before. The infant's condition improved after the administration of glycopyrrolate, an anticholinergic agent. It is speculated that the association of esophageal spasm and bradycardia may be mediated by the vagus.
Key Words: apnea bradycardia diffuse esophageal spasm gastroesophageal reflux sudden infant death syndrome
Submitted on January 21, 1983
Accepted on April 7, 1983