Rumination Syndrome
Voluntary (?) regurgitation of food, called rumination, has its onset as early as the second month of life, but generally is seen in infants 6 to 8 months old. Failure to thrive may be a consequence. A psychosomatic basis is frequently implicated with maternal deprivation being the major presumed etiology. Rumination does not usually occur when the infant is observed unless he is undistracted; the child's pleasure and satisfaction with regurgitation is often noted. Reestablishment of effective and consistent mothering is the most reliable therapy. The differential diagnosis includes gastroesophageal reflux and its associated peculiar posturing (Sandifer syndrome). Gastroesophageal reflux usually presents with symptoms beginning in the first month of life as do pyloric stenosis and congenital adrenal hyperplasia, other causes of vomiting in early life.(R.H.R.)
