Paediatric gastro-oesophageal reflux: prognostic indicators from pH monitoring. Issue 11 (November 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varty, K; Evans, D; Kapila, L
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 34:Issue 11(1993)
• Page Start: 1478
• Page End: 1481
• Publication Date: 1993-11
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.34.11.1478
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : The original diagnostic 24 hour pH monitoring data in 57 children with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) were retrospectively reviewed after a minimum of one year follow up. The tracings of children who responded to medical treatment were compared with those who failed to respond and required a fundoplication. Children with GOR secondary to oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula and neurological conditions (n = 12) were analysed separately from those with primary GOR (n = 45). Children with primary GOR requiring a fundoplication (n = 9) had increased daytime reflux. The percentage time pH < 4 was the best discriminator (21% v 7%) with a threshold of 18% giving a 92% specificity and a 70% sensitivity. For children with secondary GOR the percentage time pH < 4 at night was significantly higher (29% v 3.7%) in those requiring a fundoplication (n = 5). A threshold of 18% gave an 80% specificity and an 86% sensitivity. These results show that both daytime and night time pH monitoring data can be of prognostic value in different subgroups of children with GOR. A percentage time pH < 4 of greater than 18% was a useful threshold to apply when evaluating the pH monitoring data.