Gastroesophageal reflux in children: is there a place for the upper gastrointestinal study?
Objective tests for gastroesophageal reflux in children have shown only fair correlation with clinical symptoms. Thirty-four children referred to the pediatric surgery service for evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux had both 24-hour pH probe monitoring and standardized upper gastrointestinal examinations. A total of 16 children (47%) had documented significant or pathologic gastroesophageal reflux, 11 on pH monitors and 9 on contrast examinations. There were 4 in whom both tests were positive. None of the pH monitoring criteria correlated with the radiographic studies. The patient population documented by contrast study did not differ from the general test-positive population by age or associated clinical findings. The 2 studies probably measure different aspects of significant gastroesophageal reflux, are confirmatory and complementary, and must be correlated with the clinical symptoms.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004064:Digestive System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic