Gastroesophageal reflux in children: Is there a place for the upper gastrointestinal study?

Abstract

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 testpositive 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.