[Esophageal pH monitoring in children. Methodological aspects and a review of the literature related to indications]

Abstract

Because it offers high sensitivity and specificity, esophageal pH monitoring has become the reference method for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux. This review was undertaken to evaluate methodologic problems raised by this method, involving selection of the electrode, selection of equipment, and criteria of normality according to the patient's symptoms. In some instances, multiple recordings are needed to detect correlations between clinical symptoms and esophageal pH, cardiac and respiratory tracings and esophageal pH, or oxygen saturation and esophageal pH. These studies allow improved qualitative interpretation of results. Emphasis is put on the value of esophageal pH recordings for the evaluation of medical or surgical therapies.