Prolonged, wireless pH-studies have a high diagnostic yield in patients with reflux symptoms and negative 24-h catheter-based pH-studies

Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2011 May;23(5):419-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2010.01663.x. Epub 2011 Jan 16.

Abstract

Background: Catheter-based esophageal pH-monitoring is used to evaluate patients with suspected gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however false-negative results may occur due to poor tolerance of the catheter with reduced oral intake and activity, or high day-to-day variation in reflux and symptom events. We assessed diagnostic yield and clinical impact of prolonged, wireless pH-monitoring in patients with negative results from 24-h catheter-based studies and ongoing symptoms.

Methods: Esophageal acid exposure (percentage time pH <4), Symptom Index, and Symptom Association Probability (SAP) were calculated. Diagnostic yield was assessed using Average (mean) and Worst Day (24-h period with highest acid exposure or symptom load) analyses. Outcome data were assessed 6-36 months (median 24) after initiation of definitive therapy based on physiologic testing.

Key results: Data from prolonged pH-monitoring up to 96-h (median 72-h) were available from 38 patients. Using Average and Worst Day analysis, esophageal acid exposure was pathologic in 37% and 47%, whereas SAP was positive in 34% and 63% of patients, respectively. Overall using Average and Worst Day analyses, 61% and 76% patients were diagnosed with GERD based on either pathologic acid exposure or positive symptom association. Of 12 patients that underwent antireflux surgery, 10(83%) reported a good outcome at a median 24 months follow-up.

Conclusions & inferences: Prolonged, wireless pH-monitoring increases test sensitivity and diagnostic yield in patients with continuing esophageal symptoms despite negative 24-h catheter-based pH-studies. Without a definitive diagnosis, many would not have received effective treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Catheters*
  • Esophageal pH Monitoring*
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / diagnosis*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult