Gastroesophageal reflux in neonates: 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring

Objectives To study lower esophageal pH changes and its clinical value in neonates with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).Methods Thc distal esophageal monitoring was per formed using a Synectics Digitrapper Systenl for ambulatory pH rccording. Each period longer than 15 seconds during which the pH4. 0 is defined as a reflux episode. Thirty-six cases suspected GER were done and 15 asymptomatic newborn served as controls.Results The results showed that 22 cases of 36 were physiologicaI reflux and 14 cases pathological reflux according to Boix -Ochoa score more than 11. 99 and acid reflux index more than 10% while 2 of 15 controls to be physiological reflux and the other 13 remained normal.Conclusions The results indicated that 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring should be considered as the most reliable way for early diagnosis of neonatal GER.