Abstract

Aim: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease which is a frequently encountered problem in childhood has significant morbidity if not treated properly. Proper medical or surgical interventions in the early stages ensures a high quality of life for patients. Based on this fact, many diagnostic procedures for early diagnosis have been investigated. Esophagus motility studies, 24 hour pH monitoring and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) vector volume analysis have been started to be widely used in children as well as in adult population. We aim to compare the superiorities of these procedures in diagnosing GER disease in childhood.

Material and Method: Twenty-one patients attended to Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology outpatient clinics with suspect GER disease between 2011 and 2012 were analysed. They were evaluated according to treatment modalities and grouped into medical group (Group 1), surgery group (Group 2) and the control group (Group 3).

Results: Eight male, and 13 female patients with an overall mean age of 5.71 (1-16 years) years were included in the study. Reflux symptom index in 24 hour pH monitoring was 48.7% in Group 1, 42.4% in Group 2 and 28.3% in Group 3. In esophagus motility studies pressure difference at LES was 13.4 cmH₂O in Group 1, 31.8 cmH₂O in Group 2 and 4.3 cmH₂O in Group 3. In vector volume analysis of LES vector volumes were calculated as 96.01 cm³ in Group 1, 2398.9 cm³ in Group 2 and 196.4 cm³ in Group 3.

Conclusion: Twenty-four hour-pH monitoring was effective in diagnosing GER -disease in childhood while effectiveness of esophagus motility studies and LES vector volume analysis could not be demonstrated in our study.