Ultrasonographic study of postcibal gastro-esophageal reflux and gastric emptying in infants with recurrent respiratory disease

Table 5 Ultrasonographic characteristics of gastro-esophageal reflux in patients with recurrent episodes of bronchitis (group A), chronic cough (group B), and in healthy controls

	Group A	Group B	Controls	ANOVA
Reflux prevalence (%)	82a	54a	3
Number of reflux episodes (N)	12.0 (2-21)ac	8.0 (2-12)a	3.0 (1-9)	<0.00001
Reflux frequency (N/min)	0.6 (0.1-1.05)ac	0.4 (0.1-0.6)a	0.15 (0.05-0.45)	<0.00001
Maximal esophageal lumen enlargement (mm)	5 (1-17)a	4 (1.5-11.8)a	1.5 (1-9)	<0.0001
Duration of the longest reflux episode (s)	11.5 (2-18)ac	7 (3-12)a	4 (2-12)	<0.00001

Results are expressed as median (range). Differences between percentage reflux prevalence were tested by χ² test. Differences between groups were examined by using ANOVA, followed by Fisher’s LSD multiple comparison test.

^aP<0.05 vs controls;

^cP<0.05 vs group B.