Published online Jun 9, 2023. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i3.151
Peer-review started: February 20, 2023
First decision: April 8, 2023
Revised: April 13, 2023
Accepted: May 6, 2023
Article in press: May 6, 2023
Published online: June 9, 2023
Processing time: 107 Days and 16.2 Hours
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might be either a cause or comorbidity in children with extraesophageal problems especially as refractory respiratory symptoms, without any best methods or criterion for diagnosing it in children.
Recent studies in adults also propose that additional parameters from the multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH study, mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI), and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave, increase the diagnostic value of this tool. However, there has been scarce evidence to support the best method for diagnosing extraesophageal GERD in children.
To study the prevalence of extraesophageal GERD, especially in children who presented with refractory respiratory problems by using combined video-MII-pH study. Furthermore, to identify other parameters from MII-pH study that can help the diagnosis of extraesophageal GERD.
Children with respiratory symptoms and other extraesophageal manifestations suggestive of GERD were enrolled to participate in the present study. MII-pH study and/or video monitoring and/or upper endoscopy with esophageal histopathology were performed. The prevalence of extraesophageal GERD and the novel diagnostic parameters to diagnose extraesophageal GERD were analyzed.
The prevalence of extraesophageal GERD was 35.3% by using the MII-pH study and 31.4% of children who had extraesophageal manifestations of GERD also had gastrointestinal symptoms. Total symptom record, longest reflux time (LRT), and MNBI were the parameters that were significantly different between the GERD and non-GERD groups. LRT and MNBI were the independent parameters from multivariable analysis. Using video monitoring during MII-pH study to depict more symptom record increases the diagnostic yield of extraesophageal GERD.
In conclusion, the prevalence of GERD was not as high as expected. Employing video monitoring into conventional MII-pH study increases the diagnostic yield of symptom indices. LRT and MNBI are novel parameters that should be integrated into the diagnostic criteria for GERD.
The diagnostic test for extraesophageal GERD in children is limited and there have been a few data support the favorable treatment outcome in these children. Hence, the extensive investigations in these difficult cases are needed and other mimic causes should be ruled out. Further study in aspect of esophageal manometry combined with video-MII-pH study and histopathology in various presentations of GERD should be initiated to extend the knowledge about the pathogenesis of GERD and hopefully, could tailor therapy for these patients.