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The diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

Mohammad I El Mouzan1, Asaad M Abdullah

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics 39, College of Medicine and King Khalid University Hospital, PO Box 7805, Riyadh 11472, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. drmouzan@hotmail.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|April 9, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Accurate diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children is crucial. Endoscopy offers the highest sensitivity (92%) and positive predictive value (95%) for GERD diagnosis, while 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring provides the best specificity (91%).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Diagnostic Accuracy in Children

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition in pediatric populations globally.
  • Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various tests for GERD in children.
  • To compare the advantages and disadvantages of barium meal, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal scintigraphy.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 144 children diagnosed with or without GERD.
  • Comparison of barium meal, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, endoscopy, and gastrointestinal scintigraphy results.
  • Analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for each diagnostic test.

Main Results:

  • Endoscopy demonstrated the highest sensitivity (92%) and positive predictive value (95%).
  • 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring exhibited the highest specificity (91%).
  • Barium meal and gastrointestinal scintigraphy showed lower sensitivity and higher false positive rates compared to endoscopy and pH monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • All diagnostic procedures for GERD in children have distinct benefits and limitations.
  • Individualized selection of diagnostic tests based on clinical presentation is recommended for optimal GERD diagnosis.
Abstract

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