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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
[Diagnostic value of reflux disease questionnaires in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease]
Zhao-lu Ding1, Guo-li Wang, Wen-jing Ji
1Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China.
Insights
A reflux diagnostic questionnaire effectively screens for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children aged 7-16. This validated tool aids in the initial diagnosis of pediatric GERD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Tools
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
- Validated questionnaires can aid in initial GERD assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic value of a reflux diagnostic questionnaire for GERD in children.
- To determine the questionnaire's effectiveness as a screening tool.
Main Methods:
- Forty-five children (7-16 years) with suspected GERD symptoms were evaluated.
- Symptoms (vomiting, heartburn, pain) were rated for severity and frequency.
- Questionnaire results were validated against endoscopy and 24-hour pH monitoring.
Main Results:
- Children with GERD had significantly higher composite scores (20±10) than those without (13±4).
- A threshold score of 13.0 maximized sensitivity (78.3%) and specificity (68.2%).
- The questionnaire demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy (73.3%) with an ROC curve area of 0.79.
Conclusions:
- The reflux diagnostic questionnaire is a suitable method for the initial diagnosis of GERD in children.
- It can be utilized as an effective screening test for pediatric GERD.
Objective:
To evaluate the value of reflux diagnostic questionnaire in the diagnosis of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Methods:
Forty-five children aged 7-16 years old referred for suspected GERD with vomiting/regurgitation, nausea, heartburn/retrosternal pain, abdominal pain, epigastric pain, acid regurgitation and pain while swallowing were assessed. Each symptom was rated from 0 to 3 according to its severity and frequency. The items of questionnaire were validated against the results from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophageal 24 h pH monitoring. And the results were compared with symptom scores to determine the threshold value for GERD.
Results:
In 45 patients, the ratio of male to female was 1.37:1 and the mean age (11.1±2.6) years old. Composite score in 23 patients with GERD (20±10) was significantly higher than that in 22 patients without GERD (13±4) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference of composite scores among patients with grades 0, I, II and III according to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (P>0.05). With 13.0 as threshold score for GERD, the sum of sensitivity and specificity was maximal. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was 0.79 while true positive diagnostic rate 72.0% and true negative diagnostic rate 75.0% with a sensitivity of 78.3%, a specificity of 68.2% and an accuracy of 73.3%.
Conclusion:
Reflux diagnostic questionnaire is a suitable method in initial diagnosis of GERD. It may serve as a screening test for GERD in 7-16-year-old children.
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