[Recurrent laryngitis in child: evaluation with multichannel intraluminal impedance]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Otolaryngology
• Diagnostic Medicine

Context:

• Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD) is common in children, often resolving within the first year.
• However, persistent GERD can lead to adverse outcomes, including chronic laryngeal symptoms.
• These symptoms may manifest as recurrent croup, stridor, hoarseness, cough, and posterior rhinorrhea.

Purpose:

• To investigate the characteristics and behavior of GERD in pediatric patients experiencing recurrent laryngitis.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH 24 hours (IIM-pH 24h) in this patient population.

Summary:

• A retrospective study analyzed 28 pediatric patients with recurrent laryngitis (≥2 episodes in 6 months) evaluated for GERD.
• A significant majority of patients (21 out of 28) showed abnormal findings suggestive of GERD when assessed with IIM-pH 24h.
• Only 7 patients had normal diagnostic studies, indicating a high prevalence of GERD-related laryngeal issues.

Impact:

• The findings underscore the importance of IIM-pH 24h in diagnosing GERD when it is suspected as the cause of chronic laryngitis in children.
• The study suggests that standard pH monitoring alone may be insufficient for identifying GERD in these complex cases.
• Accurate diagnosis through advanced methods like IIM-pH 24h is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.