Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Correlation between the different pH-metry scores in gastroesophageal reflux disease in children
Vasile Valeriu Lupu1, Ancuţa Ignat, Gabriela Paduraru
1aPediatrics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa bVth Pediatrics Clinic, "St. Mary" Children Emergency Hospital cPsychiatry Department dMedical Informatics and Biostatistics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Gr. T. Popa", Iasi, Romania ePediatrics Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Targu Mures, Romania.
Insights
The Boix-Ochoa score is the most accurate for diagnosing pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using 24-hour esophageal pH-metry. This study found it superior to DeMeester and Johnson-DeMeester scores in a Romanian pediatric cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Methods in Medicine
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis in children often relies on 24-hour esophageal pH-metry.
- Several scoring systems exist to interpret pH-metry results, including Boix-Ochoa, DeMeester, and Johnson-DeMeester.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic utility of different scoring systems for 24-hour esophageal pH-metry in children suspected of GERD.
- To determine the most accurate score for pediatric GERD diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 234 children (1 month to 18 years) with suspected GERD was conducted.
- Patients underwent 24-hour esophageal pH-metry, and results were analyzed using Boix-Ochoa, DeMeester, and Johnson-DeMeester scores.
- Statistical correlation between the scoring systems was assessed.
Main Results:
- The Boix-Ochoa score was positive in 73.50% of cases, DeMeester in 63.68%, and Johnson-DeMeester in 51.28%.
- Very high correlations were observed between Boix-Ochoa and DeMeester (r=0.978) and between Boix-Ochoa and Johnson-DeMeester (r=0.94) scores.
- The Johnson-DeMeester score showed a higher risk of false-negative results.
Conclusions:
- The Boix-Ochoa score is considered the most accurate for diagnosing GERD in pediatric patients based on 24-hour esophageal pH-metry.
- While all evaluated scores demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity, the Boix-Ochoa score offers the most reliable interpretation in this pediatric cohort.
Abstract:
The 24-hour esophageal pH-metry is the most widely used method to diagnose the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study compares the different scores obtained during the 24-hour esophageal pH-metry. A retrospective study over 5 years including 234 children (1 month and 18 years old) admitted in a pediatric gastroenterology regional center in Northeast Romania, with suspicion of GERD. They underwent 24- hour esophageal pH-metry, and the scores obtained (Boix-Ochoa, DeMeester, Johnson-DeMeester) were compared. Out of the 234 children, 172 (73.50%) had positive Boix-Ochoa score and 62 (26.50%) had normal Boix-Ochoa score (<11.99). Based on the DeMeester score, 149 children (63.68%) were positive and 85 (36.32%) were negative. The correlation of the Demeester score with the Boix-Ochoa score was very high (r = 0.978, P < < 0.01, 95% confidence interval). Considering the Johnson-DeMeester score, 120 cases (51.28%) had GERD and 114 (48.72%) did not. The correlation of the Johnson-DeMeester score with the Boix-Ochoa score was still high (r = 0.94, P < < 0.01, 95% 95% confidence interval). As considered until now, the Boix-Ochoa score is the most accurate score to be used in pediatrics for the diagnosis of GERD. The use of the different scores-Boix-Ochoa, DeMeester, Johnson-DeMeester-showed a high sensitivity and specificity of the pH-metry measurements applied to the study lot, but the last score has a higher risk of false-negative results.
More Related Videos
08:25Construction of a Wireless-Enabled Endoscopically Implantable Sensor for pH Monitoring with Zero-Bias Schottky Diode-based Receiver
Published on: August 27, 2021
05:57ADSC-sheet Transplantation to Prevent Stricture after Extended Esophageal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Published on: February 10, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
01:29Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...