[pH-metric variables in gastroesophageal reflux in asthmatic patients]

As there is an increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in asthmatic patients compared with the normal population, in the present trial we have tried to establish the following: 1) Possible differences in pH-metric variables between patients with GER and asthma, and asthmatic patients with or without GER 2) The usefulness of simultaneous evaluation and correlation of reflux episodes with the respiratory peak flow (EPF) in asthmatic patients. 31 patients divided in four groups were compared. A) 16 patients with typical symptoms of GER without respiratory symptoms. B) 10 asthmatic patients with GER symptoms. C) 5 asthmatic patients without GER symptoms. D) 15 asthmatic patients who represents the sum of B and C. In all patients ambulatory computerized, four hours pH recordings were obtained after standard meal. The study was divided in two equal periods (upright and recumbent). The EPF was measured before starting the study and every 20 min during the recumbent period. From de following pH-metrics variables: total number of reflux episodes, percentage of recording time when intra-oesophageal pH < 4 in the upright position or recumbent position and for the total period, duration of longest reflux episode, number of episodes longer than five minutes, and correlation between reflux episodes and patients symptoms. Only differences were seen when the time of the longer period with GER and the number of patients with more than five minutes episodes were compared between groups A and D. From the results we conclude that the GER in asthmatic patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)