24-h intraesophageal pH determination in children allergic to cow's milk protein at a tertiary care hospital

• Main Authors: J.A. Ramírez-Mayans, E.M. Toro-Monjaraz, J. Romero-Trujillo, R. Cervantes-Bustamante, F. Zárate-Mondragón, E. Montijo-Barrios, J. Cadena-León, M. Cazares-Méndez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2014-01-01
• Series: Revista de Gastroenterología de México (English Edition)
• Subjects: Cow's milk protein allergy; Gastroesophageal reflux; Intraesophageal pH monitoring
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2255534X14000280

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is being seen more frequently on a daily basis in pediatric consultations. It shares symptoms with gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can complicate the differential diagnosis. Aims: To attempt to corroborate the presence of acid GER in children with CMPA, as well as to find a characteristic profile through the 24-hour pH monitoring study in children with GER and CMPA Methods: The intraesophageal pH monitoring studies performed on 47 children with CMPA were reviewed. The measurements in all the studies were carried out within a 24-hour period using Digitrapper® equipment with a multi-use GeroFlex® catheter, after calibration with pH 7 and pH 1 buffer solutions. Results: Of the 47 children, 23 were boys (32.4%) and 24 were girls (33.8%) and the mean age was 5 ± 3.7 years. Fourteen of the 47 children (29%) presented with GER, according to the result of the 24-hour intraesophageal measurement. Only 2 of the 47 patients studied fit the phasic profile. Conclusions: The findings show the existing relation between the two pathologies. Nevertheless, it is important to determine the presence of non-acid or weak acid reflux, because their existence can increase this association.