[24-hour combined pH-impedance measurement in differential diagnosis of non-erosive reflux disease and functional gastroesophageal disorders].

AIM OF INVESTIGATION

To study potentials of 24-hour combined pH-impedance measurement in differential diagnosis of nonerosive reflux disease and functional gastroesophageal disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall 60 patients with heartburn, belch and epigastric discomfort were investigated. All patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS), X-ray examination of upper gastrointestinal tract, 13C-urea breath test, 24-hour combined pH-impedance measurement.

RESULTS

Esophagitis grade 2-4 was diagnosed in 11 (18.3%) of 60 cases. In 49 (81.7%) no pathological changes were identify at EGDS and X-ray examination of upper gastrointestinal tract. Of them in 20 (33.3%) cases nonerosive reflux disease was revealed using 24-hour combined pH-impedance measurement. In 29 (48.3%) cases with the same clinical symptoms pH-impedance measurement data did not differ from normal, suggesting this group as group of patients with functional gastroesophageal disorders.

CONCLUSION

24-hour combined pH-impedance measurement is the most exact method which allows to identify gastroesophageal reflux episodes. On this basis in some cases it is possible to differentiate nonerosive reflux disease and functional gastroesophageal disorders. Application of pH-impedance measurement allows to recommend its introduction in wide clinical practice.