Inter-reviewer Variability in Interpretation of pH-Impedance Studies: The Wingate Consensus.

Ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring evaluates gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms that persist despite empiric treatment trials. Although automated analysis of pH-impedance monitoring is known to overestimate non-acid reflux episodes, even experts may disagree on individual reflux episodes, and accurate identification of postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW). We hypothesized that a formal consensus meeting between expert pH-impedance reviewers would establish definitive criteria for identification of reflux episodes and PSPW, and improve inter-reviewer variability.