[Gastroesophageal reflux and bronchial asthma: pH-metric patterns in non allergic children].

The presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was studied, by computerized 24 hours intraesophageal pH monitoring, in 27 asthmatic children (16 M - 11 F; mean age 75.04 months) without allergy and in absence of medical treatment for at least ten days. Patient were divided in 3 groups: Group A (11 cases): subjects with Reflux Index (R.I. = percentage of time pH < 4) more than 4.2% and with GER percentage of time in standing position > supine position (p < 0.001). Group B (6 cases): subjects with R.I. more than 4.2% and with GER percentage of time in standing position < supine position (p = 0.05). Group C (10 cases): subjects with R.I. less than 4.2%. A group D (10 cases): normal children considered as control. The group A ("daily refluxes") resulted as the most numerous, in contrast to the studies up to now followed. The total number of refluxes resulted with no significant difference in groups A, B and C, but a significant prevalence of this number was noted in the group C against group D. Therefore, the parameter "Total number of refluxes in 24 hours" characterizes in our opinion, on the pH monitoring, children with bronchial asthma and without allergy.