Histologic versus pH probe results in pediatric laryngopharyngeal reflux

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology Vol. 77; no. 5; pp. 813 - 816
• Main Authors: Andrews, Thomas M., Orobello, Nicklas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.05.2013
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biopsy; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Female; GERD; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Infant; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - pathology; Larynx - pathology; Male; Nasal congestion; Otolaryngology; Pediatric; Pediatrics; pH probe; Pharyngeal reflux; Pharynx - pathology; Private Practice; Reflux; Retrospective Studies; Reflux; Laryngopharyngeal reflux; GERD; Nasal congestion; pH probe; Children; Pediatric; Pharyngeal reflux
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.02.017

A comparison of histologic findings from the post-cricoid region versus nasopharyngeal pH probe results in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the pediatric patient. Retrospective review. Outpatient pediatric otolaryngology private practice. 63 consecutive patients, age 6-months to 17-years between June 1, 2009 and October 6, 2010, tested by simultaneous post cricoid biopsy and nasopharyngeal pH probe monitoring using the Restech Dx-pH Measurement System (Respiratory Technology Corporation, San Diego, CA). Of the 63 total patients (age 6-months to 17-years), 11 (17%) were excluded due to a pulled probe, one additional patient did not have a biopsy taken and one probe failed after insertion making a total of 50 patients with complete data sets. Thirty-six of those 50 patients had a positive probe with a negative biopsy (72%). Four (8%) had both a positive probe and biopsy and 10 (16%) had a negative probe and negative biopsy. No patients had a negative probe and positive biopsy. Symptoms used to identify patients suspected of reflux included: throat clearing, nasal congestion, cough, history of recurrent sinusitis with negative radiographic findings, halitosis, culture negative sore throat, post nasal drip, otalgia, poor appetite and stomach ache. Eighty percent of our patients (40) were either positive for reflux by pH probe or by pH probe and biopsy. The Restech Dx-pH Measurement System appeared to be well tolerated in all age groups. There were no complications. We found this a useful tool in confirming clinical suspicion of LPR.