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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Cow's milk protein allergy
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Intraesophageal pH monitoring