Diagnostic interpretation of extended pH monitoring: is there a single best method?

Our aims were to compare the specificity and sensitivity of the reflux index (RI), Euler and Byrne score (EBS), and area under the curve (AUC) at pH < 4.0 in infants 1 year old for identifying pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and to identify new cutoffs on formula feedings. We undertook a prospective investigation of extended pH monitoring (EPM) in 117 infants with symptoms of GER.

Detection of Helicobacter ganmani-like 16S rDNA in pediatric liver tissue.

Background: To determine the presence of Helicobacter species in the liver biopsy specimens from children with various chronic liver diseases as data in adult literature suggests a possible role of these bacteria in their pathogenesis.

Materials And Methods: Paraffin sections of 61 liver biopsies of pediatric patients with miscellaneous diseases and autopsy liver tissue from 10 control subjects with no evidence of preexisting liver disease were examined for the presence of Helicobacter species by a genus-specific seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. PCR-products of positive samples were further characterized by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA-sequence analysis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: review of presenting symptoms, evaluation, management, and outcome in infants.

We conducted a retrospective review of 342 infants presenting with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to assess their evaluation, management, and outcome. All infants underwent extended pH monitoring (EPM) for one or more of the following symptoms: regurgitation, choking, irritability, failure to thrive, apparent life-threatening event, or wheezing. EPM was considered abnormal if distal reflux index was > or = 5% and/or if the Euler and Byrne score was > or = 50 and these patients were labeled as having GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and dental erosion in children.

Recurrent exposure to gastric acid as in children with bulimia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may contribute to dental erosion. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the presence of GERD and dental erosions in children with primary and permanent dentition. Children undergoing elective endoscopy for possible GERD (n = 37) underwent evaluation of their teeth for the presence, severity, and pattern of erosion and stage of dentition: 24 patients had GERD.

Complementary medicine use in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: We examined the use of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods: After validation of a questionnaire and completion of a pilot survey, children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease were enrolled in three centers of pediatric gastroenterology (Boston, Detroit, and London).

Results: Two hundred eight questionnaires were completed in total (Boston, 120; Detroit, 37; London, 51).