It may be necessary to perform diagnostic testing for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a kid who is non-verbal or has reduced communication abilities to make a diagnosis. Researchers share their experience evaluating GERD with the BRAVO wireless pH monitoring gadget. The BRAVO pH was tested on a broad group of youngsters without autism spectrum disorder to determine its viability and tolerance in this population. Patients were only considered if their studies lasted more than 24 hours. There were a total of 172 individuals, and 27 had been diagnosed with autism (median age 11 years, 17 male). Males were more prevalent in the autism group (P=0.007), but there was no difference in age or weight. Study completion rates of at least 24 hours were similar in the two groups (24/27 or 89% in ASD vs. 133/145 or 92% in non-ASD patients, P=0.632). The median reflux index on the worst day (P=0.27) or the average of both days (P=0.75), BRAVO pH parameters, or the percentage of abnormal studies were not different in children with ASD compared to children without ASD. They found no significant difference between the two groups when comparing the overall symptom correlation with GER episodes; however, we did discover a stronger symptom correlation for GER symptoms while supine in ASD children. In a study of 11 children with ASD, all of whom had normal esophageal mucosa, 4 got aberrant results on the BRAVO pH assessment, which was conducted for behavioral reasons. There were 2 patients, 1 without ASD and 1 with, who reported mild, self-limiting chest pain, but no other serious adverse events occurred. A perfect alternative to the traditional trans-nasal pH monitoring for assessing GER and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD is the BRAVO wireless pH which is a safe and practical option.
Source: journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2022/10000/Evaluation_of_Gastroesophageal_Reflux_Disease_in.12.aspx
