Assessing the diagnostic significance of pH studies in symptomatic patients within the Saudi community: a cohort investigation

Abstract

Background: pH is a crucial physiological factor in diagnosing groups of diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract. This study delves into the critical role of pH measurement in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases among symptomatic patients in the Saudi community. The research aims to classify patients based on pH levels, ultimately examining the impact of these findings on patient management and outcomes. Methods: A cohort observational study was conducted; a simple random sample technique was approached. The study population included 130 participants aged between 18 and 70 years. Data were collected from June to July 2021 from a specialized gastroenterology medical Center in Riyadh, receiving patients from different regions of Saudi Arabia (Human Clinic). Results: The study involved 130 participants and examined sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and the association of symptoms and chronic diseases with pH DeMeester scores in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis. The study includes 43.8% female and 56.2% male; 76.9% had chronic diseases; 63.8% reported having GERD; 36.9% had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); 13.1% were smokers; 84.6% were nonsmokers; 68.5% used GERD medications; 92.3% reported dyspepsia; and 37.7% had high pH scores, 41.5% had normal scores, and 20.8% had severe scores. Most associations between variables and pH scores were not statistically significant, indicating a complex relationship. Conclusion: The study showed a diverse participant profile with a high prevalence of chronic diseases, GERD, and IBS. Although the majority reported dyspepsia and used GERD medications, the associations between symptoms, chronic diseases, and pH DeMeester scores were not statistically significant, highlighting the complex nature of these relationships. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing pH scores and improve diagnostic accuracy.