Colocación de sondas de pHmetría mediante fórmula relacionada con la talla. ¿Es un método aplicable a los adultos?

Abstract

IntroductionOesophageal pH-monitoring allows the quantification of gastric reflux episodes in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The accuracy of the test depends on correct positioning of the pH sensor 5cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). The most precise manner to locate the LES is through prior determination by oesophageal manometry. However, because this technique is uncomfortable, mathematical formulas tend to be used in children. ObjectivesTo evaluate the applicability of paediatric formulas to estimate oesophageal length in adults and their effect on diagnostic accuracy. Material and methodsA prospective study was carried out in adult patients, in whom the distance between the nasal orifice and the LES was determined by manometry and was compared with the estimated height-related distance calculated by four paediatric formulas (numbered 1 to 4). We also evaluated the relationship between the position of the probe and the percentage of reflux detected in our series of impedance measurements. ResultsFormula 1 (9.31+height in cm×0.197) was the most accurate (comparison of means −0.38 with 95%CI −0.70/−0.06, P=.019). With this formula, none of the patients had estimation errors of±6cm. With formulas 2, 3 and 4, the percentage of error was 4.4%, 1.5% and 32.0%, respectively. ConclusionOesophageal length estimation in adults by using formula 1 is acceptable and can be used in adult patients who refuse to undergo prior manometry.