The Sensitivity and Specificity of GERD Score Questionnaire in Detecting the Prevalence of GERD among Children with Recurrent Secretory Otitis Media

Abstract

Background: Gastroesoghageal Reflux and Otitis Media are two of the most prevalent diseases in young children. Aim: To describe the prevalence of Gastroesophageal reflux in infants and young children with recurrent secretory otitis media. Patients and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study cross sectional included Ninety-one children of both sex aged from 3 months to 8 years were assessed with history of recurrent secretory otitis media type B Tympanometry not improved completely by medical treatment. X-ray of the nasopharynx was done. The parent or legal guardian completed the Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire–Revised (I-GERQ-R) symptom-based 11 points questionnaire (I-GERQ GERD). Results: this study include 61 male (67%) and 33 female (33%) and mean GERD score in patients with GER was (7.23 ± 3.1) compared to Non-GERD group (0.76 ± 0.83) (p < 0.001). The mean GERD score in patients with GER was 5.98 +/- 4.22 compared to GERD with adenoid group (3.87 ± 2.45) and Non-GERD group (0.76 ± 0.83) (p < 0.001).GERQ score ≥7 had a sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 98% in diagnosing GERD among our patients with overall accuracy of 97%. Conclusion:The I-GERQ-R is thus adequately sensitive to be used diagnostically to screen children for symptom burden.