Multichannel intraesophageal impedance with pH metry in Saudi children.

Background: Multichannel Intraesophageal Impedance with pH (MII-pH) provides complete characterization of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The aim of this study was to report our experience in this relatively new technique, emphasizing the challenges in the performance and interpretation of the results.

Methods: The study was conducted at King Khalid University Hospital at King Saud University in Riyadh. A retrospective review of the medical records of children who underwent MII-pH was performed. The procedure was performed and interpreted according to the recommended methodology. The impedance catheter was introduced nasally. The use of event markers and diary were explained to the accompanying person. At the end of the recording, the data were downloaded to the software analysis system.

Results: MII-pH was performed on 98 children, and 16 studies were excluded from analysis for technical reasons. The median age was 32 (range 2-168) months and 44 (54%) were male. The prevalence of nonacid gastroesophageal reflux (NAGER), proximal extent of GER, and postprandial NAGER were 55%, 50%, and 70%, respectively. One hundred and fifty-three symptoms were reported during the study, but only two were significant.

Conclusion: The MII-pH was well-tolerated but the performance and interpretation were technically demanding. The main advantage was the detection of NAGER. However, the lack of normal values and the reliance on symptom association make the interpretation of the results challenging.