RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tract disorders both in adults and children. The study was undertaken to assess the usefulness of gastrointestinal upper tract (GUT) scintigraphy and GUT ultrasonography in detection of GER in children. MATERIAL/METHODS: The investigated group comprised of 76 children, aged 1-204 months (mean 74 months) with clinical signs and symptoms of GER. All of them underwent GUT scintigraphy, and 42 children had also GUT ultrasonography. RESULTS: GUT scintigraphy confirmed reflux in 60/76 children (78.9%), GUT ultrasonography - in 17/42 children (40.5%). Airways tract aspiration was detected in one child. CONCLUSIONS: Scintigraphy was found to be a very useful method in detection of GER, as it confirmed the presence of GER in most of the children with signs and symptoms suggestive of GER. It also allows for the detection of airways tract aspiration. GUT ultrasonography showed a lower sensitivity. Both investigations are simple, noninvasive, not changing the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and can be performed in out-patient conditions.
RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: It is well known that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) coincides with chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract. However, the impact of effective management of gastroesophageal reflux on the course of coexisting pathologies of the lower respiratory tract has not been unequivocally evaluated. This study was undertaken to assess the impact of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux on the course of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and bronchial asthma in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 76 children, 38 boys and 38 girls, aged 1-204 months (median: 66.5 months). All children had clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. The children were allocated to three groups: Group I: recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (33 children); Group II: bronchial asthma (23 children); Group III: no chronic respiratory tract disease (20 children). Groups were similar with respect to age and gender. Upper gastrointestinal tract scintigraphy and endoscopy were performed in all children. The children were followed for 1-23 months (mean: 7 months). In most cases, GER was managed conservatively, except for four children who were operated. RESULTS: Complete or partial resolution of GER symptoms was seen in 89% of patients, no change was noted in 9%, and progression was seen in the remaining 2% of children. Treatment of GER was accompanied by alleviation of respiratory symptoms in 84% of children (group I and II). CONCLUSIONS: Effective therapy of gastroesophageal reflux decreases the frequency of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and improves asthma control.