Is Impedance pH Testing Useful in Diagnosing Noncardiac Chest Pain in GERD?

A low observed positive symptom-associated probability of chest pain with gastroesophageal reflux disease suggests not.

Although the characteristic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are heartburn and regurgitation, chest pain is a variable symptom in some. To investigate factors associated with the occurrence of noncardiac chest pain during a GERD episode, researchers retrospectively assessed data from 120 patients with a primary GERD symptom of retrosternal pain who had undergone ambulatory 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) were discontinued at least 7 days before monitoring.

Baseline heartburn and regurgitation were reported in 49% and 24%, respectively, and 42% of participants reported one of these symptoms during the pH monitoring. Among over 4000 reflux episodes observed, 76% were acidic and 24% were weakly a…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors