Detection of gastroesophageal reflux in the pediatric-age patient by esophageal intraluminal pH probe measurement (Tuttle test).

The esophageal intraluminal pH probe test (Tuttle test) was used in 24 pediatric-age patients who had symptoms of gastroesophageal (GE) reflux to determine its sensitivity in detecting gastric acid reflux and to document its usefulness as a prognostic indicator. Eight children had a positive Tuttle test. Six of these patients failed a trial of medical management and required surgery to control their symptoms. None of these patients had GE reflux on esophagrams. Only one of 16 children with a negative test required surgery. This patient also did not have GE reflux on esophagram. The Tuttle test should be included in the diagnostic evaluation of pediatric patients with the clinical presentation of GE reflux.