[Value of simultaneous monitoring of esophageal and gastric pH in infants].

Simultaneous monitoring of esophageal and gastric pH in infants makes clear some peculiarities of digestive physiology and improves the sensibility of the simple method, usual mean of diagnosis of GER. In that way, a gastro-esophageal pH gradient is showed; gradient absolutely necessary to a good interpretation of this test. In twenty-two infants, younger than one year, continuous and extended monitoring of esophageal and gastric pH was realised with a specially-designed-combination microelectrode. Results pointed out that, after a meal, especially a milked meal, the post prandial period isn't suitable for the diagnosis of GER. Indeed, the gastric acidity is buffered, sometimes during many hours: that decreases or cancels the gastro-esophageal pH gradient. Besides, transient neutralisation periods of gastric acidity may occur, perhaps related with duodenogastric-biliary reflux. Before two months, the gastric pH is less acid that involves, one more time, on insufficient gastro-esophageal pH gradient for the diagnosis of GER.