[Chronic respiratory manifestations and gastroesophageal reflux. Value of the study of nocturnal pH measurement].

We have undertaken a study on continuous pH oesophageal monitoring on children with chronic respiratory symptoms and a gastro intestinal reflux proved by at least one positive test (baryum esophagogram, GE scintiscan, endoscopy). We have compared the data from 16 children with digestive symptoms and 9 controls with no sign of reflux. While all the parameters differs significantly between controls and patients with digestive symptoms, controls and respiratory symptoms, the only difference between "digestive" and "respiratory" patients occurs in the duration of the mean of the nocturnal reflux. Moreover the respiratory patients improved by the reflux symptomatic treatment had a mean duration of nocturnal reflux greater than un improved patients. A mean duration of nocturnal reflux over 4 minutes could have some predictive value.