MAGNITUDE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX MEAS URED BY 24-H ESOPHAGEAL PH MONITORING AND COMPARED TO THE DEGREE OF ENDOSCOPIC ESOPHAGITIS

Twenty four hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 110 patient s, placing a pH electrode 5 cm above the proximal border of the lower esophageal sphincter. This test allows to measure the total lapse in w hich there is an acid pH in the esophagus, the ability of the esophagu s to get rid of the acid reflux and documents the relationship between esophageal pH and symptoms. Upper GI endoscopy showed a normal esopha gus in 38 patients, and esophagitis grade I in 25, grade II in 11, gra de III in 25 and grade I V in 11. There was a high correlation between the severity of esophagitis and the total time in which the esophagus was exposed to an acid pH. It is concluded that this test can be used as a ''gold standard'' for gastroesophageal reflux detection.