Acid Reflux Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Acid Reflux, including details on diet, gerd (gastro-esophageal reflux disease), treatment, symptoms.

Prolonged pH monitoring: Bravo capsule.

Pandolfino JE, Kahrilas PJ

Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. j-pandolfino@northwestern.edu

The Bravo pH monitoring system is a safe and well-tolerated reliable method for measuring esophageal acid exposure. Key potential advantages of this system are related to its ability to be unobtrusive, comfortable, and provide study periods of longer duration. These advantages make it an excellent option for subjects who are unwilling or unable to tolerate conventional catheter pH monitoring. Whether the Bravo capsule improves diagnostic accuracy is still unclear; however, initial results are promising and further validation studies are expected. Whether this method is preferred over conventional monitoring for diagnostic evaluation depends on multiple considerations ranging from cost to possible contraindications for both systems. Further refinements in methodology and recording protocol are likely to be made, which will improve diagnostic accuracy and lower cost.

Published 21 February 2005 in Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am, 15(2): 307-18.
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