Technical problems produced by the Bravo pH test in nonerosive reflux disease patients

World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jul 7;16(25):3183-6. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i25.3183.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the technical failures of the Bravo pH test in a population with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methods: Over the course of a year, we prospectively studied a population of 66 nonerosive reflux disease patients who received a Bravo pH test. The number and frequency of all technical failures were documented, quantified and analyzed.

Results: A total of 66 patients, with a mean age of 41.7 years, were studied. Technical failures occurred in 15.15% of the sample. The most frequent failures were due to poor data reception (4.5%), early dislodgement (4.5%) and capsule removal (6.1%).

Conclusion: The Bravo capsule pH test involves a low but non-negligible rate of technical problems, a fact that must always be considered by physicians.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Equipment Failure Analysis*
  • Equipment Failure*
  • Esophageal pH Monitoring / instrumentation*
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult