Does deep sedation impact the results of 48 hours catheterless pH testing?

AIM: To study a cohort of patients undergoing 48 h Bravo pH testing receiving deep sedation with propofol.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 197 patients (81 male, 116 female) who underwent Bravo esophageal pH monitoring from July 2003 to January 2008. All patients underwent Bravo pH probe placement via esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and received propofol for sedation. Patients on a proton pump inhibitor (89 patients) were excluded. Acid reflux variables measured included the total, upright, and supine fractions of time at pH < 4 and DeMeester score, and were compared between day 1 and day 2.

RESULTS

Of the 108 patients that were included in the study, the most common indication for Bravo pH monitoring was heartburn, with chest pain being the second most common. A signed rank test revealed no statistically significant difference between day 1 and day 2 reflux episodes.

CONCLUSION

Patients who received propofol for sedation for EGD with Bravo pH capsule placement did not experience any significant difference in reflux episodes from day 1 to day 2.