[Diagnostic value of alginate test in gastroesophageal reflux disease].

AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of single dose of gaviscon (the alginates test) in detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with heartburn symptoms.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

123 patients (male 46, female 77, age 43.6 +/- 15.5 years) with symptoms suggestive of GERD were investigated. Symptom response to the alginates test compared in GERD positive and GERD negative patients according traditional diagnostic criteria of GERD (upper endoscopy, 24-hr pH-monitoring, esophageal manometry, response to treatment with PPIs).

RESULTS

Of 91 (78.9%) patients with positive alginates test, 87 were classified as GERD positive and 4 as GERD negative. Of 32 (26%) patients with negative alginates test, 29 were GERD negative and 3 GERD positive. The results providing a sensitivity of alginates test of 96.7% and a specificity of 87.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The alginates test is sensitive and specific for diagnosing GERD in patients with typical GERD symptoms.