Tolerability and clinical utility of the Bravo pH capsule in children.

GOALS: To prospectively evaluate the tolerability and clinical utility of the Bravo pH capsule in children.

BACKGROUND

Acid reflux is common in children, and pH testing can be used to correlate acid exposure with symptom expression. The tolerability and clinical utility of the Bravo capsule in children has not been prospectively evaluated.

METHODS

This was a prospective, open-label trial conducted at an academic medical center. Patient demographics, symptoms, and medication use were recorded in an outpatient setting. After Bravo capsule placement, patients were followed to determine whether the results of the Bravo capsule study changed clinical management.

RESULTS

Fifty children (mean+/-SD=13+/-3 y; 52% female) were studied; no complications occurred. Reflux symptoms (40%), abdominal pain (18%), and nausea/vomiting (14%) were the 3 most common symptoms leading to Bravo capsule placement. Nearly all studies (96%) were performed off acid-suppressing medications. Results of the Bravo pH study changed clinical care in 88% of children; management changed more frequently in children with an abnormal study (94%) versus those with a normal study (78%; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Bravo pH capsule is a safe, well-tolerated test to evaluate acid reflux symptoms in children, and the data obtained frequently changes patient management.