Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2009 Jun;15(1):45-51.

Comparison of Bernstein Test and 24hr pH Monitoring in the Diagnosis of GERD

• Yang SW
• Huh KC
• Kim YS
• Kim SM
• Lee TH
• Im EH
• Choi YW
• Kang YW

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Use of Bernstein test for the diagnosis of GERD has been decreasing gradually over the time, although the test is relatively simple and easy to perform. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of Bernstein test for GERD in comparison with 24-hr esophageal pH monitoring.
METHODS
A total of 198 patients (60 men and 138 women; mean age: 53) with non-cardiac chest pain, heartburn or regurgitation were enrolled. They underwent both Bernstein test and 24-hr pH monitoring and the patients who did not have any reflux symptom during 24-hr pH monitoring were excluded.
RESULTS
Among 198 patients, 28.3% (56/198) were positive by 24-hr pH monitoring whereas 43.4% (86/198) were positive by Bernstein test Out of eighty six patients with positive Bernstein test, 29 patients (33.7%) present with positive finding also by 24-hr pH monitoring. There was no correlation between Bernstein test and 24-hr pH monitoring in diagnosing for GERD.
CONCLUSIONS
Although neither test was superior for making the diagnosis of GERD, Bernstein test could be useful for Asian patients with different clinical features or pathophysiologic mechanisms from western patients.

Keyword

Bernstein test; 24-hr esophageal pH monitoring; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; GERD; ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Chest Pain
Esophageal pH Monitoring
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Heartburn
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Male