Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
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J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Sep 2002
Assay of tracheal pepsin as a marker of reflux aspiration.
Aspiration of gastric contents is a relatively common cause of acute and chronic pulmonary disease. However, a reliable method of diagnosing recurrent aspiration is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of gastric pepsin in tracheal aspirates of infants and children might be used as a reliable marker of the microaspiration of refluxed gastric contents. ⋯ Tracheal pepsin assay as a reliable marker of gastroesophageal reflux aspiration.
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J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Sep 2002
Fat laden macrophages in tracheal aspirates as a marker of reflux aspiration: a negative report.
Refluxed gastric material aspirated into the lungs is an important cause of acute and chronic pulmonary disease. Currently, the presence of fat-laden macrophages (FLM) in tracheobronchial secretions of children is a conventional marker for reflux aspiration. However, this assay is limited by its apparent lack of specificity. The aim of this study was to reevaluate the role of this assay in diagnosing reflux aspiration. ⋯ Assay of FLM in the tracheal aspirates of children considered at risk of reflux aspiration is not a sensitive or specific as a marker for reflux aspiration.