Physician Bridges Diagnostic Gap With Reflux Test

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia;  Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 07 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PST

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Dr. Ira Pollack of Enfield Sleep Disorders Center recently adopted a cutting-edge pH measurement system to detect acid reflux and assist in correlating reflux with sleep disorders. A rising incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) in Americans has prompted extensive research which points to a relationship with sleep disorders.

Dr. Pollack described the importance of the Restech Dx-pH Measurement System:

"With the abundance of research connecting reflux to a variety sleep disorders, especially OSA, this [Restech Dx-pH Measurement] System allows me to correlate reflux events with multiple sleep complications comfortably and accurately."

The Dx-System is the first device capable of measuring pH in the oropharynx in real-time and sending it wirelessly, providing a simple and effective way to monitor reflux.

"Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux is a common but often neglected clinical challenge," according to Phillip Katz, M.D., Chairman of Gastroenterology at Albert Einstein Medical College in Philadelphia. When lying down, the upper and lower esophageal sphincters may naturally relax, allowing aerosolized acidic contents to migrate up the esophagus and into the airway, causing reflux events that disrupt sleep and damage the airway. Nocturnal reflux can lead to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nocturnal asthma, erosive esophagitis and Barrett's Esophagus. It can also exacerbate lung diseases.

The Dx-pH Probe is 1.5mm in diameter and rests at the back of the mouth behind the soft palate for a comfortable patient test that does not disrupt normal activity. Currently, physicians testing for reflux send their patients home with a probe extending into the patient's esophagus. Unfortunately, the positioning and size of conventional probes interfere with any normal activity such as eating and especially sleeping.

When performing sleep studies in his clinic, Dr. Pollack connects the Dx-System directly into his polysomnograph using the Restech Dx-Sleep Adapter, providing a controlled sleep study with real-time reflux monitoring.

Dr. Pollack, Medical Director of Enfield Sleep Disorders Center (ESDC), is board certified in sleep disorders, neurology, and neurophysiology and treats common sleep problems including OSA, insomnia, delayed sleep-phase syndrome, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. ESDC is a full-service center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. You can reach Dr. Pollack at (860) 749-5881 or refreshingsleep@sbcglobal.net or on the web at http://www.enfieldsleep.com.

Later this month, Restech will be exhibiting at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies Meeting in Minneapolis from June 11-13, 2007 (Booth 846). Restech is a leader in developing world-class medical technologies that assist physicians in the diagnosis of reflux related health problems. For more information on the Dx-pH Measurement System, please contact Debra Krahel at (800) 352-1512 or visit http://www.restech-corp.com.

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