Authors' objectives: To assess the available evidence on the efficacy, safety and coverage related aspects regarding the use of Bravo capsule for pH monitoring in gastroesophageal reflux.

Authors' recommendations: No evidence from trials comparing standard to wireless devices was found that would allowdrawing conclusions that would enable to change the current diagnostic or therapeutic algorithms. The evidence evaluated comes from few studies of adequate methodological quality. Although it can not be concluded that the wireless capsule has a better diagnostic profile than the standard one, in general, it diagnoses a similar number of patients with ph under 4. The wireless device consistently showed less discomfort in the assessed subjects, although they had more chest discomfort. The health sponsors evaluated consider that the wireless device is a valid alternative for specific situations, mainly in those cases where pH monitoring could not be carried out using the standard device. It is not clear, especially because of the expenses that need to incurred, if its use could replace the standard technique in other medical situations. Studies of good quality better assessing the diagnostic profile of this technology, its costs, as well as its inclusion in the diagnosis and therapeutic algorithms need to be conducted to determine if it may replace pH monitoring with a standard device.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: https://www.iecs.org.ar/home-ets/?cod_publicacion=1533&origen_publicacion=publicaciones

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)