Acid and non-acid reflux in patients with persistent symptoms despite acid suppressive therapy: a multicentre study using combined ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring

pH Impedance vs. traditional pH monitoring in clinical practice: an outcome study

BACKGROUND

The addition of impedance to 24-h pH monitoring has allowed detection of weakly acidic reflux, but the extent to which pH-impedance (pH-MII) monitoring improves outcomes is unknown.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study. Patients referred for pH or pH-MII monitoring completed a standardized questionnaire on improvement in the dominant symptom, their satisfaction, and treatment at 3 and 12 months after the test during a telephone interview.

RESULTS

A total of 184 patients (mean age, 52 years, range, 19-82 years; 35 % with typical symptoms; and 89 % tested off therapy) completed pH (n = 92) or pH-MII monitoring (n = 92) over a period of 15 months. The two arms were similar in terms of demographic, clinical, and endoscopic variables. Ten patients in the pH-MII arm showed evidence of weakly acidic reflux disease. There was no difference in the percentage of patients in the pH and pH-MII monitoring arms who experienced improvement in their dominant symptom after 3 (58 vs. 63 %; p = 0.621) or 12 months (66 vs. 70 %; p = 0.234), and the same was true for patient satisfaction. There were also no between-group difference in the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) after 3 (63 vs. 68.5 %; p = 0.437) or 12 months (47 vs. 60.5 %; p = 0.051). PPIs were prescribed more frequently after a positive test (p < 0.001) although they were used by 45.6 % of the negative patients. Only one patient underwent fundoplication.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of patients undergoing pH-MII monitoring experience a positive outcome, similarly to what occurs after traditional pH monitoring. Physicians often pay little attention to the test results, especially if they are negative.

Imipramine for Treatment of Esophageal Hypersensitivity and Functional Heartburn: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Tricyclic antidepressants could be effective in the treatment of symptoms related to hypersensitive esophagus through their pain-modulating effect. We therefore assessed the benefit of imipramine in patients with esophageal hypersensitivity and functional heartburn.

METHODS

Patients with normal endoscopy findings and typical reflux symptoms despite standard-dose proton-pump inhibitor therapy underwent 24-h pH-impedance monitoring. Patients with established esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of either once-daily imipramine 25 mg (n=43) or placebo (n=40). The primary end point was satisfactory relief of reflux symptoms, defined as a >50% reduction in the gastroesophageal reflux disease score. The secondary end point was improvement in quality-of-life (QoL) as assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey score.

RESULTS

Patients receiving imipramine did not achieve a higher rate of satisfactory relief of reflux symptoms than did patients receiving placebo (intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis: 37.2 vs. 37.5%, respectively; odds ratio (OR), 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.41-2.41; per-protocol (PP) analysis: 45.5 vs. 41.2%, respectively; OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.45-3.13). Subgroup analysis to assess the efficacy of imipramine for either esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn yielded similar results. Treatment with imipramine provided significant improvement of QoL by PP analysis (72±17 and 61±19, respectively; P=0.048), but ITT analysis did not reveal any differences between imipramine and placebo (68±19 and 61±19, respectively; P=0.26). Adverse events were similar in both groups; however, constipation was more common with imipramine than placebo (51.2 vs. 22.5%, respectively; P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although low-dose imipramine shows potential QoL benefits, it does not relieve symptoms more effectively than does placebo in patients with either esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn.

Gastro-esophageal reflux and antisecretory drugs use among patients with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis: a study with pH-impedance monitoring

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis (CAAG) often refer digestive symptoms and are prescribed antisecretory medications. Aims were to investigate: (i) gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), (ii) psychopathological profile, (iii) frequency of use and clinical benefit of antisecretory drugs.

METHODS

Prospective observational study on 41 CAAG patients who underwent: 24 h multichannel intra-luminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring off-therapy, standardized medical interview and psychological questionnaire (i.e., SCL-90R). The medical interview was repeated at least 1 month after MII-pH in patients who were using antisecretory drugs. Statistical analysis was performed calculating median (10th-90th percentiles) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval.

KEY RESULTS

Median intra-gastric pH was 6.2 (4.6-7.0). One patient had acid reflux (AC) associated with symptoms, five had increased total reflux number and four had symptoms associated to non-acid reflux (NA) (patients referred as 'GER positive'). Using patients 'GER negative' with normal SCL-90R as reference, the RR of being symptomatic in patients GER positive was 2.1 (1.1-4.1) if SCL-90R was normal and 0.9 (0.5-1.7) if it was altered (difference in RR significant being p = 0.04). Seventeen/28 (61%) symptomatic patients were on antisecretory drugs, which were stopped in 16 of them according to results of MII-pH and clinical evaluation after 574 days (48-796) showed that symptoms were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

In patients with CAAG (i) AC reflux rarely occurred whereas increased NA reflux was not infrequent both being related to symptoms in some patients, (ii) psychopathological profile has a role in symptoms' occurrence, (iii) antisecretory drugs were generally inappropriately used and clinically ineffective.

Tailored therapy for the refractory GERD patients by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

About 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The reason for the PPI failure in Asian GERD patients has rarely been studied, and the therapy remained unclear. The aims were to explore the possible reasons for PPI failure and to treat these patients with the guidance of 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring.

METHODS

Thirty-nine consecutive patients with refractory GERD were enrolled; 24-h MII-pH monitoring was performed on PPI. The refractory GERD patients were grouped into acid overexposure, non-acid reflux, and functional heartburn after the MII-pH monitoring. Double dose of either PPI or paroxetine was administered to refractory GERD patients within different groups.

RESULTS

The number of patients in groups of acid overexposure, non-acid reflux, and functional heartburn was 6, 12, and 21, respectively. The acid overexposure group had the most acid reflux events. Among the acid overexposure group, five (5/6) patients accomplish symptom relief with double dose of esomeprazole. For the patients in non-acid reflux group, double dose of esomeprazole made half (6/12) of the patients obtain symptom relief. For the patients in functional heartburn group, the paroxetine had relieved the symptoms in 14 patients among all the 21 patients. In total, with the guidance of MII-pH monitoring, 64.1% (25/39) of refractory GERD patients accomplished symptom relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Acid overexposure, non-acid reflux, and functional heartburn were the common reasons for persistent reflux symptoms despite PPI. With the guidance of MII-pH, a tailored therapy could resolve the persistent reflux symptoms among two-third of patients.

Lower pH values of weakly acidic refluxes as determinants of heartburn perception in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with normal esophageal acid exposure

Multichannel impedance pH monitoring has shown that weakly acidic refluxes are able to generate heartburn. However, data on the role of different pH values, ranging between 4 and 7, in the generation of them are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether different pH values of weakly acidic refluxes play a differential role in provoking reflux symptoms in endoscopy-negative patients with physiological esophageal acid exposure time and positive symptom index and symptom association probability for weakly acidic refluxes. One hundred and forty-three consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, nonresponders to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), were allowed a washout from PPIs before undergoing: upper endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and multichannel impedance pH monitoring. In patients with both symptom index and symptom association probability positive for weakly acidic reflux, each weakly acidic reflux was evaluated considering exact pH value, extension, physical characteristics, and correlation with heartburn. Forty-five patients with normal acid exposure time and positive symptom association probability for weakly acidic reflux were identified. The number of refluxes not heartburn related was higher than those heartburn related. In all distal and proximal liquid refluxes, as well as in distal mixed refluxes, the mean pH value of reflux events associated with heartburn was significantly lower than that not associated. This condition was not confirmed for proximal mixed refluxes. Overall, a low pH of weakly acidic reflux represents a determinant factor in provoking heartburn. This observation contributes to better understand the pathophysiology of symptoms generated by weakly acidic refluxes, paving the way toward the search for different therapeutic approaches to this peculiar condition of esophageal hypersensitivity.

Survey of findings in patients having persistent heartburn on proton pump inhibitor therapy

In patients with refractory heartburn while on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, changing drugs or increasing treatment to a twice a day (b.i.d.) dose has become a common practice. This study aims to study patients with persistent heartburn while on PPI therapy and to determine if persistent symptom indicates the need for more aggressive or different therapy. A retrospective review of impedance-pH tracings on PPI therapy (q.d. or b.i.d.) for patients with persistent heartburn was performed. DeMeester score, impedance, and symptom sensitive index (SSI) were used as indices. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared test with Yates correction and paired t-test. One hundred consecutive patients, (female 50%, male 50%, mean age 54 [range 16-83] years) were studied on q.d. (n = 45) or b.i.d. PPI (n = 55). Only 20% of the patients had abnormal DeMeester score; 41% had an abnormal impedance score and 56% had abnormal SSI; 29% had all indices normal. There was no difference between patients taking q.d. versus b.i.d. PPI for abnormal DeMeester score (22 vs. 18%), impedance (38 vs. 44%) and SSI (53 vs. 58%); P = 0.80, 0.69, and 0.77, respectively. In 56 patients with positive SSI, symptoms were due to acid reflux in 8 (14%) patients, nonacid reflux in 31 (55%) patients, and combined acid and nonacid reflux in 17 (30%) patients. Patients with persistent heartburn on PPI therapy show a variety of disorders: (i) acid reflux (20%); (ii) nonacid reflux (26%); (iii) positive SSI (56%); (iv) all normal indices (29%). These studies indicate that persistent heartburn on PPI therapy is a complex problem that may not respond to simply increasing acid inhibition.

24-hour pH-impedance monitoring on therapy to select patients with refractory reflux symptoms for antireflux surgery. A single center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux refractory symptoms is challenging. This monocenter retrospective study assessed the value of preoperative pH-impedance monitoring 'on' therapy to predict functional outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with refractory reflux symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with a preoperative pH-impedance monitoring 'on' proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) twice daily were assessed at least 6 months after a laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. Failure of fundoplication was defined by a Visick score > 2. Postoperative symptoms were assessed by the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ). The pH-impedance parameters analyzed were the number of reflux events (total, acid, non-acid), esophageal acid exposure time, esophageal bolus exposure time, and symptom-reflux association defined by symptom index (SI) >50% and symptom association probability (SAP) >95%.

KEY RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (18 female patients, median age 46 years) were assessed after a mean follow-up of 41.3 (range 7-102.2) months. Seven (21.2%) patients were considered as failures. Compared to patients with favorable outcome, these patients were more often 'on' PPI therapy (86% vs 23%, p < 0.05) and had higher RDQ scores in each domain: heartburn (p < 0.05), regurgitation (p < 0.05) and dyspepsia (p < 0.05). A positive SAP was the only pH-impedance parameter statistically associated with successful postoperative outcome (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

On therapy, a preoperative positive symptom association probability is the only pH-impedance parameter associated with favorable outcome after laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory reflux symptoms. These results should be confirmed by prospective studies.

Characteristics of symptomatic reflux episodes in Japanese proton pump inhibitor-refractory non-erosive reflux disease patients

AIM

To clarify the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five NERD patients with persistent symptoms, despite taking rabeprazole 10 mg twice daily for at least 8 wk, were included in this study. All patients underwent 24 h combined impedance - pH on rabeprazole. The symptom index (SI) was considered to be positive if ≥ 50%, and proximal reflux episodes were determined when reflux reached 15 cm above the proximal margin of the lower esophageal sphincter.

RESULTS

In 14 (40%) SI-positive patients, with liquid weakly acid reflux, the occurrence rate of reflux symptoms was significantly more frequent in proximal reflux episodes (46.7%) than in distal ones (5.7%) (P < 0.001). With liquid acid reflux, there were no significant differences in the occurrence rate of reflux symptoms between proximal reflux episodes (38.5%) and distal ones (20.5%) (NS). With mixed liquid-gas weakly acid reflux, the occurrence rate of reflux symptoms in proximal reflux episodes was significantly more frequent (31.0%) than in distal reflux ones (3.3%) (P < 0.001). With mixed liquid-gas acid reflux, there were no significant differences in the occurrence rate of reflux symptoms between proximal reflux episodes (29.4%) and distal ones (14.3%) (NS).

CONCLUSION

The proximal extent of weakly acidic liquid and mixed liquid-gas reflux is a major factor associated with reflux perception in SI-positive patients on proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Comparison of the efficiencies of esophageal manometry, vector volume analysis and esophagus pH monitoring in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux

AIM

In this study, we aimed to compare the superiorities of esophageal manometry, vector volume analysis and 24-hour pH meter studies in showing gastroesophageal reflux disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The files of the patients who presented to pediatric surgery and pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinics of our hospital with suspicious gastroesophageal reflux disease between 2011 and 2012 and who were investigated were examined and 21 patients whose investigations had been completed were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by treatment method and were divided into three groups as Group 1 who were followed up with medical treatment, Group 2 in whom surgical intervention was performed and Group 3 who were not treated. Chi-square test was used in evaluation of the categorical variables, Kruskal Wallis test was used in comparison of the mean values between the groups and Dunn test was used in subgroup analyses when Kruskal Wallis test was found to be significant. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Thirteen of 21 patients included in the study were female and eight were male. The mean age of the patients was 5.71 years (one-16 years). In the 24-hour pH monitoring study, the mean reflux index was found to be 48.7% in Group 1, 42.4% in Group 2 and 28.3% in Group 3. In esophageal manometry studies, the pressure difference at lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was found to be 13,4 cm H2O in Group 1, 31.8 cm H2O in Group 2 and 4.3 cmH2O in Group 3. In vector volume analyses, the mean vector volume was calculated to be 96.01 cm(3) in Group 1, 2 398.9 cm(3) in Group 2 and 196.3 cm(3) in Group 3. In the 24-hour pH monitoring study, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found in terms of showing reflux, whereas statistical significance could not be shown in terms of need for surgical treatment or need for medical treatment in any other method (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring was found to be efficient in making a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, whereas esophageal manometry and vector volume analyses were not found to be efficient.

Outcome of Stretta radiofrequency and fundoplication for GERD-related severe asthmatic symptoms

This study aimed to investigate the outcome of treatment with Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). A total of 137 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with severe asthmatic symptoms who responded inadequately to medical treatment for asthma were investigated. The patients were followed up 1 year and 5 years after SRF (n = 82) or LNF (n = 55) treatment. A questionnaire covering 29 related symptoms and medication use was employed. Digestive, respiratory, and ear-nose-throat (ENT) symptom scores significantly decreased after antireflux treatment. Symptom scores respectively changed from 17.2 ± 10.1, 31.9 ± 6.6, and 21.1 ± 11.8 to 5.0 ± 6.2, 11.5 ± 10.2, and 6.3 ± 6.8 at 1 year and to 5.6 ± 6.5, 13.1 ± 10.1, and 7.8 ± 7.2 at 5 years (P < 0.001). The outcome of LNF was significantly better than that of SRF in terms of digestive (P < 0.001, P = 0.001), respiratory (P = 0.006, P = 0.001), and ENT symptoms (P = 0.006, P = 0.003) at both 1 year and 5 years. SRF and LNF were both effective against the digestive symptoms of GERD as well as GERD-related severe asthmatic and ENT symptoms, with better outcomes exhibited by the LNF group. Severe asthmatic symptoms and GERD were closely associated, and this finding warrants further study.

Evaluation of proton pump inhibitor-resistant nonerosive reflux disease by esophageal manometry and 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring

BACKGROUND

Patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) include subgroups that have markedly different pathophysiology. This study aimed to clarify the pathophysiology of NERD by esophageal manometry with 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring.

METHODS

Eighteen consecutive outpatients referred to our expert center for functional gastrointestinal motility with suspected PPI-resistant NERD were enrolled. Manometry was performed to detect esophageal motility disorders. Subsequently, 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring was done while patients were on PPI therapy.

RESULTS

Manometry revealed 1 case of achalasia, 1 case of nutcracker esophagus and 3 cases of diffuse esophageal spasm. Three patients had ineffective esophageal motility, with impedance and pH monitoring being performed in 2 of them. Esophageal acid exposure (%time pH <4) was normal in both, but the symptom index (SI) was positive for nonacidic reflux in 1 patient. One of the 10 patients with normal esophageal motility had abnormal esophageal acid exposure. The SI was positive for weakly acidic and nonacidic reflux in 3 of the remaining 9 patients with normal esophageal acid exposure. Five of the other 6 patients seemed to have functional heartburn.

CONCLUSION

A substantial percentage (28%) of patients with suspected PPI-resistant NERD had primary esophageal motility disorders. Both nonacidic reflux and weakly acidic reflux are important contributors to the symptoms of patients with PPI-resistant NERD. Esophageal manometry is required to exclude motility disorders, while 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring is invaluable for assessing symptom-reflux associations and the indications for fundoplication in patients with suspected PPI-resistant NERD.

Multiple Rapid Swallow Maneuver Enhances the Clinical Utility of High-Resolution Manometry in Patients Showing Ineffective Esophageal Motility

The clinical significance of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) together with multiple rapid swallow (MRS) has not been yet evaluated in the Chicago Classification v3.0. This study evaluated the adjunctive role of MRS in IEM and determined the criteria of abnormal MRS to maximize the utility of IEM. We analyzed 186 patients showing IEM or normal esophageal motility (NEM), who underwent esophageal high-resolution impedance-manometry for esophageal symptoms. Two different criteria for abnormal MRS were applied to IEM subjects, resulting in 2 corresponding subgroups: IEM-A when distal contractile integral (DCI) ratio between an average wet swallows and MRS contraction was < 1 and IEM-B when MRS contraction DCI was <450 mm Hg-s-cm. One IEM subject inadequately performed MRS. Among the remaining 52 IEM subjects, 18 (34.6%) were classified into IEM-A and 23 (44.2%) into IEM-B. IEM subjects showed less complete bolus transit (median 0.0%, interquartile range 0.0-20.0% vs 60.0%, 30.0-80.0; P < 0.001) resulting in higher impaired bolus transit than NEM subjects (98.1% vs 66.9%, P = 0.001). IEM-B subjects showed additionally higher pathologic bolus exposure than NEM subjects (55.6% vs 29.3%, P = 0.001), whereas IEM-A subjects could not. Although IEM-B subjects had the highest prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease among the subjects groups, it did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, IEM patients with abnormal MRS contraction have an increased risk of prolonged bolus clearance, poor bolus transit, and pathologic bolus exposure. IEM patients need to be assessed concerning whether MRS contraction DCI is < 450 mm Hg-s-cm to segregate clinically relevant patients.

Refractory chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux: Definition, mechanism and management

Refractory chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux is a troublesome condition unresponsive to the standard medical anti-reflux therapy. Its underlying mechanisms may include incomplete acid suppression, non-acid reflux, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and esophageal hypersensitivity. The diagnosis of this disorder depends on both the findings of multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and the subsequent intensified anti-reflux therapy. The strategies of pharmacological treatment for refractory chronic cough due to reflux include the optimization of proton pump inhibitors and add-on therapies with histamine H₂ receptor antagonists, baclofen and gabapentin. However, the further study is needed to satisfy its management.

Pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease: new understanding in a new era

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has increased in the last decades and it is now one of the most common chronic diseases. Throughout time our insight in the pathophysiology of GERD has been characterized by remarkable back and forth swings, often prompted by new investigational techniques. Even today, the pathophysiology of GERD is not fully understood but it is now recognized to be a multifactorial disease. Among the factors that have been shown to be involved in the provocation or increase of reflux, are sliding hiatus hernia, low lower esophageal sphincter pressure, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, the acid pocket, obesity, increased distensibility of the esophagogastric junction, prolonged esophageal clearance, and delayed gastric emptying. Moreover, multiple mechanisms influence the perception of GERD symptoms, such as the acidity of the refluxate, its proximal extent, the presence of gas in the refluxate, duodenogastroesophageal reflux, longitudinal muscle contraction, mucosal integrity, and peripheral and central sensitization. Understanding the pathophysiology of GERD is important for future targets for therapy as proton pump inhibitor-refractory GERD symptoms remain a common problem.

PURPOSE

In this review we provide an overview of the mechanisms leading to reflux and the factors influencing perception, in the light of historical developments. It is clear that further research remains necessary despite the recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of GERD.

Patients with refractory reflux symptoms often do not have GERD

BACKGROUND

In patients with typical reflux symptoms that persist despite proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) it is sometimes overlooked that treatment fails due to the presence of other disorders than gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to determine the underlying cause of reflux symptoms not responding to PPI therapy in tertiary referral patients.

METHODS

Patients with reflux symptoms refractory to PPI therapy who underwent 24-h pH-impedance monitoring were analyzed. Patients in whom a diagnosis was already established before referral, who had previous esophageal or gastric surgery, or who had abnormalities on gastroscopy other than hiatus hernia, were excluded.

KEY RESULTS

In total, 106 patients were included. Esophageal manometry showed achalasia in two patients and distal esophageal spasm in another two. Twenty-four-hour pH-impedance monitoring revealed a total acid exposure time <6% in 60 patients (56.6%) of which 25 had a positive symptom association probability (SAP) while 35 showed a negative SAP. Sixty-nine patients ended up with a final diagnosis of GERD while 32 patients (30.2%) were diagnosed with functional heartburn (FH), two with functional chest pain, two with achalasia, and one with rumination. A trend toward an association with a final diagnosis of FH was found with the atypical symptom epigastric pain (p = 0.059) and with a secondary diagnosis of functional dyspepsia (p = 0.083).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Approximately one-third of the patients referred with refractory reflux symptoms suffer from disorders other than GERD, predominantly FH. This explains, at least partly, why many patients will not benefit from acid inhibitory treatment.

Patients with refractory reflux symptoms: What do they have and how should they be managed?

With the widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the frontier of treating reflux disease has shifted from refractory esophagitis to PPI-refractory symptoms. However, symptoms are inherently less specific than mucosal disease and, as noted by Herregods et al. in their contribution appearing in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms often do not have GERD. This review discusses potential etiologies for PPI-refractory symptoms. Three major concepts are explored: subendoscopic esophagitis, weakly acidic reflux events, and alternative explanations for persistent symptoms. With respect to subendoscopic esophagitis and unsuppressed reflux, ample evidence exists that these are present in PPI-refractory patients. The problem is that these findings are also often present in substantial numbers of individuals with a satisfactory response to PPI therapy. Hence, the emphasis shifts to determinants of symptom perception. The major conclusion of the review is that psychogenic factors such as hyperalgesia, allodynia, hypervigilance, and heightened anxiety are the most plausible explanations as the dominant determinants of PPI-refractory symptoms.

Pre-lung transplant measures of reflux on impedance are superior to pH testing alone in predicting early allograft injury

AIM: To evaluate pre-lung transplant acid reflux on pH-testing vs corresponding bolus reflux on multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) to predict early allograft injury.

METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients who underwent pre-transplant combined MII-pH-testing at a tertiary care center from January 2007 to November 2012. Patients with pre-transplant fundoplication were excluded. Time-to-event analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards model to assess associations between measures of reflux on MII-pH testing and early allograft injury. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (c-statistic) of the Cox model was calculated to assess the predictive value of each reflux parameter for early allograft injury. Six pH-testing parameters and their corresponding MII measures were specified a priori. The pH parameters were upright, recumbent, and overall acid reflux exposure; elevated acid reflux exposure; total acid reflux episodes; and acid clearance time. The corresponding MII measures were upright, recumbent, and overall bolus reflux exposure; elevated bolus reflux exposure; total bolus reflux episodes; and bolus clearance time.

RESULTS: Thirty-two subjects (47% men, mean age: 55 years old) met the inclusion criteria of the study. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (46.9%) represented the most common pulmonary diagnosis leading to transplantation. Baseline demographics, pre-transplant cardiopulmonary function, number of lungs transplanted (unilateral vs bilateral), and post-transplant proton pump inhibitor use were similar between reflux severity groups. The area under the ROC curve, or c-statistic, of each acid reflux parameter on pre-transplant pH-testing was lower than its bolus reflux counterpart on MII in the prediction of early allograft injury. In addition, the development of early allograft injury was significantly associated with three pre-transplant MII measures of bolus reflux: overall reflux exposure (HR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36, P = 0.03), recumbent reflux exposure (HR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.04-1.50, P = 0.01) and bolus clearance (HR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01-1.17, P = 0.02), but not with any pH-testing parameter measuring acid reflux alone.

CONCLUSION: Pre-transplant MII measures of bolus reflux perform better than their pH-testing counterparts in predicting early allograft injury post-lung transplantation.

The Proton Pump Inhibitor Non-Responder: A Clinical Conundrum

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent chronic condition where in stomach contents reflux into the esophagus causing symptoms, esophageal injury, and subsequent complications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) remain the mainstay of therapy for acid suppression. Despite their efficacy, significant proportions of GERD patients are either partial or non-responders to PPI therapy. Patients should be assessed for mechanisms that can lead to PPI failure and may require further evaluation to investigate for alternative causes. This monograph will outline a diagnostic approach to the PPI non-responder, review mechanisms associated with PPI failure, and discuss therapeutic options for those who fail to respond to PPI therapy.

Extra-esophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma: understanding this interplay

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that develops when there is reflux of stomach contents, which typically manifests as heartburn and regurgitation. These esophageal symptoms are well recognized; however, there are extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD, which include asthma, chronic cough, laryngitis and sinusitis. With the rising incidence of asthma, there is increasing interest in identifying how GERD impacts asthma development and therapy. Due to the poor sensitivity of endoscopy and pH monitoring, empiric therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is now considered the initial diagnostic step in patients suspected of having GERD-related symptoms. If unresponsive, diagnostic testing with pH monitoring off therapy and/or impedance/pH monitoring on therapy, may be reasonable in order to assess for baseline presence of reflux with the former and exclude continued acid or weakly acid reflux with the latter tests. PPI-unresponsive asthmatics, without overt regurgitation, usually have either no reflux or causes other than GERD. In this group, PPI therapy should be discontinued. In those with GERD as a contributing factor acid suppressive therapy should be continued as well as optimally treating other etiologies requiring concomitant treatment. Surgical fundoplication is rarely needed but in those with a large hiatal hernia, moderate-to-severe reflux by pH monitoring surgery might be helpful in eliminating the need for high-dose acid suppressive therapy.

[Inadequate response to proton pump inhibitor therapy: causes and patient management tactics]

The past decade has been marked by a considerable increase in the number of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroduodenal ulcer who show an inadequate response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. At the present time, most of the causes diminishing the response have been elucidated. Unfortunately, they cannot always be eliminated by drug therapy; nonetheless, rabeprazole has a number of advantages over other PPIs. The major causes of an inadequate response to PPI therapy are low treatment motivation; nocturnal gastric acid breakthroughs; genetically determined CYP polymorphism; chiefly nighttime symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease; non-acid refluxes; hypersensitive esophagus; overweight and obesity.

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Operative treatment of GERD has become more common since the introduction of LARS. Careful patient selection based on symptoms, response to medical therapy, and preoperative testing will optimize the chances for effective and durable postoperative control of symptoms. Complications of the LARS are rare and generally can be managed without reoperation. When reoperation is necessary for failed antireflux surgery, it should be performed by high-volume gastroesophageal surgeons.

More severe upper gastrointestinal symptoms associated with non-erosive reflux disease than with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease during maintenance proton pump inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND

During maintenance proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sometimes complain of upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

AIM

To evaluate upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients on maintenance PPI therapy for erosive GERD or non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) without endoscopic mucosal breaks by using a new questionnaire.

METHODS

At Gunma University Hospital over a 12-month period during 2011-2012, we enrolled 30 consecutive patients with erosive GERD and 46 patients with NERD. All patients had been on maintenance PPI therapy for more than 1 year. We used the modified frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (mFSSG) questionnaire to assess upper gastrointestinal symptoms. We also asked patients about their satisfaction with maintenance therapy and whether they wished to change their current PPI.

RESULTS

The NERD patients had significantly higher symptom scores than the erosive GERD patients. There was no difference in the treatment satisfaction rate between patients with erosive GERD and NERD, but more patients with NERD wanted to change their PPI therapy. There was no difference in the mFSSG score between NERD patients who wished to change their current PPI therapy and those who were satisfied with it.

CONCLUSIONS

During maintenance PPI therapy, upper gastrointestinal symptoms were more severe in NERD patients than in patients with erosive GERD. NERD patients often wished to change their PPI therapy, but this was not dependent on the severity of their upper GI symptoms.

2014 SSAT State-of-the-Art Conference: advances in diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease affects at least 10 % of people in Western societies and produces troublesome symptoms and impairs patients' quality of life. The effective management of GERD is imperative as the diagnosis places a significant cost burden on the United States healthcare system with annual direct cost estimates exceeding 9 billion dollars annually. While effective for many patients, 30-40 % of patients receiving medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors experience troublesome breakthrough symptoms, and recent evidence suggests that this therapy subjects patients to increased risk of complications. Given the high cost of PPI therapy, patients are showing a decrease in willingness to continue with a therapy that provides incomplete relief; however, due to inconsistent outcomes and concern for procedure-related side effects following surgery, only 1 % of the GERD population undergoes anti-reflux surgery annually. The discrepancy between the number of patients who experience suboptimal medical treatment and the number considered for anti-reflux surgery indicates a large therapeutic gap in the management of GERD. The objective of the SSAT State-of-the-Art Conference was to examine technologic advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GERD and to evaluate the ways in which we assess the outcomes of these therapies to provide optimal patient care.

Pepsin in saliva for the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

Current diagnostic methods for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) have moderate sensitivity/specificity and can be invasive and expensive. Pepsin detection in saliva has been proposed as an 'office-based' method for GORD diagnosis. The aims of this study were to establish normal values of salivary pepsin in healthy asymptomatic subjects and to determine its value to discriminate patients with reflux-related symptoms (GORD, hypersensitive oesophagus (HO)) from functional heartburn (FH).

DESIGN

100 asymptomatic controls and 111 patients with heartburn underwent MII-pH monitoring and simultaneous salivary pepsin determination on waking, after lunch and dinner. Cut-off value for pepsin positivity was 16 ng/mL. Patients were divided into GORD (increased acid exposure time (AET), n=58); HO (normal AET and + Symptom Association Probability (SAP), n=26) and FH (normal AET and-SAP, n=27).

RESULTS

1/3 of asymptomatic subjects had pepsin in saliva at low concentration (0(0-59)ng/mL). Patients with GORD and HO had higher prevalence and pepsin concentration than controls (HO, 237(52-311)ng/mL and GORD, 121(29-252)ng/mL)(p<0.05). Patients with FH had low prevalence and concentration of pepsin in saliva (0(0-40) ng/mL). A positive test had 78.6% sensitivity and 64.9% specificity for diagnosis of GORD+HO (likelihood ratio: 2.23). However, one positive sample with >210 ng/mL pepsin suggested presence of GORD+HO with 98.2% specificity (likelihood ratio: 25.1). Only 18/84 (21.4%) of GORD+HO patients had 3 negative samples.

CONCLUSION

In patients with symptoms suggestive of GORD, salivary pepsin testing may complement questionnaires to assist office-based diagnosis. This may lessen the use of unnecessary antireflux therapy and the need for further invasive and expensive diagnostic methods.

Challenges of correlating pH change with relief of clinical symptoms in gastro esophageal reflux disease: a phase III, randomized study of Zegerid versus Losec

Background

Zegerid (on demand immediate-release omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate combination therapy) has demonstrated earlier absorption and more rapid pH change compared with Losec (standard enteric coated omeprazole), suggesting more rapid clinical relief of heartburn. This Phase III, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized study assessed the clinical superiority of Zegerid versus Losec for rapid relief of heartburn associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Patients with a history of frequent (2 3 days/week) uncomplicated GERD, were randomized to receive Zegerid (20mg) or Losec (20mg) with corresponding placebo. Study medication was self-administered on the first episode of heartburn, and could be taken for up to 3 days within a 14 day study period. Heartburn severity was self assessed up to 180 minutes post dose (9 point Likert scale). Primary endpoint was median time to sustained response (≥3 point reduction in heartburn severity for ≥45 minutes).

Results

Of patients randomized to Zegerid (N=122) or Losec (N=117), 228/239 had recorded ≥1 evaluable heartburn episodes and were included in the modified intent-to-treat population. No significant between-group differences were observed for median time to sustained response (60.0 vs. 52.2 minutes, Zegerid [N=117] and Losec [N=111], respectively), sustained partial response (both, 37.5 minutes) and sustained total relief (both, 105 minutes). Significantly more patients treated with Zegerid reached sustained total relief within 0–30 minutes post dose in all analysis sets (p<0.05). Both treatments were well tolerated and did not raise any safety concerns.

Conclusions

Superiority of Zegerid over Losec for rapid heartburn relief was not demonstrated; both treatments were equally effective however the rapid onset of action of Losec was unexpected. Factors, including aspects of study design may have contributed to this. This study supports previously reported difficulty in correlating intra-gastric pH change with clinical effect in GERD therapy, highlighting the significance of several technical considerations for studies of this type.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01493089

Risk factors and populations at risk: selection of patients for screening for Barrett's oesophagus

Screening for Barrett's oesophagus is an attractive notion due to the rising incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, the relative ease of acquiring tissue from the oesophagus, and the availability of endoscopic therapy for early neoplastic lesions. If screening is recommended, the question remains: which patients should be screened? Endoscopy is frequently performed in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but the vast majority of patients diagnosed with oesophageal adenocarcinoma have never undergone a prior endoscopy. The efficiency of screening needs to be improved. A number of tools for predicting the presence of Barrett's oesophagus or future risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma are available. More research is needed to validate these tools and to identify the thresholds at which screening should be offered.

Randomized clinical trial: effect of the 5-HT4 receptor agonist revexepride on reflux parameters in patients with persistent reflux symptoms despite PPI treatment

BACKGROUND

Approximately, 20-30% of patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience persistent symptoms despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These patients may have underlying dysmotility; therefore, targeting gastric motor dysfunction in addition to acid inhibition may represent a new therapeutic avenue. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of the prokinetic agent revexepride (a 5-HT4 receptor agonist) in patients with GERD who have persistent symptoms despite treatment with a PPI.

METHODS

This was a phase II, exploratory, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study in patients with GERD who experienced persistent symptoms while taking a stable dose of PPIs (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01370863). Patients were randomized to either revexepride (0.5 mg, three times daily) or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Reflux events and associated characteristics were assessed by pH/impedance monitoring and disease symptoms were assessed using electronic diaries and questionnaires.

KEY RESULTS

In total, 67 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences between study arms in the number, the mean proximal extent or the bolus clearance times of liquid-containing reflux events. Changes from baseline in the number of heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptom events were minimal for each treatment group and no clear trends were observed.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

No clear differences were seen in reflux parameters between the placebo and revexepride groups.

Insight Into the Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Asthma

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that presents with symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Asthma is an equally common medical condition that often coexists with GERD. The clinical scenario of difficult-to-treat asthma in the setting of concomitant GERD leads to the possibility of GERD-induced asthma. However, asthma may also induce GERD, so confusion has developed about the role of GERD in patients with moderate to severe asthma. Acid-suppressive therapy may be initiated in patients with asthma, but controlled studies have recently questioned the role of such therapy and, thus, have caused further confusion in this field. Recent advancements in the field of esophageal physiologic testing in GERD have introduced the concept of impedance-pH monitoring, which suggests a possible role of nonacid reflux in those who continue to be symptomatic despite acid-suppressive therapy. However, recent data caution about the role of surgical fundoplication based solely on the results of impedance monitoring. This article reviews current knowledge in the fields of GERD and asthma and suggests a possible treatment option for this group of patients.

Correlation between oropharyngeal pH-monitoring and esophageal pH-impedance monitoring in patients with suspected GERD-related extra-esophageal symptoms

BACKGROUND

24-hour esophageal pH-impedance (pH-MII) is not totally reliable for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Oropharyngeal (OP) pH-monitoring with the Dx-pH probe may detect LPR better. The correlation between these two techniques is not thoroughly established. Aim of this study is to examine the correlation between OP pH-metry and esophageal pH-MII monitoring.

METHODS

Thirty-six consecutive patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease-related extra-esophageal symptoms were evaluated using 24-h OP-pH and concomitant esophageal pH-MII monitoring. OP events were defined as: drop in pH below thresholds of 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0 or drop in pH of at least 10% from a running baseline. Temporal relationship between OP and esophageal reflux events and outcomes of the two tests were evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

2394 refluxes were detected by pH-MII; of these only 120 were detected also by OP Dx-probe. On the other hand, the proportion of OP-pH events which were temporally related to an episode of distal reflux ranged from 0% to 17%, depending on the proximal pH criteria used. In 8/36 patients both tests were pathological, while in 10/36 they were both normal; 14/36 patients had pathological OP reflux, but a normal pH-MII test; 4/36 patients had pathological pH-MII, but a normal OP reflux.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

The correlation between OP pH-metry and pH-MII was weak. At present, the absence of a reliable gold standard for the diagnosis of LPR and the uncertain etiology of the pharyngeal pH alterations make it difficult to decide which is the most reliable technique for the diagnosis of true LPR.

The effects of baclofen for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives. Baclofen can relieve gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms in healthy subjects and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients by reducing the incidence of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of baclofen for the treatment of GERD. Methods. We systematically searched randomized controlled trials published prior to November 2013 from PubMed, Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Randomized Controlled Trials. We performed a meta-analysis of all eligible trials. Results. Nine studies were identified with a total of 283 GERD patients and healthy subjects. Comparative analysis provided high quality data supporting the ability of baclofen to promote a short-term decrease in the number of reflux episodes per patient, the average length of reflux episodes, and the incidence of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. No serious adverse events or death events were reported, and there were no significant differences in the overall adverse events between baclofen and placebo. All reported side effects of baclofen were of mild-to-moderate intensity, and the drug was well tolerated. Conclusion. Abundant evidence suggests that baclofen may be a useful approach for the treatment of GERD patients; however, a larger well-designed research study would further confirm this recommendation.

Diagnostic Utility of Impedance-pH Monitoring in Refractory Non-erosive Reflux Disease

Background/Aims

Approximately one-third of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients are refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and face a therapeutic challenge. Therefore, it is important to differentiate between pathological and non-pathological reflux utilizing multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) to analyze symptom-reflux association and diagnose true NERD versus hyper-sensitive esophagus (HE) and functional heartburn (FH). Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic yield of MII-pH in refractory NERD and sub-classified it based on quantity and quality of acid/non-acid reflux and reflux-symptom association.

Methods

Sixty symptomatic NERD patients on twice daily PPI for > 2 months were prospectively evaluated by MII-pH. Distal and proximal refluxes, bolus exposure time (BET), esophageal acid exposure time, symptom index (SI) and symptom association probability (SAP) were measured.

Results

Thirty-two (53%) patients had BET > 1.4% (MII-pH positive-true NERD), while 28 (47%) had BET < 1.4% (MII-pH negative NERD) where SI and SAP were negative in 15/60 (25%; categorized as FH) and SI or SAP were positive in 13/60 (22%; identified as HE). Thirty-eight (63%) patients reported significant SI or SAP parameters where > 80% of symptoms were associated with non-acid reflux. The number of distal refluxes in true NERD versus FH or HE were significantly different, but not between FH and HE.

Conclusions

Approximately 60% of refractory PPI NERD patients had positive reflux-symptom association, primarily due to non-acid reflux. Nearly half of NERD patients on PPI had normal MII-pH monitoring, sub-divided further into FH and HE equally.

Increased proximal reflux in a hypersensitive esophagus might explain symptoms resistant to proton pump inhibitors in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Approximately 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have symptoms resistant to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Several mechanisms such as esophageal hypersensitivity, increased mucosal permeability, and possibly the position of the gastric acid pocket might underlie a partial response to PPIs. To what extent these mechanisms interact and contribute to PPI-resistant symptoms, however, has not been investigated previously.

METHODS

In 18 gastroesophageal reflux disease patients (9 PPI responders and 9 PPI partial responders), esophageal sensitivity, mucosal permeability, and postprandial reflux parameters were determined during PPI use. Esophageal sensitivity for distension was measured by gradual balloon inflation at 5 and 15 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. The mucosal permeability of 4 esophageal biopsy specimens per patient was determined in Ussing chambers by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance and transmucosal flux of fluorescein. Postprandial reflux parameters were determined using concurrent high-resolution manometry/pH impedance after a standardized meal. In addition, the acid pocket was visualized using scintigraphy.

RESULTS

No difference in the rate of postprandial acid reflux, in the pH of the acid pocket (PPI responders 3.7 ± 0.7 vs PPI partial responders 4.2 ± 0.4; P = .54), or in the position of the acid pocket was observed in PPI partial responders compared with PPI responders. In addition, the permeability of the esophageal mucosa was similar in both groups, as shown by a similar transepithelial electrical resistance and flux of fluorescein. PPI partial responders had more reflux episodes with a higher mean proximal extent, compared with PPI responders, and were more sensitive to balloon distension, both in the upper and lower esophagus.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI-resistant symptoms most likely are explained by increased proximal reflux in a hypersensitive esophagus and less likely by increased mucosal permeability or the position of the acid pocket.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Suspected Reflux Symptoms Refractory to Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy

Suspected reflux symptoms that are refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are rapidly becoming the most common presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients seen in gastroenterology clinics. These patients are a heterogeneous group, differing in symptom frequency and severity, PPI dosing regimens, and responses to therapy (from partial to absent). Before testing, the physician needs to question the patient carefully about PPI compliance and the timing of drug intake in relation to meals. Switching PPIs or doubling the dose is the next step, but only 20% to 25% of the group refractory to PPIs will respond. The first diagnostic test should be upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. In more than 90% of cases, the results will be normal, but persistent esophagitis may suggest pill esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, or rarer diseases, such as lichen planus, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, or genotype variants of PPI metabolism. If the endoscopy results are normal, esophageal manometry and especially reflux testing should follow. Whether patients should be tested on or off PPI therapy is controversial. Most physicians prefer to test patients off PPIs to identify whether abnormal acid reflux is even present; if it is not, PPIs can be stopped and other diagnoses sought. Testing patients on PPI therapy allows nonacid reflux to be identified, but more than 50% of patients have a normal test result, leaving the clinician with a conundrum-whether to stop PPIs or continue them because the GERD is being treated adequately. Alternative diagnoses in patients with refractory GERD and normal reflux testing include achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, rumination, and aerophagia. However, more than 50% will be given the diagnosis of functional heartburn, a visceral hypersensitivity syndrome. Treating patients with PPI-refractory GERD-like symptoms can be difficult and frustrating. Any of the following may help: a histamine-2 receptor antagonist at night, baclofen to decrease transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, pain modulators, acupuncture, or hypnotherapy. At this time, antireflux surgery should be limited to patients with abnormal acid reflux defined by pH testing and a good correlation of symptoms with acid reflux.

Patient Symptoms Correlate Poorly with Objective Measures among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) varies among patients. To attempt to understand the patient's perception of the severity of their reflux symptoms, we developed a questionnaire on which patients rated symptom severity at each office visit. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed patient charts of all patients seen by one surgeon for GERD symptoms and/or presence of hiatal hernia (HH) from September 2012 to April 2013. Data from patient questionnaires combined with objective findings from subsequent or prior workup and eventual operative information were recorded. A total of 144 questionnaires were reviewed from 108 patients. Frequencies were calculated for categorical variables. Patients were divided into four categories based on size of the HH on the endoscopic report; 10 patients had no HH, 15 had small HH, 20 had medium HH, and 31 patients had large HH. Size of HH was not available for three patients. Pre- and postoperative questionnaire responses were obtained for 15 patients. A combined reflux score was calculated using the median for each symptom. Patient perception of severity of symptoms does not necessarily predict presence of pathological reflux or HH nor is there a perfect combination of symptoms to predict the presence of pathological reflux or HH based on our sample. The workup of this pathology must be comprehensive, and the confirmation of reflux is imperative when the diagnosis is unclear.

Endoscopic anterior fundoplication with the Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler (MUSE™) for gastroesophageal reflux disease: 6-month results from a multi-center prospective trial

BACKGROUND

Both long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and surgical fundoplication have potential drawbacks as treatments for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This multi-center, prospective study evaluated the clinical experiences of 69 patients who received an alternative treatment: endoscopic anterior fundoplication with a video- and ultrasound-guided transoral surgical stapler.

METHODS

Patients with well-categorized GERD were enrolled at six international sites. Efficacy data was compared at baseline and at 6 months post-procedure. The primary endpoint was a ≥ 50 % improvement in GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) score. Secondary endpoints were elimination or ≥ 50 % reduction in dose of PPI medication and reduction of total acid exposure on esophageal pH probe monitoring. A safety evaluation was performed at time 0 and weeks 1, 4, 12, and 6 months.

RESULTS

66 patients completed follow-up. Six months after the procedure, the GERD-HRQL score improved by >50 % off PPI in 73 % (48/66) of patients (95 % CI 60-83 %). Forty-two patients (64.6 %) were no longer using daily PPI medication. Of the 23 patients who continued to take PPI following the procedure, 13 (56.5 %) reported a ≥ 50 % reduction in dose. The mean percent of total time with esophageal pH <4.0 decreased from baseline to 6 months (P < 0.001). Common adverse events were peri-operative chest discomfort and sore throat. Two severe adverse events requiring intervention occurred in the first 24 subjects, no further esophageal injury or leaks were reported in the remaining 48 enrolled subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial 6-month data reported in this study demonstrate safety and efficacy of this endoscopic plication device. Early experience with the device necessitated procedure and device changes to improve safety, with improved results in the later portion of the study. Continued assessment of durability and safety are ongoing in a three-year follow-up study of this patient group.

Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing is clinically useful in the management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms

BACKGROUND

Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing (MII-pH) allows for the detection of acid and non-acid reflux, thus, increasing yield over pH testing. Limited data exist on how physicians use test results in practice.

AIM

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of MII-pH testing on patient care.

METHODS

We reviewed records of patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease who underwent MII-pH testing. Management decisions evaluated included changes in prescribed medications and surgical consultation for anti-reflux surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson Chi square test, and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

MII-pH testing resulted in a medication change in 41% of patients, surgical consultation in 19.7%, and anti-reflux surgery in 11.1%. In patients who were not on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, MII-pH results were most useful in the decision to start a PPI. On PPI therapy, results were more often used to decide whether to increase (32.3%) or switch the PPI (23.5%) in patients with continued acid reflux. Results were most useful to stop the PPI in normal studies (11.1%). More patients with non-acid reflux (14.3%) and normal results (19.7%) were started on a neuromodulator compared to other diagnoses. The MII-pH result was most useful in the decision to start baclofen or bethanecol when the patient was found to have non-acid reflux (25%). Patients with an abnormal MII-pH or abnormal MII alone were more likely to be referred to surgery (OR 19.5, p < 0.001; OR 19.77, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MII-pH testing impacted medical or surgical management in over half the patients tested.

Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: advances and treatment

'Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease' is one of the most common misnomers in the area of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The term implies reflux as the underlying etiology despite unresponsiveness to aggressive proton pump inhibitor therapy. The term should be replaced with 'refractory symptoms.' We must acknowledge that in many patients symptoms of reflux often overlap with non-GERD causes such as gastroparesis, dyspepsia, hypersensitive esophagus and functional disorders. Lack of response to aggressive acid suppressive therapy often leads to diagnostic testing. In majority of patients these tests are normal. The role of non-acid reflux in this group is uncertain and patients should not undergo surgical fundoplication based on this parameter. In patients unresponsive to acid suppressive therapy GERD is most commonly not causal and a search for non-GERD causes must ensue.

pH-Impedance Findings and proton pump inhibitors-responsiveness in patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in a large single-center Italian series

INTRODUCTION

A multicenter study with a limited sample size found that absence of esophagitis, presence of functional digestive disorders, and overweight were associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) failure.

AIM

To assess clinical and reflux patterns associated with PPI-responsiveness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms had 24 hours pH-impedance monitoring off therapy. Responders had <2 days of symptoms per week while on standard-dose/double-dose PPI. Clinical and reflux parameters were considered for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 514 patients were included (267 women), 185 patients were considered PPI responders, and 329 were considered nonresponders. In the whole population, the only significant factor in the prediction of responsiveness to PPI at the multivariate analysis was the presence of esophagitis (P=0.028). The factors identified as significant in patients with a pathologic acid exposure (142 patients) in the prediction of responsiveness to PPI were overweight (body mass index >25 kg/m(2)) and the presence of esophagitis (P=0.019 and 0.043, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm that no reflux pattern demonstrated by 24 hours pH-impedance monitoring is associated to PPI response in GORD patients. Presence of esophagitis in the whole population and overweight in patients with pathologic GORD, but not dyspepsia, are strongly associated with PPI-responsiveness.

Electrical stimulation therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Electrical stimulation therapy (EST) of the lower esophageal sphincter is a relatively new technique for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that may address the need of GERD patients, unsatisfied with acid suppressive medication and concerned with the potential risks of surgical fundoplication. In this paper we review available data about EST for GERD, including the development of the technique, implant procedure, safety and results from open-label trials. Two short-term temporary stimulation and long-term open-label human trials each were initiated to investigate the safety and efficacy of EST for the treatment of GERD and currently up to 2 years follow-up results are available. The results of EST are promising as the open-label studies have shown that EST is a safe technique with a significant improvement in both subjective outcomes of symptoms and objective outcomes of esophageal acid exposure in patients with GERD. However, long-term data from larger number of patients and a sham-controlled trial are required before EST can be conclusively advised as a viable treatment option for GERD patients.