The Montreal definition and classification of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a global evidence-based consensus

Dyspepsia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review critically evaluates the current status of dyspepsia and, in particular, recent advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology and management. The very definition of dyspepsia and of functional dyspepsia, in particular, continues to generate controversy; the Rome III redefinition of functional dyspepsia remains to be proven to be of clinical value. Overlap with gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome further complicate clinical definitions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Most studies of pathophysiology continue to focus on gastric sensory and motor functions, though some intriguing early data raise the possibility of an infective or immunological contribution. There have been few, if any, major breakthroughs in treatment; most recent studies address instead the niceties of Helicobacter pylori eradication and acid suppressive strategies.

SUMMARY

This continued lack of progress in the area can only lead one to question some very basic concepts in this disorder, such as does functional dyspepsia, as we have come to know it, really exist as a distinct entity?

Gastrointestinal illnesses and their effects on the oral cavity

Many disease processes affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may cause observable changes to the oral cavity. In fact, oral cavity changes may represent the first clinical manifestation of an underlying GI condition. Recognition and appropriate referral of a possible GI condition contribute to overall health and wellness in patients. Some of the more important GI conditions that may manifest oral cavity involvement include: reflux disorders, inherited GI polyposis syndromes, and inflammatory bowel disease. This article briefly reviews the aforementioned topics.

Diagnostic options for patients with refractory GERD

Patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are those who have persistent symptoms while being treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). One third of GERD patients requiring a daily PPI are estimated to eventually experience treatment failure. These patients are usually referred for further investigation to confirm the presence of GERD or to identify other entities as the cause of symptoms. Tools that can be used in this diagnostic process include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with analysis of esophageal biopsies, esophageal pH monitoring, impedance-pH monitoring, and esophageal bilirubin monitoring. The conventional diagnostic approach includes upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and ambulatory pH monitoring while receiving PPI therapy. New diagnostic techniques that may be useful with refractory GERD include impedance-pH monitoring, which is very sensitive in detecting persistent weakly acidic reflux, and bilirubin monitoring, which detects increased esophageal exposure to bile. Gastric pH monitoring should be reserved for patients in whom PPI resistance is suspected.

Reflux cough

Cough can be an extraesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This article summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the reflux cough syndrome. Recent studies have provided further evidence for a role of weakly acidic gastroesophageal reflux in inducing cough. It has also been established that although reflux may induce cough, cough may also trigger reflux in some patients, and distinguishing between the two requires objective detection of cough burst (ie, by esophageal manometry). Treatment of the reflux cough syndrome is an issue of ongoing controversy and further studies.

Clinical practice. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

A 53-year-old man, who is otherwise healthy and has a 20-year history of occasional heartburn, reports having had worsening heartburn for the past 12 months, with daily symptoms that disturb his sleep. He reports having had no dysphagia, gastrointestinal bleeding, or weight loss and in fact has recently gained 20 lb (9 kg). What would you advise regarding his evaluation and treatment?

Management of bronchiectasis and chronic suppurative lung disease in indigenous children and adults from rural and remote Australian communities

1) Consensus recommendations for managing bronchiectasis in Indigenous children and adults living in rural and remote regions were developed during a multidisciplinary workshop and were based on available systematic reviews. 2) Successful diagnosis, management and prevention of bronchiectasis in Indigenous Australians requires access to comprehensive health care services, as well as improved housing, education and employment and reduced poverty levels. 3) Diagnosis of bronchiectasis requires a chest high-resolution computed tomography scan. Children who have bronchiectasis symptoms but non-diagnostic scans are described as having chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD), rather than bronchiectasis. Untreated CSLD may progress to bronchiectasis. 4) Chronic wet cough (> 4 weeks) or recurrent wet cough (> 2 episodes/year) are important but often under-reported symptoms. Bronchiectasis is suspected when chronic cough is excessively prolonged (> 12 weeks) or if a chest radiographic abnormality persists despite appropriate therapy. 5) Intensive treatment aims to improve symptom control and quality of life while preserving lung function and reducing acute exacerbation frequency. 6) Antibiotics should be prescribed for acute infective episodes according to culture results of respiratory secretions, local susceptibility patterns and clinical severity. Patients not responding promptly to oral antibiotics should be hospitalised for more intensive treatment. 7) Ongoing care requires regular primary health care and specialist review, including monitoring for complications and comorbidities. Corticosteroids, bronchodilators and mucoactive agents may be used in individual cases, but routine use is not recommended. Physiotherapy and exercise should be encouraged, nutrition optimised, environmental pollutants (including tobacco smoke) avoided, and immunisations maintained.

Esophageal pH-impedance monitoring in patients with therapy-resistant reflux symptoms: 'on' or 'off' proton pump inhibitor?

BACKGROUND

In patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-resistant symptoms, ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring can be used to assess whether a relationship exists between symptoms and reflux episodes. Until now, it is unclear whether combined pH-impedance monitoring in these patients should be performed on or off PPI.

METHODS

Thirty patients with symptoms of heartburn, chest pain, and/or regurgitation despite PPI twice daily underwent ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring twice, once on PPI and once after cessation of the PPI for 7 days. The order of the measurements was randomized. Reflux episodes were identified and classified as acid, weakly acidic, or weakly alkaline reflux. In addition, the symptom association probability (SAP) was calculated for each measurement.

RESULTS

The total number of reflux episodes and proximal extent were not affected by PPI therapy. On PPI, there were fewer acid reflux episodes (49 +/- 34 off PPI vs 20 +/- 25 on PPI) while more weakly acidic reflux episodes were identified (24 +/- 17 off PPI vs 48 +/- 31 on PPI). Symptom association analysis identified 15 and 11 patients with a positive SAP in the measurement off and on PPI, respectively, the difference in yield of the SAP not being statistically significant. Eight of the 19 patients who had no symptoms or a negative SAP during measurement on PPI had a positive SAP off PPI therapy. In contrast, only 4 patients with a positive SAP on PPI were missed in the measurement off PPI therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to demonstrate or exclude GERD in patients with PPI-resistant symptoms, ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring should preferably be performed after cessation of PPI therapy because this approach seems to offer the best chance to assess a relationship between symptoms and reflux episodes.

Medical or surgical management of GERD patients with Barrett's esophagus: the LOTUS trial 3-year experience

INTRODUCTION

The long-term management of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not well supported by an evidence-based consensus. We compare treatment outcome in patients with and without BE submitted to standardized laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) or esomeprazole treatment.

METHODS

In the Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Antireflux Surgery trial (a European multicenter randomized study), LARS was compared with dose-adjusted esomeprazole (20-40 mg daily). Operative difficulty, complications, symptom outcomes [Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD)], and treatment failure at 3 years and pH testing (after 6 months) are reported.

RESULTS

Of 554 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, 60 had BE-28 randomized to esomeprazole and 32 to LARS. Very few BE patients on either treatment strategy (four of 60) experienced treatment failure during the 3-year follow-up. Esophageal pH in BE patients was significantly better controlled after surgical treatment than after esomeprazole (p = 0.002), although mean GSRS and QOLRAD scores were similar for the two therapies at baseline and at 3 years. Although operative difficulty was slightly greater in patients with BE than those without, there was no difference in postoperative complications or level of symptomatic reflux control.

CONCLUSION

In a well-controlled surgical environment, the success of LARS is similar in patients with or without BE and matches optimized medical therapy.

Systematic review: persistence and severity in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Management strategies for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often inconsistent with the proposition that it is a persistent or chronic disease.

AIM

To determine the persistence of reflux symptoms and complications associated with GERD.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Medline and EMBASE.

RESULTS

In longitudinal studies, 65% (95% CI 54-75%) of patients with complicated GERD and 70% (95% CI 57-83%) of patients with 'defined' GERD had persistent disease at follow-up, whereas 34% (95% CI 27-40%) with infrequent or mild reflux symptoms at baseline had persistent symptoms. Clinical trials of maintenance treatment for at least 6 months after healing of oesophagitis reported mean relapse rates of 75% (95% CI 68-82%) in patients taking placebo and 28% (95% CI 21-35%) in those taking proton pump inhibitors. Retrospective studies reported that 34-41% of individuals with GERD recalled experiencing their symptoms for >10 years. The prevalence of GERD is high (10-20%), whereas the incidence is low (4.5-19.6 cases per 1000 person-years), suggesting that GERD is likely to persist for at least 18 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with GERD have persistent reflux symptoms that merit management as a chronic disease; infrequent reflux symptoms are less likely to be chronic and may respond to different management strategies.

Efficacy and safety of omeprazole in Japanese patients with nonerosive reflux disease

BACKGROUND

There is increasing awareness of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) as a disease requiring treatment in Japan. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of omeprazole 10 mg and 20 mg once daily in Japanese patients with NERD.

METHODS

Patients with heartburn for at least 2 days a week during the month before entry into the study and no endoscopic signs of a mucosal break (grade M or N according to Hoshihara's modification of the Los Angeles classification) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (omeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg, or placebo) once daily for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Overall, 355 patients were enrolled, of whom 284 were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (omeprazole 10 mg, n = 96; omeprazole 20 mg, n = 93; placebo, n = 95). The rate of complete resolution of heartburn in week 4 was significantly higher in patients treated with omeprazole 10 mg [32.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 22.9%-41.6%] or 20 mg (25.8%, 95% CI, 16.9%-34.7%) than in the placebo group (12.0%, 95% CI, 5.3%-18.6%). No significant difference between the two omeprazole groups was observed. The rate of complete resolution of heartburn by omeprazole was similar between patients with grade M and those with grade N esophagus. Omeprazole also increased the rate of sufficient relief from heartburn. Omeprazole was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg once daily is effective and well tolerated in patients with NERD regardless of their endoscopic classification.

Heterogeneity of endoscopy negative heartburn: Epidemiology and natural history

It has now become clear that only about 40% or less of patients with heartburn and/or regurgitation have esophagitis, and that the majority of them lack visible distal esophageal mucosa breaks. These subjects are referred to as non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) patients. It has been estimated that in the Western world at least one tenth of the general population has at least weekly heartburn. This proportion seems to be lower in Asia, while prevalence is rapidly increasing. Although it would be extremely useful to have prospective information regarding the fate of such patients, the natural history of NERD is largely unknown, and very few studies in the literature have addressed this issue. These studies are for the greater part old, not well conducted, and suffer from methodological drawbacks including ill-defined entry criteria. However, a review of these studies indicates that a consistent minority of NERD patients may develop erosive disease at an approximate rate of about 10% per year.

Non-erosive and erosive gastroesophageal reflux diseases: No difference with regard to reflux pattern and motility abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with mild to moderate erosive esophagitis (ERD) is a more severe disease regarding the amount of acid reflux, motor abnormalities, and the presence/absence of hiatus hernia than non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 313 consecutive subjects referred for endoscopy, pH-metry, and esophageal manometry. The patients were divided into four groups: Group I (n=92), subjects without GERD with normal pH-metry, without esophagitis and without reflux symptoms; Group II (n=111), patients with NERD (no esophagitis, abnormal pH-metry); Group III (n=77), patients with mild to moderate ERD (LA A, B; abnormal pH-metry); Group IV (n=33), patients with severe or complicated esophagitis (LA C, D; Barrett's esophagus). All data are expressed as medians with 5th-95th percentiles.

RESULTS

No difference was found in the amount of acid reflux between patients with mild to moderate ERD and those with NERD. The DeMeester score was 34.5 (17-105) in NERD patients and 31.6 (15-102) in ERD patients. No significant differences were found between NERD and ERD patients regarding lower esophageal sphincter (LES) basal pressure (11.6 mmHg; 3-25 in NERD versus 10.7 mmHg; 3-22 in ERD). Similar proportions of patients with NERD and ERD had low LES basal pressure (20.7% in NERD versus 24.7% in ERD; NS) and hiatus hernia (44% and 56%; NS). A relatively high proportion of patients without GERD (Group I) had ineffective esophageal motility (39%) and hiatus hernia (30%).

CONCLUSIONS

No difference was found between NERD and mild to moderate ERD in terms of acid exposure time and esophageal motor abnormalities. To a certain extent, ERD is a "more complicated" form of the disease. Host factors related to a particular patient (e.g. mucosal defense, genetics, acid clearance) might be responsible for the development of esophagitis.

Mortality associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease and its non-malignant complications: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The mortality associated with malignant complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is well recognized. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the less well-examined mortality associated with GERD and its non-malignant complications, including esophageal erosions, ulcers, bleeding, perforation and strictures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Studies reporting mortality in GERD and its non-malignant complications were identified via systematic PubMed searches, and previously unpublished population mortality statistics from public access databases. RESULTS. Three countries were examined (USA, UK, Finland). Cohort studies (n=3) in the UK showed a 1.16- to 1.6-fold increase in risk of death in individuals with GERD compared with the general population, the majority of deaths being due to cardiac disease. Population data indicate that GERD and its likely esophageal complications were the cause of death in 685 and 521 cases, respectively, in the USA (year: 2003) (age-adjusted mortality: 2.3/million and 1.8/million, respectively), and in 36 and 349 cases, respectively, in England and Wales (2004) (0.6/million and 5.4/million, respectively). In Finland (2000), GERD-related mortality was 4.6/million. Mortality from GERD and its likely esophageal complications increased with age, and was between 1.2-fold and 1.8-fold higher in men than in women. Cohort studies in the USA are inconsistent on mortality risk associated with surgical therapy. Time-trend data suggest that mortality from GERD and its non-malignant complications has been increasing.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from Europe and the USA show that GERD and its non-malignant complications can on rare occasions cause death.

Validation of a survey methodology for gastroesophageal reflux disease in China

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a wide range of clinical symptoms and potentially serious complications, but epidemiological data about GERD in China are limited. The aim of this pilot study was to develop and validate a methodology for the epidemiological study of GERD in China.

METHODS

Regionally stratified, randomized samples of Shanghai residents (n = 919) completed Mandarin translations of the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ), GERD Impact Scale, Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Reliability and construct validity were tested by appropriate statistical analyses.

RESULTS

The response rate was 86%. The test-retest reliability coefficients for the RDQ, GERD Impact Scale, QOLRAD and SF-36 were 0.80, 0.71, 0.93 and 0.96, respectively, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.86, 0.80, 0.98 and 0.90, respectively. Dimension scores were highly correlated with the total scores for the QOLRAD and SF-36, and factor analysis showed credible construct validity for the RDQ, GERD Impact Scale and SF-36. The RDQ GERD score was significantly negatively correlated with QOLRAD dimensions of food and drink problems and social functioning, and was significantly negatively correlated with all dimensions of the SF-36. All eight of the SF-36 dimensions were significantly correlated with the QOLRAD total score.

CONCLUSION

This study developed and tested a successful survey methodology for the investigation of GERD in China. The questionnaires used demonstrated credible reliability and construct validity, supporting their use in larger epidemiological surveys of GERD in China.

Serum gastrin and pepsinogens do not correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Gastrin and pepsinogens reflect the functional state of the gastric mucosa.

AIM

To evaluate whether serum gastrin and pepsinogens correlate with the different grades of severity of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

In all, 388 patients with heartburn not taking any form of acid suppressive therapy were matched-controlled for age and gender and sub-classified into four groups: group 1 non-erosive reflux disease (NERD); group 2, erosive reflux disease (ERD) Los Angeles (LA) A and B, group 3, ERD LA C and D; group 4 Barrett's oesophagus (BO). Fasting serum was analysed for gastrin 17, pepsinogen I, pepsinogen II und Helicobacter pylori using specific EIA tests (GastroPanel; Biohit, Plc).

STATISTICS

Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference among the four groups with respect for pepsinogen I, but not for pepsinogen II, the pepsinogen I pepsinogen II ratio, H. pylori serology and gastrin levels. Pepsinogen I was the lowest in NERD and the highest in BO (median 91.6, mean +/- standard deviation 106.2 +/- 51.6 vs. median 114.7, mean +/- standard deviation 130.4 +/- 70.6; P = 0.046). Pepsinogen I levels were higher in H. pylori positive subjects. After adjusting for H. pylori status, the differences in pepsinogen I across patient groups were no longer statistically significant (P = 0.298).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum gastrin and pepsinogen I and II do not correlate with the different grades of severity of GERD. The non-invasive GastroPanel is not useful for the differentiation of the various forms of GERD.

Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and COPD in UK primary care

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms may be more common in patients with COPD than in control subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diagnoses of COPD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care.

METHODS

We used the UK General Practice Research Database to identify a cohort of patients with a first diagnosis of GERD (n = 4,391) and another cohort of patients with a first diagnosis of COPD (n = 1,628) during 1996, which we compared with age-matched and sex-matched comparison cohorts without either diagnosis. We calculated the incidence of a GERD diagnosis among the patients with COPD and control subjects, and of a COPD diagnosis among the patients with GERD and control subjects. We also calculated the relative risk (RR) estimates of these diagnoses using the Mantel-Haenszel test. Risks associated with medication use, comorbidities, and demographic and lifestyle factors were examined using a nested case-control analysis.

RESULTS

During the 5-year follow-up, the RR of an incident COPD diagnosis in patients with a diagnosis of GERD was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 to 1.49), while the RR of an incident GERD diagnosis among patients with a diagnosis of COPD was 1.46 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.78). A COPD diagnosis was associated with current or former smoking, prior diagnosis of asthma, or the use of asthma medication. A GERD diagnosis was associated with a prior diagnosis of ischemic heart disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a diagnosis of COPD are at a significantly increased risk of a diagnosis of GERD compared with individuals with no COPD diagnosis.

Proton pump inhibitors: an update of their clinical use and pharmacokinetics

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) represent drugs of first choice for treating peptic ulcer, Helicobacter pylori infection, gastrooesophageal reflux disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal lesions (complications), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

RESULTS

The available agents (omeprazole/esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole) differ somewhat in their pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., time-/dose-dependent bioavailability, metabolic pattern, interaction potential, genetic variability). For all PPIs, there is a clear relationship between drug exposure (area under the plasma concentration/time curve) and the pharmacodynamic response (inhibition of acid secretion). Furthermore, clinical outcome (e.g., healing and eradication rates) depends on maintaining intragastric pH values above certain threshold levels. Thus, any changes in drug disposition will subsequently be translated directly into clinical efficiency so that extensive metabolizers of CYP2C19 will demonstrate a higher rate of therapeutic nonresponse.

CONCLUSIONS

This update of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical data will provide the necessary guide by which to select between the various PPIs that differ-based on pharmacodynamic assessments-in their relative potencies (e.g., higher doses are needed for pantoprazole and lansoprazole compared with rabeprazole). Despite their well-documented clinical efficacy and safety, there is still a certain number of patients who are refractory to treatment with PPIs (nonresponder), which will leave sufficient space for future drug development and clinical research.

Histological assessment of oesophageal columnar mucosa

This review presents the pathological features of Barrett's oesophagus, with an emphasis on the role of pathologists in the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of the disease. The diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus is based both on endoscopy and histology. The surveillance of patients relies on systematic biopsy sampling, looking for dysplasia - intraepithelial neoplasia. Well established classifications of dysplasia are now used by pathologists, but there remain problems with this marker. Therefore, many alternative biomarkers have been proposed, that remain of limited interest in daily practice, including DNA-ploidy, proliferation markers, and p53 abnormalities. Endoscopic improvements already allow a better selection of biopsies, and it may be that new technologies will allow 'virtual biopsies'. The role of pathologists is now extended to the evaluation of new therapeutic modalities of early neoplastic lesions in Barrett's oesophagus, especially endoscopic mucosal resection.

Growth factors expression in patients with erosive esophagitis

Although the pathogenesis and treatment of erosive esophagitis (EE) is well recognized, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of mucosal healing in EE patients. In this pilot study, we enrolled typical EE patients to evaluate what kinds of growth factors and their receptors were activated in their injured esophageal mucosa. Forty endoscopically proved EE patients were consecutively enrolled. Messenger RNA expressions, which includes keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and its receptor (KGFR), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor (HGFR), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were compared between the injured EE mucosa and their normal esophageal mucosa above EE. The mRNA expressions of HGF, HGFR, EGF, VEGF, and COX-2, but not EGFR, KGF, KGFR, bFGF, and COX-1, were significantly increased in the injured mucosa of EE patients compared with those of normal mucosa (P < 0.05). The study found that HGF, HGFR, EGF, VEGF, and, COX-2 are activated in the injured mucosa of EE patients; their activation might be involved in mucosal repair and ulcer healing of EE.

Should patients with Barrett's oesophagus be kept under surveillance? The case for

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with high mortality rates and its incidence is increasing more rapidly than any other gastrointestinal cancer in the Western world. Several factors, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, smoking, alcohol and male gender, are associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma but none can be used to identify accurately those individuals who will develop adenocarcinoma. It is generally accepted that oesophageal adenocarcinoma arises predominantly in Barrett's oesophagus and it is arguable that Barrett's oesophagus is currently the only clinically useful predictor of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Surveillance - periodic testing to detect adenocarcinoma or its precursor, high grade dysplasia - is widely recommended for patients with Barrett's oesophagus with the aim of reducing mortality from oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The annual incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's oesophagus is 0.5%-1.0% although there is marked variation between studies, attributable variously to publication bias, concurrent acid suppression therapy and differences in patient characteristics. There is limited evidence that surveillance reduces the incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma or consequent mortality and the cause of death for patients undergoing surveillance is often unrelated to oesophageal disease. There are, nonetheless, observational studies which suggest that surveillance is associated with earlier detection of malignancy and a reduction in mortality; in addition, data from modelling studies suggest that surveillance can be cost-effective. Furthermore, the advent of new, non-surgical treatments (endoscopic mucosal resection, photodynamic therapy, argon plasma coagulation) for high grade dysplasia and early cancer has reduced the risks associated with therapy for disease detected during surveillance. Surveillance programs have high drop out rates and, for patients who continue surveillance, adherence to standard, published protocols is highly variable. The establishment of specialist Barrett's oesophagus surveillance programs, with coordinator support, has considerable potential to improve adherence to current guidelines, pending the acquisition and publication of data from ongoing studies of chemoprophylaxis and surveillance in the management of Barrett's oesophagus. In consequence, although there is a paucity of data providing unequivocal demonstration of benefit, there is no proof that surveillance is ineffective. It is, therefore, appropriate to offer surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus in accordance with locally-applicable published guidelines after a full informed discussion of the risks and benefits of surveillance and therapy; continued participation should be reviewed regularly to accommodate changes in the patient's health and expectations.

When and how to grade Barrett's columnar metaplasia: the Prague system

Barrett's oesophagus (BO), a well-known precursor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma has been generating a great deal of controversy. The initial step in diagnosing BO requires an accurate endoscopic recognition of the columnar lined oesophagus. A reliable diagnosis of BO depends on its effective endoscopic recognition based on the key anatomic landmarks, followed by histological sampling of the columnar-lined epithelium. Precise localisation of the gastrooesophageal junction is pivotal in the endoscopic diagnosis of BO. Multiple ad-hoc grading systems and terminologies of BO have been proposed based on the Z-line appearance, presence or absence of intestinal metaplasia, and the length of Barrett's segment. However, a universally accepted standardised endoscopic grading system of BO is lacking. The Prague C&M criteria, developed by a subgroup of the International Working Group for the Classification of Oesophagitis, are the first explicit, consensus-driven, clinically relevant criteria for the endoscopic recognition and grading of BO that may be useful in both clinical practice and research trials.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome: a significant association in an Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome are common diseases, which may be related.

AIM

To assess the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in a country with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori.

METHODS

This study was designed as cross-sectional and population-based in Tehran province, Iran. The participants were interviewed by using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was defined by weekly or more frequent heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Irritable bowel syndrome was diagnosed according to the Rome III. The association between these two disorders was calculated using a statistical model that allows the odds ratio (OR) to be measured.

RESULTS

A total of 6526 individuals were selected randomly, the response rate was 87.8%. Among the respondents, 178 (3.1%) participants reported both the diseases. The OR of having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome together was estimated to be 16.55 (95% confidence interval: 12.85-21.33) indicating significant association between the two diseases. Thirty-four percent of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and 61.5% with irritable bowel syndrome suffered from both diseases. Sex did not have a significant effect on the OR of coexistence. Older participants were statistically more prone to the coexistence of two diseases.

CONCLUSION

The association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome was significantly higher in our community compared with others. Their association occurs predominantly in older participants. Further studies for understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these two diseases are required.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Asia : birth of a 'new' disease?

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in the Western world and imposes a heavy burden on society. Although its prevalence in Asia is much lower, there is evidence that this is rapidly rising in Asia. The reported population prevalence of GORD in Eastern Asia ranges from 2.5% to 6.7% for at least weekly symptoms of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. In general, Asians tend to have a milder spectrum of the disease. Most Asian patients have non-erosive GORD; erosive oesophagitis is less commonly seen than in the Western population. Complicated GORD, such as oesophageal stricture and Barrett's oesophagus, is seldom encountered. The mechanisms of GORD may be different in the Chinese population compared with the Western population. Chest pain is the most predominant extra-oesophageal manifestation of GORD in China, whereas an association with asthma has been shown in Japanese patients. The prevalence of GORD appears to be increasing and possible factors for GORD in Asian populations include Helicobacterpylori infection, obesity and increasing dietary fat intake. The adoption of a Western lifestyle in many developing Asian countries may account for the increasing prevalence of GORD. Proton pump inhibitors remain the most effective medical treatment for GORD. GORD will undoubtedly be a great challenge to clinicians both in primary care and in gastroenterology practice in the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.

Gastroesophageal reflux-associated chronic cough in an adolescent and the diagnostic implications: a case report

A 15-year-old girl was referred with a 2-year history of perennial non-productive cough, which had been preceded by Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and subsequent asthma. Symptoms were only partially responsive to anti-asthma treatment including an inhaled corticosteroid and a leukotriene receptor antagonist. The patient's BMI was 27.8; she had gained over 10 kg in the previous two years. Typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were not evident except for belch. Coughing worsened on eating and rising from bed. Although esophagography failed to disclose reflux esophagitis, esophageal pH monitoring revealed significant acid reflux. Asthma was considered well controlled. Treatment with the proton-pump inhibitor rabeprazole resulted in disappearance of cough. Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) score, a questionnaire evaluating the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, was initially high but normalized after treatment. Capsaicin cough sensitivity also diminished with treatment.Chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease has been considered rare in adolescents, but this condition might be increasing in line with the recent trend in adults. Clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease-associated cough typical for adult patients and a specific questionnaire for evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease validated in adults may also be useful diagnostic clues in adolescents.

Tongue-like Barrett’s esophagus is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To test this hypothesis of barrett esophagus (BE) classified into two types and to further determine if there was any correlation between the shape of endoscopically suspected esophageal metaplasia (ESEM), prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) and heartburn.

METHODS: A total of 6504 Japanese who underwent endoscopy for their annual stomach check-up were enrolled in this study. BE was detected without histological confirmation that is ESEM. We originally classified cases of ESEM into 3 types based on its shape: Tongue-like (T type), Dome-like (D type) and Wave-like (W type) ESEM. The respective subjects were prospectively asked to complete questionnaires concerning the symptoms of heartburn, dysphagia, and abdominal pain for a one-month period.

RESULTS: ESEM was observed in 10.3% of 6504 subjects (ESEM < 1 cm, 9.4%; 1 cm ≤ ESEM < 3 cm, 1.7%; ESEM ≥ 3 cm, 0.5%). The frequency of ESEM was significantly higher in males compared with female subjects. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of heartburn and RE were significantly higher in the T type ESEM than in the W type ESEM (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The T type ESEM was strongly asso-ciated with reflux symptoms and RE whereas the W type ESEM was not associated with GERD.

The nonerosive reflux disease-gastroesophageal reflux disease controversy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To analyse the concept of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), examining its evolving definition and its relationship to reflux disease and functional gastrointestinal disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

The advent of the Montreal definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the Rome III definition of functional upper gastrointestinal disorders has refined the concept of NERD. The high prevalence of GERD symptoms and the strong overlap between GERD and irritable bowel syndrome is due to the influence of NERD. Subtle differences exist between patterns of acid exposure in NERD and erosive disease on pH testing. Symptom generation in NERD may be influenced by altered mucosal permeability. Improvements in endoscopic technology demonstrate esophageal mucosal changes in NERD which are not seen in controls. There is a general acknowledgement that the inferior symptomatic response to acid suppression reported in NERD is attributable, at least in part, to contamination of study populations by patients with functional heartburn.

SUMMARY

NERD is common and its definition continues to evolve. For the present, however, this should be considered to be heartburn with and without regurgitation due to gastroesophageal reflux in the absence of esophageal mucosal erosions. Future studies examining treatment response of GERD subgroups must exclude functional heartburn if NERD is to be properly understood.

Clinical trial design in adult reflux disease: a methodological workshop

BACKGROUND

The development of well-tolerated acid suppressant drugs has stimulated substantial growth in the number of trials assessing therapy options for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIM

To develop consensus statements to inform clinical trial design in adult patients with GERD.

METHODS

Draft statements were developed employing a systematic literature review. A modified Delphi process including three rounds of voting was used to reach consensus. Between voting, statements were revised based on feedback from the Working Group and additional literature reviews. The final vote was at a face-to-face meeting that included discussion time. Voting was conducted using a six-point scale.

RESULTS

At the last vote, 93% of the final 102 statements achieved consensus (defined a priori as being supported by >or=75% of the votes). The Working Group strongly supported the development of validated patient-reported outcome instruments. Symptom assessments carried out by the investigator were considered unacceptable. There was agreement that exclusion from clinical trials should be minimized to improve generalizability, that prospective evaluation ideally requires electronic timed/dated methods and that endoscopists should be blinded to patient symptom status.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the consensus statements will improve the quality and comparability of trials, and make them compatible with regulatory requirements.

Screening of Barrett's esophagus with string-capsule endoscopy: a prospective blinded study of 100 consecutive patients using histology as the criterion standard

BACKGROUND

The yield of wireless capsule endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not been compared with its true criterion standard, histology.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of string capsule endoscopy (SCE) for the screening of BE by using specialized intestinal metaplasia as the criterion standard.

DESIGN

Prospective, blinded, comparative study.

SETTING

Endoscopy unit, Veterans Affairs medical center.

PATIENTS

Patients with chronic reflux symptoms who were undergoing EGD for screening for BE.

INTERVENTIONS

SCE performed immediately before EGD.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The yield of SCE was compared with EGD for the visual and histologic diagnosis.

RESULTS

One hundred patients, 86 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 56.5 years. The sensitivity and the specificity of SCE for the visual diagnosis of BE were 78.3% and 82.8%, respectively, when compared with EGD; the kappa index was 0.676. The sensitivity and the specificity of SCE for the histologic diagnosis of BE were 93.5% and 78.7%, respectively, with a kappa index of 0.66. No complications occurred; the procedure was well tolerated, and 80% of the patients indicated that they would prefer SCE to EGD. A total of 4 capsules were used for the study.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with EGD, SCE had an acceptable sensitivity and specificity for the visual diagnosis of BE and compared favorably when histology was used as the criterion standard. SCE was safe and well tolerated, with a high patient's preference rate, and it may prove to be cost effective for the screening of this condition.

Effects of estrogen with and without progestin and obesity on symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND & AIMS

An association between female hormones and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may be modified by obesity is suggested but not proven. Factors affecting GERD progression, however, are largely unknown.

METHODS

At 40 US clinical centers, postmenopausal women with hysterectomy (n = 10,739) were randomly assigned to receive 0.625 mg/d of conjugated equine estrogens or placebo. Women without hysterectomy (n = 16,608) were randomly assigned to receive estrogen plus progestin, given as 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens/d plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/d, or placebo. We performed secondary analyses using data from these trials.

RESULTS

After 1 year, there was a trend toward a higher incidence of symptomatic GER among women randomly assigned to the estrogen treatment (4.2%) than with placebo (3.1%). The estrogen plus progestin treatment did not affect this risk. Neither treatment affected the progression of existing GER symptom. There was a dose-response association between baseline obesity, particularly as measured by waist circumference, with more than double the risk of incident symptomatic GER at 1 year among women with the largest waist circumference (>or=114 cm) compared with a normal waist circumference (70-80 cm). Weight gain at 1 year was associated with elevated risk of incident symptomatic GER. Weight loss at 1 year alleviated existing GER symptoms. No interaction between hormone therapy and obesity on symptomatic GER was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen treatment alone, but not with progestin, may cause GER symptoms in postmenopausal women. Increasing weight and girth increases the risk of developing GER symptoms, whereas weight loss alleviates existing GER symptoms. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00000611.

New developments in gastroesophageal reflux disease diagnosis and therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a highly prevalent chronic condition in Western populations. It has a profound effect on our society in terms of economic cost and quality of life. There have been major advances in understanding of disease pathogenesis over the last few years which are summarized in this article.

RECENT FINDINGS

With improved understanding of gastroesophageal reflux disease, newer developments in diagnostic techniques have evolved. The proton pump inhibitor test has been formally described as one of the initial diagnostic tests. Other new tests include multiple channel impedance monitoring, bilirubin reflux monitoring, Barostat measurements and intraluminal ultrasounds which, along with other newer technologies, are described in this review.

SUMMARY

The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease are complex and multifactorial. The lower esophageal sphincter pressure, the motility of the esophageal body and the stomach, the composition of the reflux material and the sensitivity or resistance of the esophageal mucosa to the reflux material are important factors involved in the pathogenesis of disease-related symptoms and lesions. Based on our improving understanding, novel diagnostic tools are available to improve investigation of the disease.

Does magnifying endoscopy improve the diagnosis of erosive esophagitis?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Low-grade erosive esophagitis (i.e. Los Angeles grade A) is the most predominant type of esophagitis in Japan. It is unclear whether all the mucosal breaks detected by conventional endoscopy are indicative of esophageal mucosal erosion. Hospital-based, cross-sectional, cross-over, observational study was assigned to investigate the value of magnifying endoscopy for diagnosis of erosive esophagitis.

METHODS

From August to December 2006, 178 consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were enrolled at three university hospitals and one national medical center in western Japan. Before endoscopy, all participants were requested to answer questionnaires concerning their symptoms. Experienced endoscopists performed an endoscopic diagnosis of each patient first with a conventional standard view and then with a magnifying view. Endoscopic diagnostic concordance between conventional and magnifying endoscopic view for erosive esophagitis was calculated. Relationship between a variety of symptoms and erosive esophagitis was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Erosive esophagitis was identified using conventional and magnifying endoscopy in 14.6% and 17.4% of patients, respectively. Eleven false-negative and six false-positive diagnoses using conventional endoscopy occurred among the 178 enrolled patients. The weighted kappa value of diagnostic concordance for erosive esophagitis between the two endoscopic views was 0.76. The prevalence of erosive esophagitis in patients with reflux-, dysmotility-, and ulcer-like symptoms was 20.7%, 24.1%, and 15.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnifying endoscopy did not significantly improve the diagnostic sensitivity of erosive esophagitis over non-magnifying, conventional endoscopy. Erosive esophagitis was frequently identified in patients that did not have reflux symptoms.

Mechanisms of heartburn

Heartburn is a typical symptom of GERD. The spectrum of diseases associated with GERD includes reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus and nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Although acid reflux is the classic cause of heartburn in patients with erosive esophagitis, the relationship between acid and heartburn is far from clear, especially in patients with NERD. Strong evidence exists that weakly acidic reflux and/or non-acid-related events have a significant role in the generation of heartburn. In addition to the role of nonacidic refluxate components, activation of mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors, and a possible role for central and peripheral sensitization, has been described. Although patients with erosive esophagitis respond well to acid-suppressive therapy, the same does not hold true for those with NERD. NERD represents a major clinical problem, and its management remains a challenge. Discussion of NERD focuses on the mechanisms that cause chest pain in this subgroup of patients. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis underlying heartburn in patients with GERD, in particular those with NERD, will shape our understanding of this condition. Such understanding will serve as a platform for further research and allow additional therapies to be developed for this increasingly encountered clinical condition.

Response rate and predictors of response in a short-term empirical trial of high-dose rabeprazole in patients with globus

BACKGROUND

Although the aetiology of globus (the sensation of a lump in the throat) remains unclear, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is associated with globus. A short-term trial with a high-dose proton pump inhibitor has been shown to be a sensitive tool for diagnosing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

AIM

To see whether patients with globus symptom responded to short-term high-dose rabeprazole trial and assess predictors of symptom response.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with globus symptom were analysed. Patients received rabeprazole 20 mg b.d. for 14 days. Patients completed a daily diary assessing the severity and frequency of globus.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (64%) were diagnosed clinically with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Based on the pH testing and endoscopy, the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was 22% (14 of 64). The globus symptom score was significantly higher in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease compared with patients without gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (P = 0.004). Two patients (3%) had complete resolution and 22 (34%) had more than a 50% improvement in the globus symptom score. Endoscopic findings (P = 0.714), pathological acid exposure on pH testing (P = 0.741) or baseline gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms (P = 0.606) were not associated with improvement of globus symptom.

CONCLUSION

While gastro-oesophageal reflux disease may be an aggravating factor in patients with globus, it does not appear to be the sole cause of globus symptom.

Systematic review: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dental lesions

BACKGROUND

Dental erosion (DE), which is the irreversible loss of tooth substance that does not involve bacteria ranging from a minimal loss of surface enamel to the partial or complete exposure of dentine by a chemical process, is acknowledged as an established extra-oesophageal manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the real impact of GERD in the genesis of this lesion remains unclear.

AIM

To review the existing literature to assess the relationship between DE and GERD.

METHODS

Studies that assessed the prevalence of DE in individuals with GERD or vice versa were identified in Medline and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register via a systematic research strategy.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies met the selection criteria. Studies, however, differed greatly as far as design, population methods of diagnosing GERD, duration of follow-up and, consequently, findings. The median prevalence of DE in GERD patients was 24%, with a large range (5-47.5%), and the median prevalence of GERD in DE adults patients was 32.5% (range: 21-83%) and in paediatric population 17% (range: 14-87%). Children with GERD are found by a majority of studies at increased risk of developing DEs in comparison with healthy subjects, as are intellectually disabled people.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows that there is a strong association between GERD and DE. The severity of DEs seems to be correlated with the presence of GERD symptoms, and also, at least in adults, with the severity of proximal oesophageal or oral exposure to an acidic pH. The inspection of the oral cavity in search for DEs should become a routine manoeuvre in patients with GERD.

Systematic review: health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Although gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a well-established pathophysiology, the impact of GERD symptoms on the patients' quality of life can be profound. Therefore, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires have become standard instruments to evaluate the effect of treatment in clinical trials.

AIM

To evaluate the reliability, validity and responsiveness of available GERD-specific HRQOL.

METHODS

A systematic literature search using the Medical Subject Headings terms: 'Gastro-oesophageal reflux', 'Heartburn' and 'Oesophagitis' with 'quality of life' and 'questionnaires' was preformed to identify the available HRQOL questionnaires. To analyse the psychometric properties of the respective tools, the actual guidelines for the use of patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials were applied.

RESULTS

We identified five GERD-specific HRQOL questionnaires but none of them fulfilled all quality criteria; either they did not meet the actual standards for psychometric properties (HBQOL, GERD-HRQL, Jasani et al.Aust Fam Physician 1999; 28: 515), or were impracticable to use in clinical trials. The generic and hybrid instruments lack specificity and sensitivity and were not designed for treatment evaluation in GERD patients.

CONCLUSION

There is need for a new evaluative tool in the assessment of HRQOL during GERD therapy.

Step-up and step-down approaches to treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

The single biggest change in the approach to treating pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in recent years has been the empiric use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for symptoms suspected to be those of GERD. In other words, PPIs have been used increasingly as a first-line concurrent diagnostic test and treatment before any investigation. Although this approach is useful for some patients, there are a number of caveats about its application to children. In general, these caveats are related to age per se (eg, infancy) and to age-related symptoms and severity of GERD itself. The most important caveats relate to the prescription of empiric PPI therapy in infants--which generally is to be avoided--and to how PPIs are used in older children--specifically, the advisability of empiric trials being of limited duration. Even in children with proven reflux esophagitis, GERD is not chronic and relapsing in all; thus, trials of therapy withdrawal are warranted. In light of many factors, including the burgeoning literature on potential risks of infections in acid-suppressed children and adults, caution with dose and duration of acid-suppressive drugs in children is urged. The role of antireflux surgery is also mentioned.

Strategy for treatment of nonerosive reflux disease in Asia

The paper is to review the clinical and pathophysiologic differences between of nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and reflux esophagitis (RE), and to propose a treatment strategy for NERD, especially for patients in Asia. A Medline search was performed regarding the clinical and pathophysiologic differences between NERD and RE, and treatment of NERD and RE. The characteristics of NERD patients in Asia are as follows: (1) high proportion of female patients, (2) low frequency of hiatal hernia, (3) high frequency of H pylori infection, (4) severe glandular atrophy of the gastric mucosa, and (5) frequent resistance to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. In Asian NERD patients, exposure of the esophagus to acid is not increased, and esophageal motility is normal. These characteristics are similar to those of patients in Western countries. Our recommended first-choice treatment is administration of PPI in combination with a prokinetic agent. However, at present, because there is limited evidence regarding effective treatments for NERD, it is best to try several different treatment strategies to find the best treatment for each patient.

Do gastrointestinal symptoms fluctuate in the short-term perspective? The Kalixanda study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Short-term fluctuation of gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population is largely unknown. We aimed to determine gastrointestinal symptom fluctuation in an random adult population using a validated questionnaire assessing gastrointestinal symptoms.

METHODS

A representative sample (n = 2,860) of the population (n = 21,610, 20-81 years of age; mean age 50.4 years) in Northern Sweden was studied. The subjects were asked to complete the questionnaire on two occasions [mean 2.5 months (range 1-6)], firstly via mail and secondly at a visit to the clinic. An upper endoscopy was performed after the last assessment of symptoms.

RESULTS

2,122 individuals (74.2%) completed the initial questionnaire; 1,001 of these (mean age 54.1 years, 48.8 males) completed the second questionnaire. On the first occasion, 40% of the subjects were symptom-free (20.2%) or could not be classified according to their symptom pattern, of those with symptoms 39% reported troublesome reflux symptoms, 40% dyspeptic symptoms and 30% irritable bowel symptoms. Symptom overlap occurred in more than two thirds of the subjects. At the second visit 75% of the subjects who had reported dyspeptic complaints still reported such complaints.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based study, gastrointestinal symptoms were common. Some symptom fluctuation occurred in the shorter term, but troublesome gastrointestinal complaints remained in approximately 90% of subjects over a 1-6-month period.

Clinical characteristics of asymptomatic esophagitis

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic esophagitis is not rare in gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, little attention has been given to this disease so far. We evaluated the clinical characteristics of patients with asymptomatic esophagitis and determined the factors associated with this disease.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed of 87 patients with esophagitis, aged 23 to 90 years, diagnosed by endoscopy. We assessed 12 clinical variables at the time of the endoscopy: symptoms, age, sex, severity of esophagitis (Los Angeles classification), grade of gastric mucosal atrophy, presence or absence of Barrett's epithelium and sliding hernia, alcohol, smoking, body-mass index (BMI), comorbid diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma, and medications such as calcium blocker and theophylline.

RESULTS

Most patients had grade A or B esophagitis; 64 patients were symptomatic, and the remaining 23 were asymptomatic. In a univariate analysis, the assessed variables sex, BMI, drinking, and smoking (habit and amount of consumption) were associated with asymptomatic esophagitis (P < 0.05). Then, multivariate logistic analysis performed using these four variables demonstrated that sex, BMI, and smoking (habit and number of cigarettes smoked daily) were significantly and in dependently associated with this disease (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, male sex, and lower BMI are independent factors associated with asymptomatic esophagitis. Since no information is available on the natural history of this disease, we should pay attention to patients with these characteristics.