Extraesophageal Symptoms and Diseases Attributed to GERD: Where is the Pendulum Swinging Now?

The Role of the Transdiaphragmatic Pressure Gradient (TGP) in the Pathophysiology of Proximal Reflux

INTRODUCTION

An increased transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient (TGP) is a main element for distal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The role of TGP for proximal reflux is still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the presence, severity, and importance of proximal reflux in relationship to the TGP, comparing healthy volunteers, obese individuals, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

We studied 114 individuals comprising 19 healthy lean volunteers, 47 obese individuals (mean body mass index 45 ± 7 kg/m²), and 48 patients with COPD. All patients underwent high-resolution manometry and dual-channel esophageal pH monitoring. Esophageal motility, thoracic pressure (TP), abdominal pressure (AP), TGP, DeMeester score, and % of proximal acid exposure time (pAET) were recorded.

RESULTS

Pathologic distal GERD was found in 0, 44, and 57% of the volunteers, obese, and COPD groups, respectively. pAET was similar among groups, only higher for obese individuals GERD + as compared to obese individuals GERD - and COPD GERD -. pAET did not correlate with any parameter in healthy individuals, but it correlated with AP in the obese, TP in the COPD individuals, and TGP and DeMeester score in both groups. When all individuals were analyzed as a total, pAET correlated with AP, TGP, and DeMeester score. DeMeester score was the only independent variable that correlated with pAET.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that (a) TGP is an important mechanism associated with distal esophageal acid exposure and this fact is linked with proximal acid exposure and (b) obesity and COPD both seem to be primary causes for GERD but not directly for proximal reflux.

Advances in the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifaceted disorder encompassing a family of syndromes attributable to, or exacerbated by, gastroesophageal reflux that impart morbidity, mainly through troublesome symptoms. Major GERD phenotypes are non-erosive reflux disease, GERD hypersensitivity, low or high grade esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, reflux chest pain, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and regurgitation dominant reflux. GERD is common throughout the world, and its epidemiology is linked to the Western lifestyle, obesity, and the demise of Helicobacter pylori. Because of its prevalence and chronicity, GERD is a substantial economic burden measured in physician visits, diagnostics, cancer surveillance protocols, and therapeutics. An individual with typical symptoms has a fivefold risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, but mortality from GERD is otherwise rare. The principles of management are to provide symptomatic relief and to minimize potential health risks through some combination of lifestyle modifications, diagnostic testing, pharmaceuticals (mainly to suppress or counteract gastric acid secretion), and surgery. However, it is usually a chronic recurring condition and management needs to be personalized to each case. While escalating proton pump inhibitor therapy may be pertinent to healing high grade esophagitis, its applicability to other GERD phenotypes wherein the modulating effects of anxiety, motility, hypersensitivity, and non-esophageal factors may dominate is highly questionable.

[Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-update 2021]

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a highly prevalent disease, is defined by troublesome symptoms and/or oesophageal lesions caused by reflux of gastric content. A diagnostic gold standard does not exist. A reliable diagnosis may be difficult in individual cases. Patients' history, endoscopic findings and pH-impedance monitoring contribute to the evaluation of gastro-oesophageal reflux and its consequences. High-resolution manometry may add important information on the pathophysiology of the disease and may help to rule out motility disorders as the leading cause of the symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the drugs of first choice. In patients with insufficient PPI response, optimization of PPI therapy and/or combination with drugs having another mechanism of action are the available options. If PPIs are not sufficiently effective, not tolerated, or not wished antireflux procedures may be offered in specialized centers taking pathophysiological data into account.

A SIGE-SINGEM-AIGO technical review on the clinical use of esophageal reflux monitoring

Patients with esophageal symptoms potentially associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or cough represent one of the most frequent reasons for referral to gastroenterological evaluation. The utility of esophageal reflux monitoring in clinical practice is: (1) to accurately define reflux burden, (2) to segregate patients according to reflux monitoring results as true GERD, reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn, and (3) to establish a treatment plan. With this in mind, in the last decade, investigations and technical advances, with the introduction of impedance-pH monitoring and wireless pH capsule, have enhanced our understanding and management of GERD. The following recommendations were discussed and approved after a comprehensive review of the medical literature pertaining to reflux testing techniques and their recent application. This review created under the auspices of the Società Italiana di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva (SIGE), Società Italiana di Neuro-Gastro-Enterologia e Motilità (SINGEM) and Associazione Italiana Gastroenterologi ed Endoscopisti Digestivi Ospedalieri (AIGO) is intended to help clinicians in applying reflux studies in the most fruitful manner within the context of their patients with esophageal symptoms.

Efficacy of a high-dose proton pump inhibitor in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a single center, randomized, open-label trial

Background

The extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more difficult to manage than the typical symptoms. The efficacy of high-dose and standard-dose proton pump inhibitors against these atypical symptoms is not yet established.

Methods

In this single center, randomized, open-label study, patients with GERD received rabeprazole for 8 weeks, either 20 mg once daily (standard-dose group) or 20 mg twice daily (high-dose group). Patients were assessed before treatment and at weeks 4 and 8 with a 5-graded scale questionnaire consisting of 2 typical symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) and 8 atypical symptoms (chest pain, cough, globus, wheezing, laryngopharyngitis, hoarseness, belching, and dysphagia). Sufficient improvement of reflux symptoms was defined as ≥50% reduction from the initial questionnaire score.

Results

Final analyses included 35 patients in the standard-dose group and 38 patients in the high-dose group. The rate of sufficient improvement for typical symptoms was significantly higher in the high-dose group than in the standard-dose group (100.0% vs. 84.0%, P = 0.040). For atypical symptoms, the rate of sufficient improvement tended to be higher in the high-dose group than in the standard-dose group (82.4% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.087). Scores of typical and some atypical symptoms (cough and globus) improved after treatment, with significant inter-group differences in time-course changes.

Conclusions

High-dose rabeprazole is more effective for relieving typical GERD symptoms and some atypical symptoms such as cough and globus than a standard-dose regimen.

Trial registration

This research was enrolled in a registry of clinical trials run by United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results system ID: NCT04001400). This study was registered on June 26, 2019 - Retrospectively registered.

Extraesophageal syndrome of gastroesophageal reflux: relationships with lung disease and transplantation outcome

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent and may be associated with both esophageal and extraesophageal syndromes, which include various pulmonary conditions. GERD may lead to pulmonary complications through the "reflux" (aspiration) or "reflex" (refluxate-triggered, vagally mediated airway spasm) mechanisms. While GERD may cause or worsen pulmonary disorders, changes in respiratory mechanics due to lung disease may also increase reflux. Typical esophageal symptoms are frequently absent and objective assessment with reflux monitoring is often needed for diagnosis. Impedance monitoring should be considered in addition to traditional pH study due to the involvement of both acidic and weakly acidic/nonacidic reflux. Antireflux therapy may improve outcomes of some pulmonary complications of GERD, although careful selection of a candidate is paramount to successful outcomes. Further research is needed to identify the optimal testing strategy and patient phenotypes that would benefit from antireflux therapy to improve pulmonary outcomes.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Atypical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux and atypical manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease have a high economic and social burden in the United States. There is increasing research supporting the reflex theory and hypersensitivity syndrome underlying this disease pathophysiology. Novel diagnostic biomarkers have gained more traction in the search for a more reliable diagnostic tool, but further research is needed. Current standard-of-care treatment relies on proton pump inhibitor therapy. Antireflux surgery is usually not recommended. Neuromodulators and treatments targeting specific neuronal receptors are discussed. A diagnostic algorithm is proposed for the evaluation of laryngeal symptoms suspected to be related to extraesophageal reflux disease.

Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Mucosal Immunity and Atopic Disorders

Atopic disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are some of the most common medical conditions treated by primary care physicians and specialists alike. The observation that atopic disorders, like asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, food allergies, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis are common comorbidities in patients with GERD raises the question of the nature of the relationship that may exist between GERD and atopic disorders. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of GERD, its effect on the immune system, the effect of acid-blocking medications on allergic responses, as well as several common atopic conditions that have been associated with GERD including asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD), contact dermatitis (CD), food allergies, proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-responsive esophageal eosinophilia (PPI-REE), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). In each condition, the evidence of a causal link is not definitive. Although the relationship between asthma and GERD remains controversial, evidence suggests that a subset of asthma patients with documented GERD may experience improved asthma control following appropriate treatment of GERD. The relationship of GERD to allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis is weak; however, studies support the concept that treatment of frequent episodes of GERD can have a positive effect on rhinitis and sinusitis overall. The relationship between allergic sensitization and GERD is likely bidirectional. GERD may induce changes in the mucosal immune system that may favor the development of food allergy and allergic sensitization to aeroallergens; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been established.

Upper Endoscopy in Patients with Extra-Oesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Multicentre Study

Background

There are no evidence-based recommendations for performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) in patients with extra-oesophageal symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, UGIEs are often performed in clinical practice in these patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal lesions in patients with atypical GORD symptoms.

Methods

Patients complaining of at least one extra-oesophageal GORD symptom and undergoing UGIE in seven centres were prospectively enrolled. Clinically relevant lesions (Barrett's oesophagus, erosive oesophagitis, gastric precancerous conditions, peptic ulcer, cancer, and H. pylori infection) were statistically compared between groups regarding GORD symptoms (atypical vs. both typical and atypical), type of atypical symptoms, age, and presence of hiatal hernia.

Results

Two hundred eleven patients were enrolled (male/female: 74/137; mean age: 55.5 ± 14.7 years). Barrett's oesophagus was detected in 4 (1.9%), erosive oesophagitis in 12 (5.7%), gastric precancerous conditions in 22 (10.4%), and H. pylori infection in 38 (18%) patients. Prevalence of clinically relevant lesions was lower in patients with only atypical GORD symptoms (28.6 vs. 42.5%; p = 0.046; χ² test), in patients ≤50 years (20 vs. 44.8%; p = 0.004; χ² test), and in those in ongoing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy (21.1 vs. 40.2%; p = 0.01; χ² test). No clinically relevant lesions were detected in patients ≤50 years, without alarm symptoms, and receiving PPI therapy. Hiatal hernia was diagnosed in only 6 patients with cardiologic and in 41 patients with ear-nose-throat symptoms (11.3 vs. 35.1%; p = 0.03; χ² test).

Conclusions

Clinically relevant lesions are uncommon among young (≤50 years) patients with extra-oesophageal GORD symptoms. Hiatal hernia is not more prevalent in patients with cardiologic symptoms and suspicion of GORD. The usefulness of UGIE in these patients is questionable.

Bidirectional Association Between GERD and Asthma: Two Longitudinal Follow-Up Studies Using a National Sample Cohort

BACKGROUND

A relation between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma has been suggested; however, causality has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to delineate the causal relation between GERD and asthma.

METHODS

Participants of the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort 2002-2013 who were ≥20 years old were selected for this study. In study I, 116,502 patients with GERD were matched in a 1:2 ratio to 233,004 control I participants, and the hazard ratio (HR) of asthma in patients with GERD was analyzed. In study II, 104,146 patients with asthma were matched in a 1:1 ratio to 104,146 control II participants, and the HR for GERD in patients with asthma was analyzed. A stratified Cox-proportional hazards model was used. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex.

RESULTS

In study I, 12.5% (14,595 of 116,502) of the GERD group and 7.8% (18,135 of 233,004) of the control I group presented asthma (P < .001). The GERD group demonstrated a 1.46-fold higher HR for asthma than the control I group (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42-1.49, P < .001). In study II, 16.9% (17,582 of 104,146) of the asthma group and 11.9% (12,393 of 104,146) of the control II group presented GERD (P < .001). The asthma group showed a 1.36-fold higher HR for GERD than the control II group (95% CI = 1.33-1.39, P < .001). All age and sex subgroups presented consistent results.

CONCLUSION

GERD and asthma had a bidirectional relation in the study population.

Updates in the field of non-esophageal gastroesophageal reflux disorder

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent conditions in Western Countries, normally presenting with heartburn and regurgitation. Extra-esophageal (EE) GERD manifestations, such as asthma, laryngitis, chronic cough and dental erosion, represent the most challenging aspects from diagnostic and therapeutic points of view because of their multifactorial pathogenesis and low response to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). In fact, in the case of EE, other causes must by preventively excluded, but instrumental methods, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and laryngoscopy, have low specificity and sensitivity as diagnostic tools. In the absence of alarm signs and symptoms, empirical therapy with a double-dose of PPIs is recommended as a first diagnostic approach. Subsequently, impedance-pH monitoring could help to define whether the symptoms are GERD-related. Areas covered: This article reviews the current literature regarding established and proposed EE-GERD, reporting on all available options for its correct diagnosis and therapeutic management. Expert opinion: MII-pH could help to identify a hidden GERD that causes EE. Unfortunately, standard MII-pH analysis results are often unable to define this association. New parameters such as the mean nocturnal baseline impedance and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index may have an improved diagnostic yield, but prospective studies using impedance-pH are needed.

New classifications of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an improvement for patient management?

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common and often debilitating disease. In the broad spectrum of GERD phenotypes, three main groups may be traditionally distinguished: 1) patients only affected by esophageal and/or extra-esophageal symptoms; 2) patients with erosive esophagitis and 3) patients with further complications. Areas covered: This review provides an overview on the current classifications of GERD patients, and their impact on their management. Expert opinion: In 2017, the GERD Consensus Working Group focused the attention on patients unresponsive to PPIs. In this scenario, a diagnosis of GERD might be confirmed by evident signs of erosive esophagitis and the finding of pH or multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH tests, such as more than 6%. The 'Lyon Consensus' panel of experts confirmed that positive indices of reflux-symptom association, without other altered parameters, represent reflux hypersensitivity. GERD requires a customized management; it is crucial to assess frequency and severity of symptoms and their response to an optimal course of therapy as well as to explore the endoscopic alterations and consider other diagnoses responsible for persistent symptoms.

Studies of salivary pepsin in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is difficult to diagnose without invasive testing. Peptest (RD Biomed, Hull, UK) is a recently marketed diagnostic tool which aims to quantify salivary pepsin as a marker of reflux, providing a rapid alternative to invasive procedures.

AIM

To evaluate optimal timing for sampling, and to evaluate the accuracy of Peptest against an independent measure.

METHODS

Thirty diagnosed GERD patients (12 female, mean age 49 [range 20-72]) and 20 asymptomatic subjects (14 female, mean age 56 [range 21-56]) were subject to diurnal saliva sampling, with additional samples for 60 minutes following self-reported reflux symptoms and triggering of a proximal reflux alarm. Saliva samples were split and were analysed by both Peptest and ELISA with operators for each blinded to sample identity.

RESULTS

Salivary pepsin was detectable in most patients and most volunteers. Peptest scores were significantly lower for patients than controls (P < 0.005). ELISA scores showed no difference between patients and controls. There was no effect of diurnal sampling time (P = 0.75) or time after symptoms (P = 0.76) on Peptest readout. There was no correlation between Peptest and Pepsin ELISA (P = 0.55); Bland-Altman analysis suggested no agreement between the tests (P = 0.414). Receiver-operator curve suggests that neither Peptest (P = 0.3328) nor pepsin (P = 0.4476) is useful for predicting GERD.

CONCLUSION

Salivary pepsin is not a reliable tool for the diagnosis of GERD.

Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 2018

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Korea, and physicians, including surgeons, have been focusing on its treatment. Indeed, in Korea, medical treatment using a proton pump inhibitor is the mainstream treatment for GERD, while awareness of surgical treatment is limited. Accordingly, to promote the understanding of surgical treatment for GERD, the Korean Anti-Reflux Surgery Study Group published the Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for the Surgical Treatment of GERD. The guideline consists of 2 sections: fundamental information such as the definition, symptoms, and diagnostic tools of GERD and a recommendation statement about its surgical treatment. The recommendations presented 5 debates regarding fundoplication: 1) comparison of the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments, 2) effectiveness of surgical treatment in cases of refractory GERD, 3) effectiveness of surgical treatment of extraesophageal symptoms, 4) comparison of effectiveness between total and partial fundoplication, and 5) effectiveness of fundoplication in cases of hiatal hernia. The present guideline is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of the surgical treatment GERD in Korea.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of refractoriness to optimal proton pump inhibitor therapy in non-erosive reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The real size of the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) population not responding to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy has still not been fully elucidated. Causes of PPI refractoriness include incorrect diagnosis and lack of adherence to therapy, in terms of incorrect dosage and timing.

AIMS

To evaluate the prevalence of refractoriness to optimal PPI therapy and the contribution of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity, and functional heartburn, to PPI refractoriness. The association of functional GI symptoms in non-responders was evaluated.

METHODS

Frequency and severity of GERD symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain), dysphagia, belching, epigastric pain, postprandial distress, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), globus, and ear nose and throat (ENT) symptoms were evaluated in patients previously classified as non-responders. Patients with at least one of the oesophageal symptoms with a frequency ≥3 /week were treated with esomeprazole 40 mg once daily for 8 weeks and then re-evaluated. Non-responders (patients with oesophageal symptoms ≥3 times per week) underwent 24 hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring.

RESULTS

Of 573 consecutive patients, 92 with oesophageal symptoms and classified as PPI-refractory underwent the esomeprazole trial; 60 did not respond. IBS, epigastric pain, and post-prandial distress episodes were associated with a poor response on multivariate analysis. NERD, reflux hypersensitivity, and functional heartburn patients constituted 32%, 42%, and 26%, respectively of the PPI-refractory group.

CONCLUSIONS

True refractoriness in patients with GERD symptoms attending a secondary care setting is lower than previously reported. Following a careful history and optimal PPI dosing, the rate of refractoriness was 20%. True NERD constitutes only a third of the PPI-refractory group.