Psychological factors in gastroesophageal reflux disease measured by scl-90-R questionnaire

Bidirectional correlation between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep problems are highly prevalent among the general population. Both them are associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, which is highlighting an underexplored connection between them. This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between sleep problems and GERD.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords, covering articles from the inception of the databases until August 2023. Stata statistical software, version 14.0, was utilized for all statistical analyses. A fixed-effects model was applied when p > 0.1 and I2 ≤ 50%, while a random-effects model was employed for high heterogeneity (p < 0.1 and I2 > 50%). Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias.

Results

Involving 22 studies, our meta-analysis revealed that insomnia, sleep disturbance, or short sleep duration significantly increased the risk of GERD (OR = 2.02, 95% CI [1.64-2.49], p < 0.001; I2 = 66.4%; OR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.58-2.50], p < 0.001, I2 = 50.1%; OR = 2.66, 95% CI [2.02-3.15], p < 0.001; I2 = 62.5%, respectively). GERD was associated with an elevated risk of poor sleep quality (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.47-1.79], p < 0.001, I2 = 72.4%), sleep disturbance (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.24-1.74], p < 0.001, I2 = 71.6%), or short sleep duration (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.12-1.21], p < 0.001, I2 = 0).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis establishes a bidirectional relationship between four distinct types of sleep problems and GERD. The findings offer insights for the development of innovative approaches in the treatment of both GERD and sleep problems.

The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Stress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1200 individuals (age ranged 18-70 years, mean 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years], 46.1% males), were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included a country-validated GERD symptom screening tool, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used to assess GERD symptoms and stress. Probable GERD was defined as those having heartburn and/ or regurgitation at least once per week which is on par with globally accepted criteria. Those who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls.

RESULTS

PSS score was higher in those with probable GERD (mean 13.75 [standard deviation (SD) 6.87]) than in controls (mean 10.93 [SD 6.80]), (p <0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The adjusted odds ratio for GERD symptoms was 1.96 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.50-2.55) in the moderate to high-stress level compared to the low-stress level participants. PSS score correlated significantly with the GERD screening tool score (R 0.242, p <0.001). Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, and burping were significantly frequent in those with moderate to high-stress levels (p <0.001). Those with higher stress scores were more likely to use acid-lowering drugs (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals exposed to higher levels of stress are more likely to have GERD symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction should be an important part of GERD symptom management.

Effect Modification of Cortisol on the Associations Between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms on Suicidality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) and suicidal ideation (SI) are common in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study investigated the associations of OCS and serum cortisol levels with SI, and further evaluated the possible modifying effects of cortisol on the associations between OCS and SI in acute and chronic phases of ACS.

METHODS

In total, 969 ACS patients were recruited from a tertiary university hospital in Korea within 2 weeks of disease onset and evaluated in terms of OCS (using the OCS dimension of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised), serum cortisol levels, and SI (using the "suicidal thoughts" item of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale). Covariates included sociodemographics, depression, vascular risk factors, and disease severity. After 1 year, 711 patients were re-evaluated in terms of SI. Logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for covariates.

RESULTS

Higher OCS was significantly associated with SI both at baseline and follow-up. Serum cortisol showed no such association, but modified the association between OCS and SI. That was the associations were significant only in the higher but not in the lower serum cortisol levels, with significant interaction terms after adjusted for relevant covariates.

CONCLUSION

Evaluating OCS and serum cortisol levels at the acute phase could improve the accuracy of clinical predictions of SI both in the acute and chronic phases of ACS.

Maladaptive Personality Traits and 10-Year Course of Psychiatric and Medical Symptoms and Functional Impairment Following Trauma

Background

Personality is a major predictor of many mental and physical disorders, but its contributions to illness course are understudied.

Purpose

The current study aimed to explore whether personality is associated with a course of psychiatric and medical illness over 10 years following trauma.

Methods

World Trade Center (WTC) responders (N = 532) completed the personality inventory for DSM-5, which measures both broad domains and narrow facets. Responders' mental and physical health was assessed in the decade following the WTC disaster during annual monitoring visits at a WTC Health Program clinic. Multilevel modeling was used in an exploratory manner to chart the course of health and functioning, and examine associations of maladaptive personality domains and facets with intercepts (initial illness) and slopes (course) of illness trajectories.

Results

Three maladaptive personality domains-negative affectivity, detachment and psychoticism-were uniquely associated with initial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); detachment and psychoticism were also associated with initial functional impairment. Five facets-emotional lability, anhedonia, callousness, distractibility and perceptual dysregulation-were uniquely associated with initial mental and physical health and functional impairment. Anxiousness and depressivity facets were associated with worse initial levels of psychiatric outcomes only. With regard to illness trajectory, callousness and perceptual dysregulation were associated with the increase in PTSD symptoms. Anxiousness was associated with greater persistence of respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions

Several personality domains and facets were associated with initial levels and long-term course of illness and functional impairment in a traumatized population. Results inform the role of maladaptive personality in the development and maintenance of chronic mental-physical comorbidity. Personality might constitute a transdiagnostic prognostic and treatment target.

Association between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Long-Term Cardiac Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Effects of Depression Comorbidity and Treatment

OBJECTIVE

The role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not well elucidated. This study investigated the association between OCS and the long-term prognosis of ACS in tandem with depression comorbidity and treatment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional baseline study and a nested 24-week double-blind escitalopram-placebo controlled trial were carried out between May 2007 and March 2013, and then a 5-12-year follow-up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was conducted. A total of 1,152 patients with ACS were stratified by baseline depression comorbidity and treatment allocation into four groups: no depression (706 patients), depression and taking escitalopram (149 patients), depression and taking a placebo (151 patients), and depression and receiving medical care as usual (CAU; 146 patients). OCS were evaluated using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised Obsessive-Compulsive symptom domain. During the follow-up, Kaplan-Meier event rates for MACE outcomes were calculated, and hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression models after adjusting for a range of covariates.

RESULTS

A higher OCS score at baseline was associated with a worse ACS prognosis after adjusting for relevant covariates and across MACE outcomes. This association varied according to the depression comorbidity. The association was significant in patients without depression and depressive patients receiving placebos and CAU, but not in depressive patients on escitalopram.

CONCLUSION

Evaluating OCS and depression is recommended during the early phase of ACS. Treatment for OCS may improve the longterm cardiac outcomes of patients with ACS.

Lifestyle intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a national multicenter survey of lifestyle factor effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease in China

BACKGROUND

Poor habits can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reduce treatment efficacy. Few large-scale studies have examined lifestyle influences, particularly eating habits, on GERD in China, and research related to eating quickly, hyperphagia, and eating hot foods is quite limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between GERD pathogenesis and lifestyle factors to produce useful information for the development of a clinical reference guide through a national multicenter survey in China.

METHODS

Symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires included 19 items were designed. The questionnaire results were subjected to correlation analysis relative to GERD symptom onset. A standard proton pump inhibitor (PPI) was advised to correct patients with unhealthful lifestyle habits.

RESULTS

A total of 1518 subjects (832 GERD, 686 non-GERD) enrolled from six Chinese hospitals completed symptom and lifestyle/habit questionnaires. The top lifestyle factors related to GERD were fast eating, eating beyond fullness, and preference for spicy food. Univariate analysis showed that 21 factors, including male gender, a supra-normal body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking alcohol, fast eating, eating beyond fullness, eating very hot foods, and drinking soup, among others, were associated with GERD (p < 0.05). Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed the following risk factors for GERD [with odds ratios (ORs)]: fast eating (4.058), eating beyond fullness (2.849), wearing girdles or corsets (2.187), eating very hot foods (1.811), high BMI (1.805), lying down soon after eating (1.544), and smoking (1.521). Adjuvant lifestyle interventions improved outcomes over medication alone (z = -8.578, p < 0.001 Mann-Whitney rank sum test).

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle interventions can improve medication efficacy in GERD patients. Numerous habits, including fast eating, eating beyond fullness, and eating very hot foods, were associated with GERD pathogenesis. The present results may be useful as a reference for preventive education and treatment.

Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease Shadowing Anxiety Disorder Causing Prolonged Exposure to Proton Pump Inhibitor

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the general population. The relationship between dyspepsia and particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety is poorly defined. However, GERD was noted to be strongly associated and often coincident in onset with generalized anxiety disorder in the community. In this paper, we report the case of an adult man who presented with severe weight loss and underlying GERD, and was later found to have an anxiety disorder as the cause of both.

Impact of psychiatric disorders on patient satisfaction after Nissen Fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression have been associated with an increased perception of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, but there is a paucity of data regarding the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) in this patient population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study including all patients undergoing LNF between 2011 and 2017. Patients were stratified by baseline usage of serotonin-modulating medication or benzodiazepines as a proxy for depression and anxiety, respectively. Outcome measures included postoperative gastroesophageal health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scores and overall satisfaction rates after surgery. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The population consisted of 271 patients of which 103 patients had depression and 44 patients had anxiety. Patients with depression reported no significant difference in pre- or postoperative GERD-HRQL scores compared to patients without depression and long-term satisfaction rates after surgery were similar in both groups at 76% vs 71%, respectively (p = 0.55). Patients with anxiety reported higher baseline HRQL scores (34 vs. 29, p = 0.05). At long-term follow-up (15 months), patients with anxiety reported slightly worse HRQL scores compared to controls (7 vs. 4, p = 0.11) despite no difference in usage of anti-acid medications or need for endoscopic dilations between the two groups. Patients with anxiety were less likely to report being "satisfied" after surgery (40% vs. 71%, p = 0.01) compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Patients with anxiety have higher subjective reporting of GERD symptoms and are more likely to report being "satisfied" during long-term follow-up after LNF. Patients on medication for depression appear to have similar reporting of GERD symptoms and derive as much benefit from LNF as patients that are not. While LNF does improve the symptom burden in patients with anxiety, satisfaction is rarely achieved in long-term follow-up.

The psychological results of 438 patients with persisting GERD symptoms by Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire

Persisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms affect mental state and social activities and mental disorders likewise play a crucial role on GERD symptoms. The aim of this study was to analyze the data of Symptom Checklist by 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire in patients with persisting GERD symptom and to explore the impact of psychological factors on them.The patients accepted SCL-90-R questionnaire survey, following endoscopy, high-resolution manometry (HRM) and ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring. Based on these results, we divided patients into different groups. The result of SCL-90-R was also compared by degree of acid reflux, symptoms, symptom duration, and gender.The data from 438 patients were analyzed. All patients were divided into reflux esophagitis (RE) (63, 14.38%); nonerosive gastroesophageal disease (NERD) (106, 24.20%); functional heartburn (FH) (123, 28.08%), and hypersensitive esophagus (HE) (67, 15.29%); depression (DES) (5, 1.14%); hypertensive (10, 3.42%); weak peristalsis (14, 3.20%); achalasia (50, 11.42%). There were significant differences between varied groups judging by DEP, anxiety (ANX), paranoia ideation (PAR), psychoticism (PSY), and global severity index (GSI) domains (all P < .05). The patients with ≥2 years symptom duration presented more scores in DEP, ANX, and PSY (all P < .05). Compared to typical symptoms (n = 185), GERD typical plus atypical symptoms (n = 253) had higher scores of somatization (SOM), ANX, PSY and GSI (all P < .05). Women were found to have significantly higher scores than men in all domains (all P < .05).Our results find significant differences between varied patients with different diagnosis in DEP, ANX, PAR, PSY domains, and GSI. Long symptom duration, typical plus atypical symptoms, and female are more risky for psychological disorders.

Investigating the Role of Salivary Cortisol on Vocal Symptoms

PURPOSE

We investigated whether participants who reported more often occurring vocal symptoms showed higher salivary cortisol levels and if such possible associations were different for men and women.

METHOD

The participants (N = 170; men n = 49, women n = 121) consisted of a population-based sample of Finnish twins born between 1961 and 1989. The participants submitted saliva samples for hormone analysis and completed a web questionnaire including questions regarding the occurrence of 6 vocal symptoms during the past 12 months. The data were analyzed using the generalized estimated equations method.

RESULTS

A composite variable of the vocal symptoms showed a significant positive association with salivary cortisol levels (p < .001). Three of the 6 vocal symptoms were significantly associated with the level of cortisol when analyzed separately (p values less than .05). The results showed no gender difference regarding the effect of salivary cortisol on vocal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive association between the occurrence of vocal symptoms and salivary cortisol levels. Participants with higher cortisol levels reported more often occurring vocal symptoms. This could have a connection to the influence of stress on vocal symptoms because stress is a known risk factor of vocal symptoms and salivary cortisol can be seen as a biomarker for stress.

Psychological Results of 438 Patients with persisting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms by Symptom Checklist 90-Revised Questionnaire

Aims and objectives:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects mental state and social activities. On the contrary, mental disorders may also play a crucial role in GERD symptoms. The purpose of the study was to analyze the data of Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire from patients with persisting GERD and to explore the impact of psychological factors on them.

Materials and methods:

The patients accepted SCL-90-R questionnaire survey, following endoscopy, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring. Based on these results, we divided patients into different groups. The result of SCL-90-R was also compared with degree of acid reflux, symptoms, symptom duration, and gender.

Results:

The data from 438 patients were analyzed. All patients were divided into reflux esophagitis (RE; 63, 14.38%); nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD; 106, 24.20%); functional heartburn (FH; 123, 28.08%), hypersensitive esophagus (HE; 67, 15.29%), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES; 5: 1.14%), hypertensive (10, 3.42%); weak peristalsis (14, 3.20%); achalasia (50, 11.42%). There were significant differences between different groups regarding depression (DEP), anxiety (ANX), paranoid ideation (PAR), and psychoticism (PSY). The patients with ≥2 years with GERD presented with increased scores in DEP, ANX, and PSY. Women had dramatically higher scores than men in each domain (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Data have shown that GERD patients exhibit differential levels of psychological symptoms. Long duration of GERD was related to typical plus atypical symptoms and females seem to be more prone to develop psychological disorders.

How to cite this article: Chen X, Li P, Wang F, Ji G, Miao L, You S. Psychological Results of 438 Patients with persisting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms by Symptom Checklist 90-Revised Questionnaire. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(2):117-121.

Esophageal chemical clearance and baseline impedance values in patients with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis and gastro-esophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The factors influencing new markers of gastro-esophageal reflux disease detected by impedance-pH monitoring - mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index - need to be evaluated.

AIM

To compare endoscopy-negative heartburn with chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis (CAAG).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

24 patients with CAAG, 25 with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 25 with functional heartburn (FH) were included. In all patients the main impedance-pH monitoring parameters were calculated.

RESULTS

CAAG and NERD patients had a number of reflux events (non-acid ones being more common among the former group) which was higher than that found in FH (p<0.001). MNBI decreased progressively in FH (>3000Ohm), CAAG (>2000Ohm) and NERD (<1000Ohm) patients (p=0.0046). The PSPW index was similar between CAAG and NERD patients but significantly lower in comparison to FH (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CAAG have evidence of non-acid reflux based on the high number of reflux events and confirmed by low values of MNBI and PSPW index. MNBI is a strong marker of acid/non-acid reflux-induced mucosal damage, whereas the PSPW index can reliably discriminate patients with reflux from those with FH, independently of the acidity of refluxate.

Prevalence of Psychiatric Comorbidity in Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Subgroups

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the psychosocial aspects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some GERD subgroups, such as functional heartburn and hypersensitive esophagus, might show different psychiatric comorbidities than others.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the psychiatric comorbidities of GERD subgroups using a cross-sectional design.

METHODS

A group of GERD patients at a tertiary outpatient clinic were evaluated via upper GIS (gastrointestinal system) endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h impedance-pH monitoring. Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with erosive reflux disease, 44 with non-erosive reflux disease, 20 with functional heartburn, 11 with hypersensitive esophagus, and 44 healthy controls participated. Psychiatric diagnoses were made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV. Psychometric measurements of the patients were performed using the Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short-Form 36. Healthy controls were evaluated with the same psychometric scales except for the Short-Form 36.

RESULTS

All of the GERD subgroups were significantly more depressed than the control group. Depressive disorders were significantly more prevalent in the functional heartburn group than in the non-erosive reflux disease and erosive reflux disease groups. The trait anxiety level of the functional heartburn group was significantly higher than those of the control and non-erosive reflux disease groups. The quality of life scores of the GERD subgroups were significantly lower than the population standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive disorders were frequently comorbid in the GERD subgroups studied (30-65 %). It is essential to consider the high prevalence rates of comorbid depression when managing GERD.

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.

Psychological distress is not associated with treatment failure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aim to examine the relationship between psychological distress and response to proton pump inhibitors (PPI).

METHODS

In this prospective study, GERD patients receiving PPI once or twice daily were divided into 3 groups: responders to PPI once daily (group A, N=111), non-responders to PPI once daily (group B, N=78) and non-responders to PPI twice daily (group C, N=56). All patients completed demographic and clinical questionnaires, Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire for irritable bowel syndrome, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 245 patients (59.3% females, 52±17.2 years) participated in this study. No differences were observed between groups with respect to age, sex, psychiatric medications or pre-existing major depression. Anxiety (HADS-anxiety>7) was seen in 32%, 31% and 34% of groups A, B and C, respectively (p=ns). Depression (HADS-depression>7) was present in 30%, 31% and 21% of groups A, B and C, respectively (p=ns). Global satisfaction with life (SWLS>20) was present in 63% of group C patients, compared to 78% of group A and 78% of group B (p=0.04, p=0.05, respectively). GCSI scores (mean±SD) were 11.1±9.2, 14.07±8.5 and 16.3±10.4, for groups A, B and C, respectively (p=0.002). GCSI correlated significantly with HADS-anxiety (r=0.20, p=0.002) and SWLS (r=-0.2, p=0.01).

CONCLUSION

Lack of response to PPI was associated with lower life satisfaction but not anxiety or depression. Symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis were associated with anxiety and low satisfaction with life in patients with GERD.

Gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)-related symptoms and its association with mood and anxiety disorders and psychological symptomology: a population-based study in women

BACKGROUND

Psychopathology seems to play a role in reflux pathogenesis and vice versa, yet few population-based studies have systematically investigated the association between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and psychopathology. We thus aimed to investigate the relationship between GORD-related symptoms and psychological symptomatology, as well as clinically diagnosed mood and anxiety disorders in a randomly selected, population-based sample of adult women.

METHODS

This study examined data collected from 1084 women aged 20-93 yr participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Mood and anxiety disorders were identified using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition (SCID-I/NP), and psychological symptomatology was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). GORD-related symptoms were self-reported and confirmed by medication use where possible and lifestyle factors were documented.

RESULTS

Current psychological symptomatology and mood disorder were associated with increased odds of concurrent GORD-related symptoms (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.5, and OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7-5.6, respectively). Current anxiety disorder also tended to be associated with increased odds of current GORD-related symptoms (p = 0.1). Lifetime mood disorder was associated with a 1.6-fold increased odds of lifetime GORD-related symptoms (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and lifetime anxiety disorder was associated with a 4-fold increased odds of lifetime GORD-related symptoms in obese but not non-obese participants (obese, age-adjusted OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.8-9.0).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that psychological symptomatology, mood and anxiety disorders are positively associated with GORD-related symptoms. Acknowledging this common comorbidity may facilitate recognition and treatment, and opens new questions as to the pathways and mechanisms of the association.

The relationship between existence of typical symptoms and psychological factors in patients with erosive esophagitis

Background/Aims

In Asian countries including Korea, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is on the rise and its clinical impact has been emphasized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of esophagitis patients with or without symptoms, and their association with psychological factors.

Methods

Subjects diagnosed as erosive esophagitis of Los Angeles-A or more in screening by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. Questionnaires regarding GERD symptoms and Symptom Checklist-90-Revision were used to identify the presence of psychological symptoms.

Results

There was no difference between the subjects' general characteristics (gender, age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol intake) according to the existence of typical symptoms in these patients with erosive esophagitis. Patients with typical GERD symptoms were more likely to have atypical symptoms, dyspepsia and higher scores on psychological symptoms (somatization, obsessive-compulsiveness and phobic anxiety) than those without.

Conclusions

Psychological symptoms and other gastrointestinal symptoms should be considered in the patients with erosive esophagitis.

Non-acid gastroesophageal reflux measured using multichannel intraluminal impedance in older patients

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease is challenging in the older population, as comorbid conditions can obscure the disease.

METHODS

This prospective study included 97 participants: 25 healthy controls (group 1), 46 reflux patients aged 26-64 (group 2), and 26 patients over 65 (group 3). Esophageal motility was assessed using conventional esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH-metry and non-acid reflux episodes were assessed using multichannel intraluminal impedance.

RESULTS

Among the older patients (group 3), 34% had reflux disease. The rate of lower esophageal sphincter insufficiency in group 3 was comparable with that in group 2 and significantly different from group 1. Gastric 24-h pH-metry showed no significant differences between the groups. Esophageal pH-metry results for groups 1 and 3 differed significantly from those in group 2. Impedance assessment showed that older patients have non-acid reflux episodes in the recumbent position significantly more often in comparison with controls and reflux patients. Reflux patients and older patients had proximal reflux episodes significantly more often than healthy volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients aged over 65 have non-acid reflux, particularly in the recumbent position, significantly more often than normal individuals and patients with reflux disease. Non-acid reflux may mimic a negative DeMeester score in older patients with severe reflux disease.

Quality of life in GERD and Barrett's esophagus is related to gender and manifestation of disease

OBJECTIVES

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that affects patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The HRQoL of Barrett's esophagus (BE) has been less well studied. Furthermore, it is unknown to what extent BE patients suffer from psychological distress as a result of carrying a diagnosis of a premalignant condition. We sought to compare BE and GERD (stratified by erosive reflux disease (ERD) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)) with regard to HRQoL and psychological impact.

METHODS

In this single-center study of subjects presenting for elective upper endoscopy, consecutive patients with BE and GERD were enrolled. Participants completed questionnaires assessing generic HRQoL (medical outcomes study short form-36 (SF-36)), disease-specific HRQoL (gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI)), a measure of psychological distress (the Revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist: SCL-90R), and a patient-centered assessment of the impact of disease severity (the GERD health-related quality of life measure (GERD HRQL)).

RESULTS

Patients with BE had the lowest symptom severity compared with those suffering from NERD or ERD (GERD HRQL: 13.7 vs. 18 and 15.9, respectively, P<0.01). Those with BE also had better disease-specific quality of life compared with NERD or ERD patients (GIQLI: 137.2 vs. 124.3 and 131.0, respectively, P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding variables including symptom severity and gender, BE patients continued to demonstrate better disease-specific HRQoL, scoring 12.2 points higher on the GIQLI than NERD patients (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1-19.3) and 16.3 points higher than ERD patients (95% CI 5.4-27.3), as well as better generic HRQoL, scoring 4.8 points higher on the SF-36 physical component summary than NERD patients (95% CI 0.8-8.8) and 7.1 points higher than ERD patients (95% CI 1.2-13.1). There were no significant differences between groups in psychological distress, as demonstrated by the SCL-90R global severity index, although BE patients scored lower on the somatization domain compared with NERD and ERD patients. When stratified by gender, females with NERD and BE had worse disease-specific HRQoL than males.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BE have better generic and disease-specific HRQoL when compared with patients suffering from NERD and ERD. This difference is only partially attributable to lower symptom severity amongs BE patients. Psychological distress did not differ significantly amongs groups. Female gender was associated with worsened HRQoL regardless of GERD disease manifestation. Though more precise instruments may aid in detecting any HRQoL decrements in BE patients because of perceived cancer risk or fear of developing or dying from cancer, we were unable to demonstrate an additional decrement in HRQoL because of cancer risk in subjects with BE.

Review article: gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and psychological comorbidity

BACKGROUND

A growing number of studies have shown the impact of psychological comorbidities on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients' symptom reports and healthcare-seeking behaviour.

AIM

To review the reported relationship between GERD and psychological comorbidity.

METHODS

Review of the literature on GERD and psychological comorbidity.

RESULTS

Psychological comorbidity is common among GERD patients and appears to afflict all GERD phenotypes. Sexual and physical abuse is also common in GERD patients. Stress enhances perception of oesophageal acid exposure. Treatment for GERD, especially in those who are not responsive to antireflux treatment, may require further evaluation for psychological comorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological comorbidity is very common in GERD patients and is likely to play an important role in response, or failure of response, to proton pump inhibitor treatment.