The Effects of Reflux on the Elderly

Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the elderly (2023)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly is characterized by atypical symptoms, relatively severe esophageal injury, and more complications, and when GERD is treated, it is also necessary to fully consider the general health condition of the elderly patients. This consensus summarized the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis and treatment characteristics of GERD in the elderly, and provided relevant recommendations, providing guidance for medical personnel to correctly understand and standardize the diagnosis and treatment of GERD in the elderly.

Relationship Between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adult Males

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with OSA who were hospitalized in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery from November 2021 to April 2022 were selected, and male patients with non-OSA during the same period were selected as the control group. Patients who participated in the study completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), the Reflux Finding Sign (RFS), and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring. RSI, RFS, and outcomes of 24 hour-MII-pH monitoring were compared between the OSA group and the control group.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients were enrolled, of whom 49 were OSA patients and 37 were non-OSA patients. The positive rate of LPR (97.96% vs 75.68%) and the median number of LPR episodes (9 vs 5) were significantly higher in OSA patients than in non-OSA patients (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). A logistic regression model including body mass index, alcohol consumption, and the presence of OSA showed that having OSA was a risk factor for the occurrence of LPR (P < 0.05, OR [odds ratio] = 9.995, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.084-92.181). There were correlations between Apnea-Hypopnea Index and the number of non-acid LPR episodes and the number of alkaline LPR episodes (r = 0.243, P < 0.05, r = 0.274, P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Having OSA is a risk factor for LPR, and LPR episodes occur more frequently in patients with OSA compared to those without OSA. When OSA is comorbid with LPR, the occurrence of alkaline LPR, such as bile reflux, should be a concurrent concern.

Characteristics of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Patients of Different Genders and Ages

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the differences in laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) characteristics between gender and age groups based on the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), Reflux Finding Score (RFS) scale and 24-hour hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (HEMII-pH) monitoring.

METHODS

The enrolled were patients with LPR symptoms completed the 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring and divided into two gender groups (male and female) and elderly group (>60 years), middle-aged group (41-60 years) and young group (18-40 years). The total RSI and RFS scores of individuals were counted. Various potential differences as well as incidence of each type of LPR events between gender and age groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 420 patients were included, with 333 (79.3%) diagnosed with LPR confirmed by 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring. Females (n=49) had a statistically higher LPR positivity (91.0% vs. 76.6%, P < 0.01) than males (n=342). Female patients with LPR had significantly higher RSI scores (14.08 ± 6.72 vs. 11.08 ± 4.82, P < 0.001) than male patients. The positive rate of LPR were 82.6%, 80.7% and 63.3% in the elderly, middle-aged and young groups. The Elderly group had significantly lower RSI scores (10.20 ± 4.06 vs. 12.80 ± 6.58, 12.24 ± 5.57, P < 0.001) but higher RFS scores (9.37 ± 3.25 vs. 8.16 ± 3.34, 8.57 ± 2.58, P < 0.05) than the other two groups. The number of acid hypopharyngeal-proximal reflux episodes (HREs) and distal esophageal acid reflux were significantly higher in elderly than in young patients. Except for non-acid gas HREs, the positive rates of other types of HREs were increasing from young to middle-aged to the elderly group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Female patients with suspected LPR symptoms had a higher positive rate of LPR and RSI score than males. The prevalence of LPR and the number of acid reflux were progressively increasing with age, but the perception of reflux symptoms may diminish.

Differences in Diagnostic Rates After Hypopharyngeal-esophageal Impedance-pH Monitoring of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients by Age and Sex

PURPOSE

To evaluate the differences in diagnostic rates according to the age and sex of patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms and completed the 24-hour hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (24h-HEMII-pH) monitoring.

METHODS

Patients with LPR symptoms underwent the 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring. We compared the diagnostic rates of LPR in patients with LPR symptoms according to age and sex. The number of reflux episodes and type of reflux were compared among patients who were confirmed to have LPR according to age and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 249 patients with suspected LPR symptoms who completed 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring were analyzed. A total of 170 patients (68.3%) were diagnosed with LPR after 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring. There were 57 (67.1%) men and 113 (68.9%) women. The old age group (older than 55 years) showed a statistically significant higher diagnostic rate than the young age group (73.5%, 60.8%, p=0.034). Women's diagnostic rate was statistically higher in the old age group than that in the young age group (75% vs. 58.3%, p=0.026). There were no specific differences in the number of refluxes in the diagnosed patients between the age groups, and there were no differences in the initial reflux symptom index.

CONCLUSIONS

Among those who visited the clinic with suspected LPR symptoms and performed 24h-HEMII-pH monitoring, the diagnostic rate of LPR was higher in the older age group than that in the younger age group.

Investigation of Reflux Characteristics in Outpatients of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery by Age and Gender in the Chinese Population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics of patients with reflux diseases in the otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery clinics through the Reflux Symptom Scale-12 (RSS-12) and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERD-Q).

METHODS

All included patients completed the RSS-12 and GERD-Q scales and were considered to have LPR with an RSS-12 score >11 and GERD with a GERD-Q score >7. Data were analyzed according to genders (male and female) and age (18-40, 41-60, and >60 years).

RESULTS

A total of 977 patients were included. the mean RSS-12 and GERD-Q score were 11.32±21.34 and 6.31±1.21, and the positive rate of LPR and GERD were 28.76% and 8.90%, respectively. Males had a higher positive rate of LPR and GERD than females, and there were more males with LPR who also had GERD. Among those with both LPR and GERD, males had significantly higher ear-nose-throat (ENT) symptom scores such as hoarseness and excess throat mucus than females. However, females had significantly higher scores of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, mainly indigestion and abdominal pain, and elder patients (>60 years) had higher scores of ENT, GI, respiratory symptoms, as well as the impact of symptoms on quality of life than the young patients (18-40, and 41-60 years).

CONCLUSION

Patients in the otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery clinics have different reflux characteristics by gender and age in the Chinese population. Males had more severe ENT-related symptoms of distress, while females had more complaints of GI symptoms. Older patients had higher scores for ENT, GI and respiratory symptoms.

Characteristics of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in the Chinese Nurse Population

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and knowledge of LPR in the Chinese nurse population.

METHOD

From October 2021 through December 2021, participants were recruited from the PLA General Hospital's Sixth Medical Center. All included participants completed the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), and LPR was defined as RSI > 13. In addition, each participant was asked to record whether they had any habits such as preferring to consume high-fat food and carbonated beverages, over-eating at dinner, sedentary after meals and lying down within 2 hour after meals, as well as whether they were aware of LPR. For the participants with RSI >13 points, they were treated using diet and lifestyle behavioral recommendations and were prescribed a twice daily pantoprazole (20 mg, 3 months).

RESULTS

A total of 828 participants were included. The positivity and awareness rates of LPR were 3.38% and 55.96%, respectively. RSI scores were significantly higher in LPR-positive subjects than in LPR-negative (16.79 ± 4.43 vs. 1.33 ± 2.33). Among the participants with LPR, there were significant positive association between RSI scores and preferring to consume high-fat food and carbonated beverages, over-eating at dinner, lying down within 2 hour after a meal, and sedentary after meals. RSI scores in 63% of participants with LPR significantly decreased from baseline to 1 month posttreatment. From 1 to 3 months posttreatment, 90% of participants had significantly lower RSI scores than pretreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

There are a certain number of LPR patients in the Chinese nurse population, however, knowledge of LPR among nurses is unsatisfactory. Over-eating at dinner, lying down within 2 hour after a meal and sedentary after meals are risk factors for LPR. With combined regular dietary and lifestyle behavioral change and acid-suppressing treatment, most patients with LPR achieve effective remission.

Influence of Age and Sex on Clinical and Therapeutic Features of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of age and sex on the clinical presentation and therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Prospective multicenter study of 271 patients with a diagnosis of LPR confirmed by impedance-pH monitoring.

METHODS

Patients were prescribed 6 months of diet changes and a combination of pantoprazole and/or alginate depending on the results of their impedance-pH results. The Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA) were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Data were explored according to sex and age.

RESULTS

A total of 237 patients completed the evaluations (138 females). On the RSS, patients of the oldest group (>60 years) had lower symptom scores (throat pain, ear pain, odynophagia, chest pain, tongue burning, nausea, halitosis, and indigestion) and lower quality-of-life scores than younger individuals. RSS and RSA outcomes significantly improved from pretreatment to 3 months posttreatment in all groups. Scores on the RSS and RSA continued to improve from 3 to 6 months posttreatment in the elderly group. Females with LPR had a higher score on the RSS at baseline as compared with males. On the RSS, scores significantly improved after 3 months in males and females; however, they continued to improve from 3 to 6 months in the female group.

CONCLUSION

Age and sex may influence the clinical presentation and pre- to posttreatment evolution of symptoms and findings. Age and sex differences could be considered in future therapeutic approaches to guide more effective personalized treatment plans for patients with LPR.

Signs and symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux and its relation to complaints and vocal quality

PURPOSE

To verify the association between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) with age, gender, vocal deviation and voice complaints.

METHODS

The study included patients between 18 and 70 years old, referred to the Otorhinolaryngology service for complaints of voice or reflux, of both sexes. Endolaryngeal findings were classified using the Reflux Finding Score (RFS) scale. The presence or absence of vocal and reflux complaints was verified and correlated with the RFS classification. On the same date, they were submitted to sustained vowel voice recording and chained speech. The auditory-perceptual assessment was performed by a speech therapist, classifying the general degree of vocal deviation based on the GRBASI scale.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 42. 6 years, 62. 3% female, and mean RFS scores of 6. 26 points. Among the patients, 48 subjects had vocal complaints, 34 women with a mean age of 44. 9 years and an average RFS score of 6. 94 points. The other 49 individuals had no vocal complaints, and of these 27 were women, with a mean age of 41. 2 years and a mean RFS score of 5. 5 points. The variables "reflux complaint", "vocal complaint" and age were the ones that most correlated with the RFS scale scores.

CONCLUSION

There is a relationship among reflux complaints, laryngeal findings and vocal complaint.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Barrett Esophagus in the Elderly

As our population continues to age, the early diagnosis and optimal management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease becomes paramount. Maintaining a low threshold for evaluating atypical symptoms in this population is key to improving outcomes. Should patients develop complications including severe esophagitis, peptic stricture, or Barrett esophagus, then a discussion of medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatments that accounts for patient's comorbidities and survival is important. Advances in screening, surveillance, and endoscopic treatment of Barrett esophagus have allowed us to dispel concerns of futility and treat a larger subset of the at-risk population.

Survey of nocturnal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in China

To evaluate current diagnosis and treatment of patients with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (nGER).

METHODS

This multicenter observational study was conducted in 44 hospitals in China from May 2017 to February 2018. Outpatients with nGER were recruited and their relevant data were collected using a questionnaire, including age, gender, body mass index, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, comorbid diseases, lifestyle, self-reported health status, medical history, nGER symptoms and severity, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, diagnosis and treatment choices. The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. ChiCTR1800017525).

RESULTS

The study included 4978 individuals, with valid questionnaires collected from 4448 patients (89.4%). The symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation were more severe at night than during the day (P < 0.05). Age and body mass index were positively correlated with reflux severity at night and during the day (P < 0.05). The severity of nGER was positively associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, a high-fat diet, carbonated beverage consumption, late supper (later than 9 pm), and snoring (all P < 0.05). Night-time heartburn and regurgitation were related with sleep disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle factors are associated with nGER severity, and nGER affects sleep quality. It will be beneficial to popularize and strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of nGER.

Evaluation and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature about the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on LPR epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment was conducted. Using the PRISMA statement, 3 authors selected relevant publications to provide a critical analysis of the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

The important heterogeneity across studies in LPR diagnosis continues to make it difficult to summarize a single body of thought. Controversies persist concerning epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. No recent epidemiologic study exists regarding prevalence and incidence with the use of objective diagnostic tools. There is no survey that evaluates the prevalence of symptoms and signs on a large number of patients with confirmed LPR. Regarding diagnosis, an increasing number of authors used multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring, although there is no consensus regarding standardization of the diagnostic criteria. The efficiency of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy remains poorly demonstrated and misevaluated by incomplete clinical tools that do not take into consideration many symptoms and extralaryngeal findings. Despite the recent advances in knowledge about nonacid LPR, treatment protocols based on PPIs do not seem to have evolved.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The development of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and pepsin and bile salt detection should be considered for the establishment of a multiparameter diagnostic approach. LPR treatment should evolve to a more personalized regimen, including diet, PPIs, alginate, and magaldrate according to individual patient characteristics. Multicenter international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge about LPR.

Asthma in the older adult

Objective: The older adult population is increasing worldwide, and a significant percentage has asthma. This review will discuss the challenges to diagnosis and management of asthma in older adults. Data Sources: PubMed was searched for multiple terms in various combinations, including asthma, older adult, elderly, comorbid conditions, asthma diagnosis, asthma treatment, biologics and medication side effects, and adverse events. From the search, the data sources that were utilized included peer reviewed scholarly review articles, peer reviewed scientific research articles, and peer reviewed book chapters. Study Selections: Study selections that were utilized included peer reviewed scholarly review articles, peer reviewed scientific research articles, and peer reviewed book chapters. Results: Asthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed and has higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to their younger counterparts. A detailed history and physical examination as well as judicious testing are essential to establish the asthma diagnosis and exclude alternative ones. Medical comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, depression, arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), rhinitis, and sinusitis are common in this population and should also be assessed and treated. Non-pharmacologic management, including asthma education on inhaler technique and self-monitoring, is vital. Pharmacologic management includes standard asthma therapies such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), inhaled corticosteroid-long acting β-agonist combinations (ICS-LABA), leukotriene antagonists, long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and short acting bronchodilators (SABA). Newly approved biologic agents may also be utilized. Older adults are more vulnerable to polypharmacy and medication adverse events, and this should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate asthma treatment. Conclusions: The diagnosis and management of asthma in older adults has certain challenges, but if the clinician is aware of them, the morbidity and mortality of this condition can be improved in this growing population.

Individualized medicine of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing in both developed and developing countries. GERD is divided into three subtypes, namely, erosive esophagitis, nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), and Barrett's esophagus. The etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and response to treatment of GERD invariably show high heterogeneity or significant individual difference, especially NERD and refractory GERD. On the other hand, advanced technology has currently provided a wide range of methods for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD patients; however, the long-term efficacy and quality of life of some patients are unsatisfactory. Therefore, each GERD patient needs a specialized management strategy aiming at his/her own condition, which is known as individualized medicine or personalized medicine. The goal of GERD treatment is to relieve the symptoms, while symptomatic remission is directly related to the quality of life. In other words, health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction may be reasonable criteria for GERD. In this paper, we will discuss the individualized medicine of GERD.