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Guadagnoli L, Mashimo H, Lo WK. Assessment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Objective Esophageal Motility and Reflux Phenotypes in Symptomatic Veterans. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022:10.1007/s10880-022-09920-6. [PMID: 36378471 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-022-09920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prior research suggests post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with the development of esophageal symptoms. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PTSD in veterans with esophageal symptoms, and assess for differences in objective esophageal motility and reflux classifications. Consecutive veterans reporting esophageal symptoms (e.g., dysphagia and reflux) underwent clinical evaluation with standard reflux and motility testing. Relevant demographic, mental health, and clinical esophageal information was gathered. Patients were classified into "PTSD" and "Non-PTSD" groups based on the documentation of a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of PTSD in the medical chart. Of the 273 consecutive veterans (89% men, mean age: 62 years) that met inclusion criteria for the study, 34% had a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of PTSD. Differences existed between PTSD and non-PTSD groups on smoking, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, and opiate use. However, no differences existed in objectively determined motility or reflux phenotypes. While PTSD was highly prevalent among our sample of symptomatic veterans, the presence of PTSD was not associated with differences in motility classifications and reflux phenotypes. These findings are consistent with recent research in psychogastroenterology, which suggests psychological processes are important to consider across esophageal classifications.
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Bouchoucha M, Devroede G, Deutsch D, Airinei G, Sabate JM, Benamouzig R. Self-Perceived Stress Is Associated With Chest Pain and Personality in Patients With Refractory Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:342-347. [PMID: 34802013 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Stressful events are frequently associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). This study aims to determine if the severity of self-perceived stress is associated with specific FGID and personality characteristics in 822 patients with FGID who have filled a Rome III questionnaire, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2), and a 10-point Likert scale for self-perceived stress. According to stress severity, the patients were divided into three groups: low (<4; n = 183), moderate (4-6; n = 283), and severe stress (>6; n = 356). Female sex was more frequent in the severe stress group than in the low stress group (p = 0.001). Stress severity was strongly correlated with the two MMPI-2 posttraumatic stress scales. Clinically, chest pain was more frequently reported by severe stress patients than moderate stress patients. MMPI-2 clinical scales vary significantly according to the severity of stress, and "mild stress" patients have increased hysteria and depression scales and showed a higher frequency of irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea. This study shows that severe stress severity is associated with a higher frequency of noncardiac chest pain and correlated with most personality items.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghislain Devroede
- Département de Chirurgie, Faculté de Médecine, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - David Deutsch
- Gastroenterology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny, France
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Josefsson A, Hreinsson JP, Simrén M, Tack J, Bangdiwala SI, Sperber AD, Palsson OS, Törnblom H. Global Prevalence and Impact of Rumination Syndrome. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:731-742.e9. [PMID: 34774539 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Rumination syndrome is a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) of unknown etiology. We aimed to assess its global prevalence and potential associations with other medical conditions. METHODS Data were collected via the Internet in 26 countries. Subjects were evenly distributed by country, sex, and age groups and were invited for a "health survey" using the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire and a supplementary questionnaire addressing factors potentially associated with DGBI. RESULTS In all, 54,127 subjects completed the survey (51% male; mean age, 44.3 years). The overall prevalence of rumination syndrome was 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-3.3%). It was highest in Brazil (5.5% CI, 4.5-6.5) and lowest in Singapore (1.7% CI, 1.1-2.2). The mean age of people with rumination syndrome was 44.5 years (standard deviation, 15.6) and it was more common in females (54.5% vs 45.5%). Factors independently associated with rumination syndrome were depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.46), anxiety (OR, 1.8), body mass index (OR, 1.04), and female sex (OR, 1.19). Subjects with multiple DGBI were at increased risk of having rumination syndrome, with the highest risk in subjects with 4 gastrointestinal regions with DGBI (OR, 15.9 compared with none). Quality of life (QoL) was lower in subjects with rumination syndrome compared with the rest of the cohort (PROMIS-10 score: physical QoL mean 12.9 vs 14.5; mental QoL mean 12.0 vs 13.6). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of rumination syndrome is higher than reported in most previous population studies and is likely underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Awareness of rumination syndrome should be raised among clinicians to improve care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Josefsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Jóhann P Hreinsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Simrén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jan Tack
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Aging (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shrikant I Bangdiwala
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ami D Sperber
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Olafur S Palsson
- Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hans Törnblom
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Esophageal Motility Disorders in the Natural History of Acid-Dependent Causes of Dysphagia and Their Influence on Patients' Quality of Life-A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111138. [PMID: 34769657 PMCID: PMC8583542 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Esophageal dysmotility may be the cause or a secondary effect of gastric acid-dependent diseases: erosive reflux disease (ERD), Schatzki ring (SR) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Methods: This study aims to compare concomitant dysphagia with ERD, SR and EoE, considering manometric patterns, their role in the natural history and their impact on assessing quality of life. Fifty-eight patients with dysphagia underwent high-resolution manometry and esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) with an assessment of SR, ERD and sampling for EoE, completed a questionnaire with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index. Based on endoscopic images and the histopathological criterion of EoE (≥15 eosinophils/high-power field), patients were assigned to groups with ERD, EoE, SR and with normal endoscopic and histopathological images. In the data analysis, p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT04803162). Results: Both EoE, SR and ERD correlate with ineffective motility. In ERD, normal peristalsis precedes the development of the disease, unlike EoE, which develops later and leads to absent contractility. The development of SR is associated with disorders of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). In the group with SR and ERD, UES insufficiency significantly reduces the quality of life. Patients with normal esophagus in EGD scored the lowest quality of life and those with SR had the most severe dysphagia. Conclusion: The esophageal motility disorders co-occurring with endoscopic and histological anomalies do not significantly affect the severity of dysphagia, however, in the case of patients with ERD and SR and concomitant UES insufficiency, this motor dysfunction has a significant impact on the reduction in the patients’ quality of life. Although no specific esophageal motility pattern typical of EoE, ERD and SR has been identified, comparative assessment of manometric features may have a potential role in differential diagnosis.
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The upper esophageal sphincter in the high-resolution manometry era. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 406:2611-2619. [PMID: 34462811 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) has been neglected during routine manometric tests for decades, mostly due to the limitations of the conventional manometry which were eventually overcome by high-resolution manometry (HRM). METHODS This study reviewed the current knowledge of the manometric evaluation of the UES in health and disease in the HRM era. RESULTS We found that HRM allowed more precise measurements, in addition to the parameters as compared to conventional manometry, but most of them still need confirmation of the clinical significance. The parameters used to evaluate the UES were extension, basal pressure, residual pressure, relaxation duration, relaxation time to nadir, recovery time, intrabolus pressure, and deglutitive sphincter resistance. UES may be affected by different diseases: achalasia (UES is hypertonic with impaired relaxation), gastroesophageal reflux disease (UES is short and hypotonic), globus (UES ranges from normal to impaired relaxation to hypertonic), neurologic diseases (stroke and Parkinson - UES is hypotonic in early-stage to impaired relaxation in end-stage disease), and Zenker's diverticulum (UES has impaired relaxation). CONCLUSION This review shows that UES dysfunction is part of several disease processes and that the study of the UES is possible and valuable with the aid of HRM.
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Wilson JA, Stocken DD, Watson GC, Fouweather T, McGlashan J, MacKenzie K, Carding P, Karagama Y, Harries M, Ball S, Khwaja S, Costello D, Wood R, Lecouturier J, O'Hara J. Lansoprazole for persistent throat symptoms in secondary care: the TOPPITS RCT. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-118. [PMID: 33492208 PMCID: PMC7869007 DOI: 10.3310/hta25030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent throat symptoms are commonly attributed to 'laryngopharyngeal reflux'. Despite a limited evidence base, these symptoms are increasingly being treated in primary care with proton pump inhibitors. OBJECTIVE To assess the value of proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with persistent throat symptoms. DESIGN This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised Phase III trial. SETTING This was a multicentre UK trial in eight UK ear, nose and throat departments. PARTICIPANTS A total of 346 participants aged ≥ 18 years with persistent throat symptoms and a Reflux Symptom Index score of ≥ 10, exclusive of the dyspepsia item, were recruited. INTERVENTION Random allocation (1 : 1 ratio) to either 30 mg of lansoprazole twice daily or matched placebo for 16 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Symptomatic response (i.e. total Reflux Symptom Index score after 16 weeks of therapy). RESULTS A total of 1427 patients were screened and 346 were randomised. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 13.7 years, range 20-84 years); 150 (43%) participants were male and 196 (57%) were female; 184 (53%) participants had a mild Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item and 162 (47%) had a severe Reflux Symptom Index minus the heartburn/dyspepsia item. A total of 172 patients were randomised to lansoprazole and 174 were randomised to placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES A total of 267 participants completed the primary end-point visit (lansoprazole, n = 127; placebo, n = 140), of whom 220 did so between 14 and 20 weeks post randomisation ('compliant' group); 102 received lansoprazole and 118 received placebo. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at baseline were similar [lansoprazole 22.0 (standard deviation 8.0), placebo 21.7 (standard deviation 7.1), overall 21.9 (standard deviation 7.5)]. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks reduced from baseline in both groups [overall 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), lansoprazole 17.4 (standard deviation 9.9), placebo 15.6 (standard deviation 9.8)]. Lansoprazole participants had estimated Reflux Symptom Index scores at 16 weeks that were 1.9 points higher (worse) than those of placebo participants (95% confidence interval -0.3 to 4.2; padj = 0.096), adjusted for site and baseline severity. SECONDARY OUTCOMES Ninety-five (43%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range (< 12) at 16 weeks: 42 (41%) in the lansoprazole group and 53 (45%) in the placebo group. A total of 226 participants completed the end-of-trial follow-up visit (lansoprazole, n = 109; placebo, n = 117), of whom 181 were 'compliant'. The mean Reflux Symptom Index scores at 12 months reduced from baseline in both groups [lansoprazole 16.0 (standard deviation 10.8), placebo 13.6 (standard deviation 9.6), overall 14.7 (standard deviation 10.2)]. A total of 87 (48%) participants achieved a Reflux Symptom Index score in the normal range at 12 months: 33 (40%) in the lansoprazole group and 54 (55%) in the placebo group. Likewise, the Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - Health Related Quality of Life total scores and subscales all showed very similar changes in the lansoprazole and placebo cohorts at both 16 weeks and 12 months. LIMITATIONS Drop-out rate and compliance are issues in pragmatic clinical trials. The Trial Of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Throat Symptoms (TOPPITS) aimed to detect clinically relevant difference with 90% power. The 346 randomised participants reduced to 283 at the primary end point; 267 completed the primary outcome measure, 220 within the protocol time scale. Despite this, the powers to detect the clinically relevant difference in Reflux Symptom Index score at 16 weeks were 82% (compliant comparison) and 89% (pragmatic comparison). The lack of difference between lansoprazole and placebo is generalisable across NHS clinics. CONCLUSIONS Participants on lansoprazole did not report significantly better outcomes than participants on placebo on any of the three patient-reported outcome tools (Reflux Symptom Index, Comprehensive Reflux Symptom Score and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux - Health Related Quality of Life). This multicentre, pragmatic, powered, definitive Phase III trial found no evidence of benefit for patients by treating persistent throat symptoms with lansoprazole. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38578686 and EudraCT number 2013-004249-17. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 25, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet A Wilson
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Deborah D Stocken
- Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Gillian C Watson
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tony Fouweather
- Biostatistics Research Group, Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julian McGlashan
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kenneth MacKenzie
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Carding
- Oxford Institute of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Yakubu Karagama
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Meredydd Harries
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Stephen Ball
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland, UK
| | - Sadie Khwaja
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport, UK
| | - Declan Costello
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruth Wood
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jan Lecouturier
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - James O'Hara
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Van Daele DJ. Esophageal Manometry, pH Testing, Endoscopy, and Videofluoroscopy in Patients With Globus Sensation. Laryngoscope 2019; 130:2120-2125. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.28289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. Van Daele
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck SurgeryRoy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa U.S.A
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Josefsson A, Palsson O, Simrén M, Sperber AD, Törnblom H, Whitehead W. Oesophageal symptoms are common and associated with other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in an English-speaking Western population. United European Gastroenterol J 2018; 6:1461-1469. [PMID: 30574316 PMCID: PMC6297932 DOI: 10.1177/2050640618798894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence and frequency of oesophageal symptoms suggestive of a functional oesophageal disorder according to the Rome IV criteria are unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the prevalence and risk factors for oesophageal symptoms compatible with functional oesophageal disorders in the general population. METHODS Data were analysed from a population-based online survey of 6300 individuals aged ≥ 18 years in the USA, UK and Canada with equal demographic proportions across countries. Questions included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire, demographics, medication, somatization, quality of life, and organic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors independently related to oesophageal symptoms. RESULTS Data from 5177 participants (47.8% female; mean age 46.7 years) were available for analysis. Symptom prevalence was 8.1% for globus, 6.5% for heartburn, 4.5% for dysphagia and 5.2% for chest pain, and 17.0% reported at least one oesophageal symptom. Oesophageal symptoms were independently associated with younger age, female gender, previous abdominal surgery and the presence of other functional GI disorders. Reporting oesophageal symptoms was associated with reduced quality of life. CONCLUSION Oesophageal symptoms are common in the general population and important predictors include other functional GI disorders, age and gender. Oesophageal symptoms are associated with poorer quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Josefsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olafur Palsson
- Department Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Magnus Simrén
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ami D Sperber
- Department Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Hans Törnblom
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - William Whitehead
- Department Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Abstract
Globus is an area of interest for many medical specialists including otorhinolaryngologists, gastroenterologist, allergists, and psychiatrists. It may be caused by an organic disease, but it is not uncommon that an underlying etiology remains unidentified even after a full workup has been performed. Patients who suffer from globus usually visit several physicians from different specialties without finding a solution for their symptoms. Identifying the underlying cause of globus is not always a simple task; therefore, structural or functional abnormalities of the thyroid, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus should be investigated. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly considered to be the underlying cause after being identified in an otorhinolarygeal (ear, nose, and throat) evaluation, which is usually the first diagnostic step. In the last few years, an inlet patch in the proximal esophagus has been shown to be associated with globus, and its elimination has resulted in symptom resolution in some patients. Finally, globus can be associated with psychiatric disorders as well as oropharyngeal hypersensitivity that could be either chemical or mechanical. Treatment is directed toward an identified organic cause; in those with a functional disorder, the mainstay of therapy includes neuromodulators and psychiatric/psychological interventions.
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Taft TH, Triggs J, Carlson D, Guadagnoli L, Tomasino K, Keefer L, Pandolfino J. Validation of the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale for chronic oesophageal disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47. [PMID: 29528128 PMCID: PMC5897170 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety can drive symptom experience in chronic oesophageal conditions, including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, achalasia and functional oesophageal disorders. To date, no validated self-report measure exists to evaluate oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety. AIMS This study aims to develop a brief and reliable questionnaire assessing these constructs, the oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS). METHODS Questions for the EHAS were drawn from 4 existing validated measures that assessed hypervigilance and anxiety adapted for the oesophagus. Patients who previously underwent high-resolution manometry testing at a university-based oesophageal motility clinic were retrospectively identified. Patients were included in the analysis if they completed the EHAS as well as questionnaires assessing symptom severity and health-related quality of life at the time of the high-resolution manometry. RESULTS Nine hundred and eighty-two patients aged 18-85 completed the study. The EHAS demonstrates excellent internal consistency (α = 0.93) and split-half reliability (Guttman = 0.87). Inter-item correlations indicated multicollinearity was not achieved; thus, no items were removed from the original 15-item scale. Principal components factor analysis revealed two subscales measuring symptom-specific anxiety and symptom-specific hypervigilance. Construct validity for total and subscale scores was supported by positive correlations with symptom severity and negative correlations with health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS The EHAS is a 15-item scale assessing oesophageal hypervigilance and symptom-specfic anxiety. The EHAS could be useful in evaluating the role of these constructs in several oesophageal conditions in which hypersensitivity, hypervigilance and anxiety may contribute to symptoms and impact treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany H. Taft
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
| | - Joseph Triggs
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
| | - Dustin Carlson
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
| | - Livia Guadagnoli
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
| | - Kathryn Tomasino
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
| | - Laurie Keefer
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, New York, NY
| | - John Pandolfino
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chicago, IL
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