Functional Heartburn Overlaps With Irritable Bowel Syndrome More Often than GERD

Risk factors associated with functional esophageal disorders (FED) versus gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

INTRODUCTION

Despite the high prevalence of typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), approximately 30% of patients have functional esophageal disorders (FED) on ambulatory reflux monitoring, which may include reflux hypersensitivity (RH; defined as physiologic acid exposure but temporally correlated symptoms of reflux), or functional heartburn (FH; defined as physiologic acid exposure and negative symptom correlation). There are limited epidemiological data characterizing these conditions. We investigated demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as medical comorbidities which may predispose to FED versus pathologic GERD.

METHODS

Adult patients with reflux symptoms for at least 3 months were studied with 24-h pH-impedance testing from 11/2019 to 3/2021. Participants were categorized into pathologic GERD, FH, or RH using pH-impedance data and reported symptom correlation. Demographic data, including age, gender, race/ethnicity, zip code, insurance status, and medical comorbidity data were retrospectively retrieved from the electronic medical record on all participants.

RESULTS

229 patients were included. Non-Hispanic Asian ethnicity (OR 5.65; p = 0.01), underweight BMI (OR 7.33; p = 0.06), chronic pain (OR 2.33; p < 0.01), insomnia (OR 2.83; p = 0.06), and allergic rhinitis (OR 3.90; p < 0.01) were associated with a greater risk for FED. Overweight BMI (OR 0.48; p = 0.03) and alcohol use (OR 0.57; p = 0.06) were associated with a decreased risk for FED.

DISCUSSION

This is the first report of a greater risk of FED in patients with underweight BMI, insomnia, chronic pain, allergic rhinitis, or of Asian or Hispanic ethnicities. The weak associations between female gender and anxiety are corroborated in other studies. Our findings enable clinicians to better screen patients with reflux for this disorder.

Association Between Anxiety/Depression and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

An association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and common psychiatric conditions, most notably anxiety and depression, has been reported. However, the magnitude of this association is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to systematically assess this issue.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched multiple bibliographic databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from inception to May 15, 2023. We retrieved observational studies that reported the prevalence of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms diagnosed by validated questionnaires in ≥100 adults (aged 18 years or older) with GERD. We also included cohort studies that explored the risk of incident GERD in subjects with anxiety/depression vice versa scenario. Finally, we included Mendelian randomization studies that assessed the cause-and-effect relationship between anxiety/depression and GERD. The extracted data were combined using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

In total, 36 eligible studies were included. The pooled prevalences of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 34.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 24.7-44.2; I2 = 99.4%) and 24.2% (95% CI 19.9-28.5; I2 = 98.8%) in subjects with GERD based on 30 studies, respectively. Both anxiety and depressive symptoms were more common in subjects with GERD compared with those in healthy controls (odds ratio = 4.46 [95% CI 1.94-10.25] and odds ratio = 2.56 [95% CI 1.11-5.87], respectively). According to 3 cohort studies, subjects with GERD were at an increased risk of developing anxiety/depression and vice versa. Finally, 3 Mendelian randomization studies showed that genetic liability to these mood disorders is linked to an increased risk of developing GERD and vice versa.

DISCUSSION

Up to 1 in 3 subjects with GERD experience anxiety and depression. There is likely a bidirectional causal relationship between anxiety/depression and GERD.

Improved diagnosis of reflux hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Reflux hypersensitivity (RH) is characterized by normal esophageal exposure to acid and positive correlation of symptoms to reflux episodes. Positivity of Symptomatic Index (SI) and/or Symptom Association Probability (SAP) is used diagnostically, though experts support that concordance of both is needed. We evaluated differences among patients with RH and concordance of SI/SAP or not.

METHODS

Patients with typical reflux symptoms without previous GERD diagnosis, submitted simultaneously to Ph-Impedance off PPI and high resolution manometry were included. Self-response to PPI was evaluated. Patients showing SI and/or SAP positivity were considered having RH and further classified to definite RH if both SI/SAP were positive or indefinite if only one positive.

KEY RESULTS

Totally 2659 patients (M/F: 35.6%/64.7%, mean age: 45 ± 14) were included. Final diagnosis was; FH: 21.8%, RH: 29.3% (definite: 14.3%/indefinite: 15%), GERD: 36% and inconclusive GERD: 12.9%. Patients with definite RH showed increased total reflux time, total number of reflux episodes and length of hiatus hernia, and also numerically but not statistically significant increased rates of PPI responsiveness versus indefinite RH and decreased mean nocturnal baseline impedance. Moreover, they showed significantly increased rate of PPI response versus patients with functional heartburn (FH).

CONCLUSION & INFERENCES

Some PPI responsiveness is frequent among patients with RH as also with FH, and cannot discriminate those entities clinically when diagnosing RH using SI and/or SAP positive criterion. Patients with RH and SI/SAP concordance differ from patients without. Implementation of a strict RH definition (both SI and SAP positive) can better distinguish RH from FH and should be used in the future.

Esophageal Reflux Hypersensitivity: A Comprehensive Review

Reflux hypersensitivity (RH) is one of the phenotypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The latest Rome IV defines RH as a condition with typical reflux symptoms and positive reflux-symptom association despite normal acid exposure. Subsequently, the Lyon consensus proposed detailed cutoff values for the criteria on the basis of experts' consensus. Rome IV brought a clear-cut perspective into the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the importance of esophageal hypersensitivity. This perspective can be supported by the fact that other functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia often overlap with RH. Although several possible pathophysiological mechanisms of esophageal hypersensitivity have been identified, there is still unmet medical needs in terms of treatment for this condition. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding RH.

Irritable bowel syndrome: Epidemiology, overlap disorders, pathophysiology and treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disease with a significant impact on patients' quality of life and a high socioeconomic burden. And the understanding of IBS has changed since the release of the Rome IV diagnosis in 2016. With the upcoming Rome V revision, it is necessary to review the results of IBS research in recent years. In this review of IBS, we can highlight future concerns by reviewing the results of IBS research on epidemiology, overlap disorders, pathophysiology, and treatment over the past decade and summarizing the latest research.

Encouraging appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors: existing initiatives and proposals for the future

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have revolutionized the management of acid-related disorders, representing today the mainstay treatment of these conditions. However, despite their large range of indications and usefulness, the remarkable expansion of their use in the last two decades cannot be explained by the increasing prevalence of acid-related diseases only. An inappropriate prescription for clinical conditions in which the pathogenetic role of acid has not been documented has been described, with the natural consequence of increasing the costs and the potential risk of iatrogenic harm due to adverse events and complications recently emerged.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we summarize current indications of PPIs administration, potential adverse events associated with their chronic utilization, and misuse of PPIs. Moreover, we describe existing and possible initiatives for improving the use of PPIs, and some proposals for the future.

EXPERT OPINION

PPI deprescribing is the preferred and most effective approach to reduce the use of PPIs, rather than adopting sharp discontinuation, probably due to fewer withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, large knowledge gaps still exist in clinical practice regarding the optimal approach of PPI deprescribing in various clinical scenarios. Further prospective well-designed international studies are eagerly warranted to improve our perspectives on controlling global PPI inappropriate use.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease incidence among male patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A single-center cross-sectional study in southern Iran

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are among the most common gastrointestinal disorders in which the overlap of these diseases and their syndromes has been frequently reported. In this study, we aimed to evaluate GERD incidence among IBS patients and the related risk factors.

Methods

Male patients aged 18-60 years with an impression of IBS and referred to the gastrointestinal clinic from March 2019 to 2020 in Shiraz, Iran, were included in this study.

Results

Among the 163 enrolled patients with an average age of 31.53 ± 9.38 years, 64 (39.3%) were diagnosed with GERD. Based on statistical analysis, there was a significant association between GERD and the IBS patients' age (P = 0.006), smoking (P = 0.011), and alcohol consumption (P = 0.043). Also, GERD among IBS patients was significantly associated with the type of IBS (P < 0.001), with IBS-D having the lowest incidence (19.4%) and IBS-M the highest incidence of GERD (66.7%). Based on multivariate analysis, smoking had a reverse and significant correlation with lower incidence of GERD (OR = -1.364; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that among male IBS patients, younger age, smoking, and alcohol consumption were among the risk factors for GERD. These findings may provide further insight into the best approach to treating these diseases.

Overlap of heartburn, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome in a population sample: Prevalence, temporal stability, and associated comorbidities

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring (overlapping) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), and heartburn has been observed. However, whether it is a distinct entity has not been established, nor what clinical, demographic, lifestyle, and psychological traits are associated with it. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and temporal stability of this overlap and to identify features specific to it in order to gain some insights into the potential etiopathogenesis.

METHODS

Two waves of a survey to a population-representative sample were conducted 3 years apart, recruiting 1312 individuals for this study. The chance-expected probability of complete overlap (CO) was calculated and compared with the observed CO. A range of demographic, lifestyle factors, medical diagnoses, sleep quality, and psychological distress were tested to identify predictors of overlap using logistic regression.

KEY RESULTS

CO was observed in 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.9, 3.7) of the sample and was closely replicated in wave 2 at 2.0%. The observed CO was greater than expected by chance (0.2%) to a statistically significant extent (p < 0.001). Overlap between IBS subtypes, FD subtypes, and heartburn was also elevated above chance expectation. Individuals with CO were separately differentiated from others with respect to elevated rates of self-reported medically diagnosed asthma, elevated psychological distress score, and elevated impact on sleep quality. The discrimination provided by these factors was further independent of age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Overlap between IBS, FD, and heartburn (GERD) appears to be a distinct entity that has a profile including psychological morbidity, sleep disturbance, and elevated rates of atopy.

Recent insights on functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rome IV experts have proposed that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be diagnosed only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure, and that reflux hypersensitivity (RH) and functional heartburn (FH) both should be considered functional conditions separate from GERD. Although past and recent evidence support that FH can be completely distinguished from GERD, the concept that RH is not GERD is highly questionable. This review attempts to provide current data on these issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many recent investigations have provided new data on the different pathophysiological features characterizing RH and FH. Major differences have emerged from analyses of impedance-pH monitoring studies using the novel impedance metrics of baseline impedance (an index of mucosal integrity) and the rate of postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic waves (a reflection of the integrity of esophageal chemical clearance).

SUMMARY

The better ability to interpret impedance-pH tracings together with earlier data on the different prevalence of microscopic esophagitis in RH and FH patients, and recent studies documenting poor therapeutic efficacy of pain modulators and good results of antireflux surgery for RH support recategorization of RH within the GERD world. Further research is needed to correctly phenotype patients who have heartburn without mucosal breaks, and to guide their effective management.

Review article: rethinking the "ladder" approach to reflux-like symptom management in the era of PPI "resistance" - a multidisciplinary perspective

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread adoption of potent acid suppression treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for reflux-like symptoms, persistent symptoms are commonly reported in primary care and community studies.

AIMS

This multidisciplinary review critically evaluates how the management of reflux-like symptoms could better reflect their multifactorial pathophysiology.

METHODS

A panel of experts (from general practice, gastroenterology and gastropsychology) attended a series of workshops to review current management and propose a framework for the provision of more individualised care.

RESULTS

It was agreed that the perceptual (as well as the physiological) causes of reflux-like symptoms should be considered at the start of management, not as a last resort when all else has failed. A short course of PPI is a pragmatic approach to address reflux-like symptoms, but equally important is counselling about the gut-brain axis and provision of symptom-specific behavioural interventions for those who show signs of somatisation, hypervigilance or co-existing disorders of gut-brain interaction. Other low-harm interventions such as lifestyle and dietary advice, should also be better integrated into care at an early stage. Multidisciplinary care management programmes (including dietary, weight loss, exercise and behavioural intervention) should be developed to promote greater self-management and take advantage of the general shift toward the use of remotely accessed health care resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of reflux-like symptoms should be adapted to reflect the advances in knowledge about the multifactorial aetiology of these symptoms, addressing both acid-related and behavioural components early in management. The time has come to treat the patient, not the "disease".

Review article: irritable bowel syndrome: natural history, bowel habit stability and overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) characteristically fluctuate over time. We aimed to review the natural history of IBS and IBS subgroups including bowel habit disturbances, and the overlap of IBS with other gastrointestinal disorders. The community incidence of IBS is approximately 67 per 1000 person years. The prevalence of IBS is stable over time because symptoms fluctuate and there is a portion who experience resolution of their GI symptoms similar in number to those developing new-onset IBS. The proportion who report resolution of symptoms varies amongst population-based studies from 17% to 55%. There is evidence of substantial movement between subtypes of IBS. For example in a clinical trial cohort, only one in four patients retained their baseline classification throughout the study periods, two in three moved between IBS-C (constipation) and IBS-M (mixed), while over half switched between IBS-D (diarrhoea) and IBS-M. The least stable group was IBS-M. There are very limited data on drivers of bowel habit change in IBS. There are emerging evidence fluctuations in intestinal immune activity might account for symptom variability over time. It is of clinical importance to recognise the substantial overlap of IBS symptoms with other gastrointestinal syndromes including gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This is important to ensure the correct clinical diagnosis of IBS is made and patients are not over investigated. Knowledge of the natural history, stability of subgroups and overlap of IBS with other gastrointestinal conditions should be considered in therapeutic decision making.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in healing lesions and improving symptoms in most cases, although up to 40% of GERD patients do not respond adequately to PPI therapy. Refractory GERD (rGERD) is one of the most challenging problems, given its impact on the quality of life and consumption of health care resources. The definition of rGERD is a controversial topic as it has not been unequivocally established. Indeed, some patients unresponsive to PPIs who experience symptoms potentially related to GERD may not have GERD; in this case the definition could be replaced with “reflux-like PPI-refractory symptoms.” Patients with persistent reflux-like symptoms should undergo a diagnostic workup aimed at finding objective evidence of GERD through endoscopic and pH-impedance investigations. The management strategies regarding rGERD, apart from a careful check of patient's compliance with PPIs, a possible change in the timing of their administration and the choice of a PPI with a different metabolic pathway, include other pharmacologic treatments. These include histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), alginates, antacids and mucosal protective agents, potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs), prokinetics, gamma aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) antagonists, and pain modulators. If there is no benefit from medical therapy, but there is objective evidence of GERD, invasive antireflux options should be evaluated after having carefully explained the risks and benefits to the patient. The most widely performed invasive antireflux option remains laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), even if other, less invasive, interventions have been suggested in the last few decades, including endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) or radiofrequency therapy (Stretta). Due to the different mechanisms underlying rGERD, the most effective strategy can vary, and it should be tailored to each patient. The aim of this paper is to review the different management options available to successfully deal with rGERD.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders. Overlap syndrome Clinical guidelines of the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterological Scientific Society of Russia

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Oesophageal hypervigilance and visceral anxiety relate to reflux symptom severity and psychological distress but not to acid reflux parameters

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex and multifactorial. The oesophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS) is a novel cognitive-affective evaluation of visceral sensitivity.

AIMS

To investigate the interrelationship between EHAS and reflux symptom severity, psychological stress, acid reflux burden, phenotypes, and oesophageal mucosal integrity in patients with GERD.

METHODS

Patients with chronic reflux symptoms and negative endoscopy underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring for phenotyping, acid reflux burden, and mucosal integrity with mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) calculation. Validated scores for patient-reported outcomes, including EHAS, GERD questionnaire (GERDQ), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire score, were recorded.

RESULTS

We enrolled 105 patients, aged 21-64 years (mean, 48.8), of whom 58.1% were female; 27 had non-erosive reflux disease, 43 had reflux hypersensitivity and 35 had functional heartburn. There were no significant differences in sex, EHAS, GERDQ, questionnaires of depression or anxiety among GERD phenotypes. EHAS was significantly correlated with GERDQ, questionnaires of depression and anxiety (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant correlations between GERDQ and questionnaires of depression or anxiety. Regarding patient-reported outcomes, GERDQ positively correlated with acid exposure time and negatively correlated with MNBI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

EHAS associates with reflux symptom severity and psychological stress but not with acid reflux burden or mucosal integrity. Thus, EHAS assessment shows promise in assessment of subjective patient outcome and satisfaction with treatment, a hitherto unmet clinical need.

Low FODMAPs diet or usual dietary advice for the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: An open-labeled randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The low FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet improves lower gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients suffering from proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have limited treatment options. We investigated the efficacy of a low FODMAPs diet in patients with PPI refractory GERD.

METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, open-label study compared the efficacy of a 4-week low FODMAPs diet and usual dietary advice (ie, low-fat diet and head of bed elevation) in patients with symptomatic PPI refractory GERD, defined by a Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score >3 and abnormal pH-impedance monitoring on PPIs. The primary endpoint was the percentage of responders (RDQ ≤3) at the end of the diet.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (55% women, median age 45 years) were included, 16 randomized in the low FODMAPs diet group and 15 in the usual dietary advice group. Adherence to the assigned diet was good, with a significant difference in the FODMAPs intake per day between the low FODMAPs diet (2.5 g) and the usual dietary advice group (13 g) (p < 0.001). There was no difference in response rates (RDQ score ≤3) between the low FODMAPs diet (6/16, 37.5%) and usual dietary advice (3/15, 20%) groups (p = 0.43). Total RDQ score and dyspepsia subscore decreased significantly over time in both groups (p = 0.002), with no difference according to the assigned diet group (p = 0.85).

CONCLUSION

Low FODMAPs diet and usual dietary advice have similar but limited beneficial effects on symptoms in patients with PPI refractory GERD.

Untangling Nonerosive Reflux Disease From Functional Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom in clinical practice, but as many as 70% of patients have normal findings from upper endoscopy. Most of these patients have nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) or functional esophageal disorders. NERD is the most common phenotype of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and functional heartburn is the most common cause for refractory heartburn. In patients with NERD, symptoms arise from gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal hypersensitivity, whereas in patients with functional heartburn, symptoms result from esophageal hypersensitivity. A diagnosis of NERD requires endoscopy and reflux testing, whereas a diagnosis of functional heartburn also requires esophageal manometry. NERD is treated most commonly with medical, endoscopic, and surgical antireflux approaches, whereas functional heartburn as well as NERD can be treated with neuromodulators, psychological intervention, and complementary medicine options.

Pharmacological Management of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease: An Update of the State-of-the-Art

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent, chronic disorder, whose knowledge remains limited and the management of these patients changes continuously. This review provides a summary of the most recent advancements in the pathogenesis of this disease and the new drugs introduced into the market to overcome some of the unmet needs of traditional therapies. Nowadays, the most fruitful diagnostic examinations are 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, which allows us to separate true NERD from esophageal functional disorders and high-resolution manometry, which helps to exclude the existence of motility disorders sharing the same symptoms of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the first-choice therapy in the treatment of GERD, but a consistent proportion of these patients continue to experience symptoms despite their intake. These cases pertain mainly to the subpopulation with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and represent very challenging clinical situations, because it is mandatory to understand the reasons for PPI failure. The management of these difficult patients requires necessarily to test them and avoid the use of empiric treatments that are often unsuccessful, costly and potentially dangerous. Recently, several new drugs have been used to increase the defensive properties of this mucosa with promising results in randomized clinical trials.

The Natural History of Chronic Unexplained Gastrointestinal Disorders and Gastroesophageal Reflux During 20 Years: A US Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the natural history of chronic unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and to determine the longitudinal trends of prevalence during a 20-year period in a single US community.

METHODS

Between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2009, valid self-report questionnaires of GI symptoms were mailed to randomly selected cohorts of a community. The study used respondents who answered questions on 1 or more of 3 surveys (initial, 1990-1992; second, 2003-2004; and third, 2008-2009). The trends of prevalence of GI symptoms over time were analyzed in responders who completed 3 surveys, and the natural history or transition was evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of major symptom groupings including gastroesophageal reflux disease was consistent among residents in a community on 3 survey time points (1990-1992, 2003-2004, and 2008-2009). The transitions of GI symptoms were common in 228 patients who responded to all 3 surveys; only 29% had the same symptom category in 3 surveys; otherwise, symptoms changed over time, resolving, recurring, or transitioning to another disorder. Observed proportions of symptom transitions were significantly different from expected during 20 years (P<.001). Higher non-GI somatic symptom scores were significantly associated with both symptom transitions (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.38 to 10.77) and having sustained symptoms (odds ratio, 12.7; 95% CI, 4.62 to 34.90).

CONCLUSION

The overall population prevalence of chronic unexplained GI symptoms is stable, but in individuals, transitions seem to be the rule. As these various GI syndromes appear to be so intimately interconnected, the common underlying pathogenesis may account for a major subgroup of chronic unexplained GI disorders.

Optimal management of severe symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is often the first step of management; however, up to 40% of patients remain symptomatic despite PPI treatment. Refractory reflux refers to continued symptoms despite an adequate trial of PPI, and management remains challenging. The differential diagnosis is important; other oesophageal (e.g. eosinophilic oesophagitis) and gastroduodenal disorders (e.g. functional dyspepsia) should be ruled out, as this changes management. A combination of clinical assessment, endoscopic evaluation and in selected cases oesophageal function testing can help characterize patients with refractory reflux symptoms into oesophageal phenotypes so appropriate therapy can be more optimally targeted. Medical options then may include adding a H2 receptor antagonist, alginates, baclofen or antidepressant therapy, and there is emerging evidence for bile acid sequestrants and diaphragmatic breathing. The demonstration of a temporal association of symptoms with reflux events on pH-impedance testing (reflux hypersensitivity) serves to focus the management on modulating oesophageal perception and reducing the reflux burden, or identifies those with no obvious pathophysiologic abnormalities (functional heartburn). Anti-reflux surgery based on randomized controlled trial evidence has a role in reflux hypersensitivity or continued pathological acid reflux despite PPI in carefully considered, fully worked up cases that have failed medical therapy; approximately two of three cases will respond but there is a small risk of complications. In patients with persistent volume reflux despite medical therapy, given the lack of alternatives, anti-reflux surgery is a consideration. Promising newer approaches include endoscopic techniques. This review aims to summarize current diagnostic approaches and critically evaluates the evidence for the efficacy of available treatments.

Esophageal reflux hypersensitivity: Non-GERD or still GERD?

The most recent iteration of the classifications for functional esophageal disorders, Rome IV, proposed relevant modifications of the previous definitions for Rome III. They specifically considered increased esophageal acid exposure as the marker of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including the remaining part of non-erosive reflux disease patients with normal acid in the group with functional alterations, considering both reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn. However, recent pathophysiological and therapeutic data suggest the need for a return to including reflux hypersensitivity in the GERD spectrum. Indeed, physiologic alterations in esophageal mucosal integrity and chemical clearance, the presence of microscopic esophagitis, and strict symptom-reflux association support the concept that reflux hypersensitivity pertains to GERD. Surgical anti-reflux therapy has resulted in positive outcomes, even in the long term, in patients with reflux hypersensitivity and not in those with functional heartburn. Moreover, clinical trials using neuromodulators have been scarce and provided conflicting results. As a result, the real progress of the Rome IV classifications is in dispute. This article aims to summarize the most recent knowledge of non-erosive reflux disease and reflux hypersensitivity to discuss the utility of Rome IV criteria in the identification and management of functional esophageal disorders.

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.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Functional Heartburn: Expert Review

BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: A diagnosis of functional heartburn should be considered when retrosternal burning pain or discomfort persists despite maximal (double-dose) proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy taken appropriately before meals during a 3-month period. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: A diagnosis of functional heartburn requires upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies to rule out anatomic and mucosal abnormalities, esophageal high-resolution manometry to rule out major motor disorders, and pH monitoring off PPI therapy (or pH-impedance monitoring on therapy in patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), to document physiologic levels of esophageal acid exposure in the distal esophagus with absence of reflux-symptom association (ie, negative symptom index and symptom association probability). BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Overlap of functional heartburn with proven GERD is diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria when heartburn persists despite maximal PPI therapy in patients with history of proven GERD (ie, positive pH study, erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal ulcer), and pH impedance testing on PPI therapy demonstrates physiologic acid exposure without reflux-symptom association (ie, negative symptom index and symptom association probability). BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: PPIs have no therapeutic value in functional heartburn, the exception being proven GERD that overlaps with functional heartburn. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Neuromodulators, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tegaserod, and histamine-2 receptor antagonists have benefit as either primary therapy in functional heartburn or as add-on therapy in functional heartburn that overlaps with proven GERD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Based on available evidence, acupuncture and hypnotherapy may have benefit as monotherapy in functional heartburn, or as adjunctive therapy combined with other therapeutic modalities. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Based on available evidence, anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic GERD treatment modalities have no therapeutic benefit in functional heartburn and should not be recommended.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a typical African population: a symptom-based multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Africa is not known but is believed to be increasing because of demographic and epidemiologic transition. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GERD, and its degree of overlap with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Nigeria, a typical African population.

METHODS

This was an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study of adult Nigerians. Diagnosis of GERD was by means of the gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDQ) while the diagnosis of dyspepsia and IBS was based on the Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders. The GERDQ and Rome III questionnaires for dyspepsia and IBS were merged into a composite questionnaire and administered to the study participants who were recruited with a multi-stage sampling technique.

RESULTS

Out of 3520 subjects who participated in the study across the country, 269 (7.6%) satisfied the diagnostic criteria for GERD, while 107 (3.0%) had GERD associated with significant impairment of quality of life. Risk factors of GERD (represented by odds ratios) were age 1.014(95% CI: 1.006-1.022), use of analgesics 1.461 (95% CI: 1.060-2.025), and use of herbs 1.318 (95% CI: 1.020-1.704). Overlap of GERD with dyspepsia and/or IBS was observed in over 50% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of GERD in this study is 7.6%. Age, use of analgesics and use of herbs increase the risk, albeit minimally. A high degree of overlap with dyspepsia and IBS exists in Nigerian patients with GERD.

Evaluating When and Why Patients Discontinue Chronic Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation and Chronic Idiopathic Constipation

INTRODUCTION

To inform the patient-centered discussion regarding comparative outcomes with irritable bowel syndrome/chronic idiopathic constipation pharmacotherapy, we evaluated reasons and timing of discontinuation of FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation in a large observational real-world cohort.

METHODS

We identified patients initiating lubiprostone or linaclotide within the University of Michigan Electronic Medical Record (2012-2016). Medication start and stop dates were determined in manual chart review including detailed review of all documentation including office notes and telephone encounters. A Cox model was constructed to predict the hazard of discontinuation.

RESULTS

On multivariate analysis of 1,612 patients, linaclotide users had a lower risk of discontinuing therapy than lubiprostone users for any reason (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-0.8). At 3 and 12 months, the overall discontinuation rates were 23% and 43% for lubiprostone compared with 14% and 24% for linaclotide. Over the first year of therapy, more than half of discontinuations due to intolerance occurred in the first 3 months for both drugs. Linaclotide users were more likely to discontinue due to intolerance (HR = 1.6 [95% CI, 1.2-2.3]) but less likely to discontinue due to insufficient efficacy of therapy (HR = 0.5 [95% CI, 0.4-0.8]). IBS diagnosis increased the hazard of discontinuation of lubiprostone relative to linactolide (HR = 1.4, 95% CI, 1.1-1.6). Loss of prescription drug coverage remained a common reason for discontinuation over the first year of therapy.

DISCUSSION

Individuals appear more likely to discontinue lubiprostone than linaclotide overall, but more likely to discontinue linaclotide compared with lubiprostone due to intolerance (mostly diarrhea). Most discontinuations due to intolerance occur in the first 3 months. These results may be useful in individualized treatment selection and enhancing patient knowledge regarding long-term outcomes.

Esophageal disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Aim.To study the whole range of esophageal disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) using high-tech methods. Materials and methods.102 IBS patients (47 males, mean age 40.8, diagnosis of IBS was established according to Rome III criteria) with esophageal symptoms (heartburn, belching, globus sensation and noncardiac chest pain) were examined in gastroenterology department. All patients underwent endoscopy, with biopsies if required, X-ray examination of upper gastrointestinal tract; 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring;13C-urea breath test. Evaluation of esophageal symptoms was carried out on the basis of Rome IV criteria. Results.21 (20.6%) individuals had esophagitis (ERD). According to 24-hour pH-monitoring data, 7 of them had overlap between GERD and functional esophageal disorders (FED). 27 (26.5%) individuals had nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). In 54 (52.9%) individuals endoscopy and pH-impedance monitoring data did not differ from normal, suggesting this group as group of patients with FED. There was no significant difference for age, sex and IBS subtypes in GERD, NERD and FED groups. Conclusion.Comorbid esophageal disorders in patients with IBS are different and represented by organic diseases, FED and overlap between them. Methods such as 24-h pH-impedance measurement and esophageal manometry should be used to assess comorbid esophageal disorders in IBS patients.

Salivary Pepsin as an Intrinsic Marker for Diagnosis of Sub-types of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-related Disorders

Background/Aims

To determine the value of salivary pepsin in discriminating sub-types of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD-related disorders.

Methods

Overall, 322 patients with different sub-types of GERD and 45 healthy controls (HC) were studied. All patients took Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) and underwent endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and manometry. Salivary pepsin concentration (SPC) was detected by using colloidal gold double-antibody immunological sandwich assay. Oral esomeprazole treatment was administrated in the patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and extra-esophageal symptoms (EES).

Results

Compared to HC, patients with erosive esophagitis, NERD, EES, EES plus typical GERD symptoms, or Barrett’s esophagus had a higher prevalence of saliva and SPC (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the positive rate for pepsin in patients with functional heartburn or GERD with anxiety and depression, compared to HC. After esomeprazole treatment, the positive rate and SPC were significantly reduced in NERD (both P < 0.001) and in EES (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Of the 64 NERD patients, 71.9% (n = 46) were positive for salivary pepsin, which was significantly higher than the rate (43.8%, n = 28) of pathological acid reflux as detected by 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Salivary pepsin has an important significance for the diagnosis of GERD and GERD-related disorders. Salivary pepsin and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring may complement with each other to improve the diagnostic efficiency.

Heartburn-Related Internet Searches and Trends of Interest across Six Western Countries: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis Using Google Ads Keyword Planner

The internet is becoming the main source of health-related information. We aimed to investigate data regarding heartburn-related searches made by Google users from Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We retrospectively analyzed data from Google Ads Keywords Planner. We extracted search volumes of keywords associated with “heartburn” for June 2015 to May 2019. The data were generated in the respective primary language. The number of searches per 1000 Google-user years was as follows: 177.4 (Australia), 178.1 (Canada), 123.8 (Germany), 199.7 (Poland), 152.5 (United Kingdom), and 194.5 (United States). The users were particularly interested in treatment (19.0 to 41.3%), diet (4.8 to 10.7%), symptoms (2.6 to 13.1%), and causes (3.7 to 10.0%). In all countries except Germany, the number of heartburn-related queries significantly increased over the analyzed period. For Canada, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom, query numbers were significantly lowest in summer; there was no significant seasonal trend for Australia and the United States. The number of heartburn-related queries has increased over the past four years, and a seasonal pattern may exist in certain regions. The trends in heartburn-related searches may reflect the scale of the complaint, and should be verified through future epidemiological studies.

Esophageal mucosal innervation in functional heartburn: Closer to healthy asymptomatic subjects than to non-erosive reflux disease patients

BACKGROUND

Mucosal innervation in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD; pathological esophageal acid exposure, normal macroscopic mucosa) is clearly distinct from that of healthy volunteers (HV) and from patients with esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus: The nerves in NERD are situated much closer to the luminal surface of the mucosa. Patients with functional heartburn (FH) have a similar symptom profile to patients with NERD and indistinguishable macroscopic appearances. However, they have physiological acid exposure and no reflux-symptom association. The aim of our study was to delineate the position of esophageal mucosal nerve fibers in patients with FH and compare it with that in NERD and HV.

METHODS

Distal esophageal biopsies from patients with FH were immunohistochemically stained for CGRP. CGRP-positive nerve fibers were identified, and their position relative to the lumen was determined. These results were compared to our previously published cohort of HV and NERD.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included in the FH group with a mean age of 46 years (range 33-69); 7F:4M. Nine patients had visible nerve fibers. The location of the afferent nerve fibers in the distal esophageal mucosa (median of 22, range 10.4-28) was similar to the HV group (median 25.5) and significantly deeper than the superficial nerves seen in NERD (median 9.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The mucosal innervation pattern in FH is more alike that of healthy individuals than that of NERD, with afferent nerves lying deep in the mucosa, away from the luminal surface. This supports the theory that heartburn in FH has a distinct nociceptive pathophysiology.

Proton pump inhibitors: use and misuse in the clinical setting

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice has greatly improved our therapeutic approach to acid-related diseases for their efficacy and safety. Areas Covered: The following evidence-based indications for PPI use are acknowledged by many scientific societies: treatment of the various forms and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease, eradication of H. pylori infection in combination with two or more antibiotics, short- and long-term therapy of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers, healing, and prevention of NSAID/COXIB-associated gastric ulcers, co-therapy with endoscopic procedures to control upper digestive bleeding and medical treatment of Zollinger Ellison syndrome. Expert Commentary: Despite the above well-defined indications, however, the use of PPIs continues to grow every year in both western and eastern countries and the endless expansion of the PPI market has created important problems for many regulatory authorities for two relevant features: the progressive increase of the costs of therapy and the greater potential harms for the patients. The major reasons for the misuse of PPIs are the prevention of gastro-duodenal ulcers in patients without risk factors and the stress ulcer prophylaxis in non-intensive care units, steroid therapy alone, anti-platelet or anti-coagulant treatment in patients without risk of gastric injury and the overtreatment of functional dyspepsia.

Appropriateness in prescribing PPIs: A position paper of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) - Study section "Digestive Diseases in Primary Care"

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice about thirty years ago has greatly improved our therapeutic approach to acid-related diseases for their well-recognized efficacy and safety. Despite the well-defined indications, however, the use of PPIs continues to grow every year in both western and eastern countries and this phenomenon poses serious queries that include the onset of potential adverse effects and the increase in health care costs. The major reason explaining this worrying market expansion is the inappropriate use of PPIs. In order to re-establish a correct use of these effective drugs in daily clinical practice, the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), nominated a panel of experts who reviewed the available clinical literature and produced a series of updated position statements on the use of PPIs in clinical practice.

Reflux hypersensitivity

Reflux hypersensitivity (RH) is a condition characterized typically by heart burn, normal gastroscopy and esophageal biopsy, normal esophageal pH-impedance test, and a close correlation between heart burn and reflux events. Recently, Rome Ⅳ criteria suggests that reflux hypersensitivity is a new type of esophageal functional disease. It is very common in clinical practice and often coexists with functional heartburn. Diagnosis is based on heartburn symptoms, gastroscopy, esophageal biopsy, esophageal pH-impedance, and high resolution esophageal pressure. RH patients have normal acid exposure, and there is no dynamic disease in esophageal dynamic test. However, there are still some difficulties in the differential diagnosis of esophageal functional diseases. Symptom associated probability cannot reliably distinguish reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn. The pathogenesis of RH is not entirely clear. Recent studies have shown that esophageal sensitivity to acid and mucosal integrity can lead to RH. Because more than 90% of patients do not respond to proton pump inhibitors, esophageal neuromodulators, such as tricyclic antidepressants, are the main treatment, but the efficacy is uncertain. Surgery is a desirable method, but the indications should be strictly selected. In the future, it is important to strengthen the research of RH pathogenesis and seek new therapeutic targets.

High-resolution manometry is superior to endoscopy and radiology in assessing and grading sliding hiatal hernia: A comparison with surgical in vivo evaluation

Background

Hiatal hernia is diagnosed by barium-swallow esophagogram or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with possible suboptimal results. High-resolution manometry clearly identifies crural diaphragm and lower esophageal sphincter.

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution manometry in detecting hiatal hernia compared to esophagogram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, using as reference the surgical in vivo measurement.

Methods

Patients were studied with esophagogram, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, high-resolution manometry and in vivo evaluation of the esophago-gastric junction. Esophago-gastric junction was classified as type I (no separation between crural diaphragm and lower esophageal sphincter); type II (≥1, ≤ 2 cm separation); type III (>2 cm). During in vivo measurement, distance between the esophago-gastric junction and crural diaphragm proximal border was recorded.

Results

Surgery identified 53 hiatal hernias in 100 patients. Forty-seven percent were classified as type I esophago-gastric junction, 35% type II and 18% type III. Referenced to in vivo evaluation, high-resolution manometry showed superior diagnostic sensitivity and specificity (94.3% and 91.5%, respectively) to esophagogram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, with 92.6% predictive value of a positive test and 93.5% predictive value of a negative test. The kappa value for high-resolution manometry and in vivo evaluation was 0.85. High-resolution manometry showed optimal sensitivity and specificity in detecting types I, II and III esophago-gastric junction.

Conclusions

High-resolution manometry enables an accurate diagnosis of hiatal hernia and a better classification than endoscopy and radiology, reaching optimal agreement with in vivo assessment.

Critical appraisal of Rome IV criteria: hypersensitive esophagus does belong to gastroesophageal reflux disease spectrum

The Rome IV Committee introduced a major change in the classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders, proposing a more restrictive definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It was suggested that hypersensitive esophagus (HE) may sit more firmly within the functional realm. It was suggested that GERD diagnosis should be based upon abnormal acid exposure time (AET) only, implying no advantage of impedance-pH over pH monitoring. Symptom association probability (SAP), symptom index (SI) and heartburn relief with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy were regarded as unreliable, whereas a lack of response to PPI was considered as evidence of functional heartburn. These assumptions are contradicted by numerous studies showing the clinical relevance of weakly acidic refluxes and the diagnostic utility of SAP, SI and new impedance parameters, namely the post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and the mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI). The PSPW index and MNBI provide significant diagnostic advantage, particularly in patients with normal AET who can be classified as HE when both parameters are abnormal, even though SAP and SI are negative. Visceral pain modulators are recommended by the Rome IV Committee despite scanty evidence of efficacy, but a positive outcome with medical or surgical anti-reflux treatment has been reported by several studies of HE patients. Therefore, we believe that patients with endoscopy-negative heartburn should be investigated by means of impedance-pH monitoring with analysis of PSPW index and MNBI: such an approach provides accurate identification of HE cases, who remain, in our opinion, within the realm of GERD and should be treated accordingly.

Reflux Hypersensitivity: A New Functional Esophageal Disorder

Reflux hypersensitivity, recently introduced by Rome IV as a new functional esophageal disorder, is currently considered as the presence of typical heartburn symptoms in patients with normal upper endoscopy and esophageal biopsies, normal esophageal pH test and with evidence of a close correlation between patients’ heartburn and reflux events. Reflux hypersensitivity is very common and together with functional heartburn accounts for more than 90% of the heartburn patients who failed treatment with proton pump inhibitor twice daily. In addition, reflux hypersensitivity affects primarily young to middle aged women, commonly overlaps with another functional gastrointestinal disorders, and is often associated with some type of psychological comorbidity. Diagnosis is made by using endoscopy with esophageal biopsies, pH-impedance, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. Reflux hypersensitivity is primarily treated with esophageal neuromodulators, such as tricyclic anti-depressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors among others. Surgical anti-reflux management may also play an important role in the treatment of reflux hypersensitivity.

Drugs for improving esophageal mucosa defense: where are we now and where are we going?

In the past, the attention of physiologists and doctors has been mainly focused on the key role of acid in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but increasing evidence that 20-40% of reflux patients respond not at all or only partially to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has underlined the concept that factors other than acid are implicated in its development and the elicitation of symptoms. Among these, impaired mucosal integrity, particularly in most patients with non-erosive reflux disease, has recently been reincluded and the reinforcement of defensive mechanisms and/or its protection has been reappointed as a renewed therapeutic target for the management of GERD patients. In this review we will summarize the existing knowledge of the old and novel compounds able to produce this therapeutic effect, including sucralfate, alginate-based drugs, and a new medical device consisting of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate dispersed in a bioadhesive carrier, together with the potential indications for their use. It is to be stressed, however, that, although these compounds may represent a real alternative to PPI therapy in GERD, the combination of mucosal protection with acid suppression may help manage many cases with a partial or unsatisfactory response to PPIs alone.

A review of pharmacotherapy for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

INTRODUCTION

Medical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as first choice treatment. Despite their effectiveness, about 20-30% of patients report an inadequate response and alternative drugs are required. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of current pharmacotherapy for treating GERD by showing the results of PPIs, reflux inhibitors, antidepressants and mucosa protective medications. Expert opinion: Medical therapy of GERD does not definitely cure the disease, because even PPIs are not able to change the key factors responsible for it. However, they remain the mainstay of medical treatment, allowing us to alleviate symptoms, heal esophagitis and prevent complications in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, many patients do not respond, because acid does not play any pathogenetic role. Prokinetics and reflux inhibitors have the potential to control motor abnormalities, but the results of clinical trials are inconsistent. Antidepressant drugs are effective in specific subgroups of NERD patients with visceral hypersensitivity, but larger, controlled clinical studies are necessary. Protective drugs or medical devices have been recently adopted to reinforce mucosal resistance and preliminary trials have confirmed their efficacy either combined with or as add-on medication to PPIs in refractory patients.

The appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Need for a reappraisal

The advent of powerful acid-suppressive drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), has revolutionized the management of acid-related diseases and has minimized the role of surgery. The major and universally recognized indications for their use are represented by treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in combination with antibiotics, therapy of H. pylori-negative peptic ulcers, healing and prophylaxis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-associated gastric ulcers and control of several acid hypersecretory conditions. However, in the last decade, we have witnessed an almost continuous growth of their use and this phenomenon cannot be only explained by the simple substitution of the previous H2-receptor antagonists, but also by an inappropriate prescription of these drugs. This endless increase of PPI utilization has created an important problem for many regulatory authorities in terms of increased costs and greater potential risk of adverse events. The main reasons for this overuse of PPIs are the prevention of gastro-duodenal ulcers in low-risk patients or the stress ulcer prophylaxis in non-intensive care units, steroid therapy alone, anticoagulant treatment without risk factors for gastro-duodenal injury, the overtreatment of functional dyspepsia and a wrong diagnosis of acid-related disorder. The cost for this inappropriate use of PPIs has become alarming and requires to be controlled. We believe that gastroenterologists together with the scientific societies and the regulatory authorities should plan educational initiatives to guide both primary care physicians and specialists to the correct use of PPIs in their daily clinical practice, according to the worldwide published guidelines.