Review article: the patient with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease--lifestyle advice and medication

Reflux esophagitis, functional and non-functional

The pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease has been explained by acid-peptic model. However, related with the progress of the diagnostic modalities, another phenotypical group of patients were defined and called "functional disorders of the esophagus". These patients are important because diagnosis is particularly difficult, co-morbid disorders especially psychiatric diseases are common, proton pump inhibitor response is low, and surgical results are very poor. Simpler and translational science studies are required in functional groups in order to differentiate from acid-peptic disorders. New and more accurate diagnostic modalities as well as therapeutic approaches are strongly needed in this particularly new and exciting era, especially in the effect of neuromodulators. Current diagnostic modalities should also be evaluated and in fact, normal values should be established. New medications, especially acting at the level of esophageal epithelium and intercellular spaces, might shift the paradigm.

[Complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease in the presence of congenital esophageal shortening]

The paper presents a clinical case of complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and describes problems in the differential diagnosis of malignant esophageal lesion in patients with GERD and a treatment modality used in this clinical case.

Association between coffee intake and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases affecting patients worldwide, but its risk factors and causes are not clearly known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of coffee intake on GERD by a meta-analysis. We searched online published research databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for studies that were published up to December 2012. These publications were reviewed by two independent authors, and studies that fulfilled the criteria were selected. Whenever there was a disagreement between the authors, a consensus was reached by discussion. Fifteen case-control studies were included in the final analysis. A meta-analysis showed that there was no significant association between coffee intake and GERD. The odds ratio was 1.06 (95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.19). In subgroup analyses in which the groups were subdivided based on the definition of GERD (diagnosed by endoscopy or by symptoms alone), only the endoscopy group showed a significantly higher odds ratio. In subgroup analyses in which the groups were subdivided based on the amount of coffee intake, quality of study, and assessment of exposure, there was no significant association between coffee intake and GERD.

Relationship of interleukin-1β levels and gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastric mucosal expression of interleukin (IL)-1β may alter acid secretion and influence the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The relationship of gastric mucosal IL-1β level and GERD was evaluated in the Korean population.

METHODS

Genotypes of IL-1B-511 and IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism and clinical characteristics were analyzed in 44 patients with erosive esophagitis (EE), 32 patients with minimal change lesions (MCL), 54 patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 113 controls. Gastric mucosal IL-1β levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the EE and the control group with respect to sex, body mass index, and Helicobacter pylori infection. On the other hand, the MCL and the NERD group showed similar characteristics to that of the control group. IL-1B-511 genetic polymorphism showed relationship with gastric mucosal IL-1β levels. That is, T/T group (112.4 ± 14.3 pg/mg) had higher IL-1β level than C/C group (59.5 ± 11.6, P = 0.011). T carriers (92.8 ± 7.6 pg/mg) showed higher level than T non-carrier group (P = 0.050). In addition, mucosal IL-1β level of the EE group (52.3 ± 9.9 pg/mg) was lower than that of the control (107.8 ± 12.6 pg/mg, P = 0.001), the MCL (103.1 ± 13.5 pg/mg, P = 0.004), and the NERD group (83.8 ± 14.5 pg/mg, P = 0.079). However, genetic polymorphisms of IL-1B-511 and IL-1RN VNTR did not reach statistical significance among four groups.

CONCLUSION

Gastric mucosal IL-1β level might be one factor in the development of GERD.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the ocular surface

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the ocular surface.

METHODS

This is a prospective, sectional cohort study of 80 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Routine ophthalmologic examination and ocular surface evaluation, including biomicroscopy, Schirmer 1 testing, tear break-up time measurement, ocular surface staining, and conjunctival impression cytology, were performed in both of each patient's eyes before and 4 months after starting CPAP therapy.

RESULTS

After CPAP therapy, increases in squamous metaplasia (Nelson classification: t = 0.34, P = 0.014) and Schirmer 1 score (t = 3.20, P = 0.008), and decreases in tear break-up time (t = -1.38, P = 0.008) in the right eyes were statistically significant, as compared with the pretreatment values. Although these parameters changed in a similar fashion in the left eyes, differences between the pre-CPAP and post-CPAP values were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that CPAP therapy increased ocular irritation, tear evaporation, and squamous metaplasia in the conjunctiva of the patients' right and left eyes. Although the parameters measured were similar in both eyes before CPAP therapy, these parameters changed significantly after CPAP therapy only in the right eyes. The observed differences between the right and left eyes require further investigation to determine the possible effects of sleeping position, CPAP mask displacement, and the other factors involved.

Guidance on the use of over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of GERD

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to develop a guideline on the over-the-counter management of gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton pump inhibitors (i.e. omeprazole).

SETTING

A meeting of internationally renowned gastroenterologists in January 2009, in Berlin, Germany.

METHODS

An expert panel group of gastroenterologists convened to develop a consensus-based algorithm for pharmacists for over-the-counter (OTC) treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Key considerations were the short-term safety and efficacy of PPIs, and the extent of the risk to the sufferer, owing to the treatment not being controlled by a physician. Main outcome measures A consensus-based treatment algorithm for the OTC management of gastroesophageal reflux disease and evidence-based guidance on the use of OTC PPIs.

RESULTS

As defined by the treatment algorithm, the pharmacist should first confirm the diagnosis based on the presence of typical symptoms and secondly, as a result, rule out general practitioner referral. The third step focuses on the nature, severity and frequency of the symptoms--the patients who might have the highest benefit from a short course (14 days) of OTC PPIs are those with less than three episodes of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation per week. Patients who have three or more episodes per week can use the OTC PPIs but should also be encouraged to visit a physician, and those who already have a diagnostic work-up can use proton pump inhibitors as rescue treatment if they are known responders. Guidance for pharmacists, in the form of questions and answers, summarises the current published clinical experience with PPIs in terms of their efficacy and safety, and optimal treatment schedule. Conclusions Gastroesophageal reflux disease imposes a considerable burden on sufferers. Owing to their accepted efficacy and safety, PPIs are becoming popular as OTC options for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Effective self-management of gastroesophageal reflux disease with OTC PPIs, e.g. omeprazole, could lead to lasting freedom from symptoms and improved quality of life for sufferers.

Genetic factors in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Multiple factors play a role in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Two landmark studies showing higher concordance of disease in monozygotic than dizygotic twin pairs suggested the role of host genetic factors in its pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that genetic polymorphism in genes influencing host's inflammatory response, drug metabolism, cell cycle regulation, xenobiotic pathways, DNA repair, mutagenesis, esophageal sensory function and gene silencing are associated with risk of GERD and its sequelae-Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, more studies on larger sample size are needed before reaching a definite conclusion on the role of an individual gene.

Patients with Helicobacter pylori infection have less severe gastroesophageal reflux disease: a study using endoscopy, 24-hour gastric and esophageal pH metry

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori is controversial. We evaluated endoscopic, 24-h gastric and esophageal acid profile among patients with GERD in relation to H. pylori, as the latter might alter gastric acid secretion.

METHODS

Patients with GERD (n = 123), who were not on acid-suppressive drugs, and had not received anti-H. pylori therapy, underwent gastroduodenoscopy and tests for H. pylori detection. Esophageal manometry, 24-h pH metry, serum pepsinogen-I (PG-I), PG-II and gastrin-17 ELISA were done in all these patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess independent predictors for erosive esophagitis (EE).

RESULTS

Of 123 patients (mean age 40.5 [13.1] years, 85 [69.1%] men), 59 (47.9%) had H. pylori infection. EE was more common in H. pylori non-infected than infected (49 vs. 32, p < 0.001). Among patients older than 40 years, absence of H. pylori was associated with lower esophageal pH and longer reflux (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). PG-I/PG-II ratio was lower in H. pylori infected subjects (p < 0.001). In patients with higher LA grade of esophagitis, elevated PG-I levels and PG-I/PG-II ratio were associated with more acidic stomach (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed low gastrin-17 (p = 0.016), higher age (p = 0.013), hiatus hernia (p = 0.004) and absence of H. pylori (p = 0.03) were independent predictors for risk of EE.

CONCLUSION

H. pylori infection is associated with less acidic stomach and less severe GERD. Low gastrin-17, higher age, hiatus hernia and absence of H. pylori were the best predictors for EE risk.

Interleukin-1beta and -10 polymorphisms influence erosive reflux esophagitis and gastritis in Taiwanese patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection induces cytokine production and is associated with gastrointestinal diseases. This study examined the relationship of gene polymorphisms, including interleukin (IL)-1beta, -10, -8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), H. pylori infection, and susceptibility to gastrointestinal disorders in Taiwanese patients.

METHODS

IL-1beta-511/-31/+3953, -10-1082/-819/-592, -8-251, and TNF-alpha-308 polymorphisms were assessed in 628 gastrointestinal disease patients, and 176 healthy controls were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

IL-1beta-511 T/T and -31 C/C genotypes, and IL-1beta-511 T and -31 C alleles were associated with an increased risk of reflux esophagitis (P = 0.034, odds ratio [OR] = 1.384, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.023-1.871; P = 0.031, OR = 1.388, 95% CI: 1.028-1.873; P = 0.044, OR = 1.342, 95% CI: 1.008-1.786; and P = 0.040, OR = 1.349, 95% CI: 1.014-1.796, respectively). No relationship was found between H. pylori infection and the risk of reflux esophagitis. IL-10-819 C/T and -10-592 A/C genotypes and IL-10-1082/-819/-592 ATA/ACC and ATA/GCC haplotypes were associated with an increased risk of gastritis (P = 0.021, OR = 1.721, 95% CI: 1.084-2.733; P = 0.016, OR = 1.766, 95% CI: 1.112-2.805; P = 0.039, OR = 1.662, 95% CI: 1.024-2.697; and P = 0.035, OR = 1.600, 95% CI: 1.024-2.499, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Among Taiwanese patients, IL-1beta and -10 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of erosive reflux esophagitis and gastritis, respectively.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Helicobacter pylori: What May Be the Relationship?

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is controversial. We aimed to review the possible relationship between H. pylori infection and GERD. Epidemiological data indicate an inverse relationship between frequency of H. pylori infection and prevalence of GERD and its complications like Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. H. pylori eradication in patients with peptic ulcer disease may be associated with increased risk of development of GERD compared with untreated patients. Infection with cagA bearing strains of H. pylori was associated with less severe GERD including endoscopic esophagitis, possibly due to pangastritis leading to hypochlorhydria. Recent studies on inflammatory markers (IL-1β and IL-1RN) suggest pro-inflammatory genotypes to be protective against development of severe GERD, especially in patients with H. pylori infection. Identification of candidate genes playing an important role in gastric acid secretion and visceral hypersensitivity to the esophageal epithelium might help in early detection of individuals susceptible to develop GERD. Interplay between H. pylori and host factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of GERD.

Genotypic and functional roles of IL-1B and IL-1RN on the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease: the presence of IL-1B-511*T/IL-1RN*1 (T1) haplotype may protect against the disease

OBJECTIVES

We aimed at evaluating the role of interleukin-1B (IL-1B) and IL-1RN polymorphisms, which may modulate the gastric mucosal expression of IL-1beta, thus altering acid secretion, which influences the severity of gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

In a prospective study, 144 patients with GERD (diagnosed by at least two of these criteria: Carlsson-Dent score of 6, endoscopic evidence of GERD, histopathological evidence of esophagitis, percentage time esophageal pH <4 for >5% on 24-h pH monitoring, and response to omeprazole 20 mg/day) and 368 healthy controls were genotyped for IL-1B-511 C/T and IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism (by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and PCR, respectively). Gastric mucosal IL-1beta levels (picogram/milligram of biopsy sample) were measured (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) in 71 patients. Helicobacter pylori diagnosis was conducted using anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA.

RESULTS

Patients (41.1+/-13.3 years old, 96 (66.7%) men) were comparable with healthy controls (43.4+/-11.8 years old, 238 (64.7%) men) with respect to age and gender. The IL-1B-511 CC genotype and C allele were associated with higher risk of GERD than the TT genotype (P=0.01, odds ratio (OR)=2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.12-3.57) and the T allele (P=0.04, OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.0-1.7), respectively. TT and C noncarriers had more IL-1beta than CT (33.2 (2.6-161.3) vs. 16.7 (2.8-121.9), P=0.04) and C carriers (33.2 (2.6-161.3) vs. 15.16 (1.5-121.9), P=0.04), respectively. IL-1RN "1,2" and "2 carriers" had higher risk (P<0.001, OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.31-3.1; P=0.01, OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1-2.4, respectively). "2,2" Had lower IL-1beta levels than both "1,1" and "1,2" (9.2 (1.5-70.7) vs. 26.8 (5.7-161.3), P=0.006; 9.2 (1.5-70.7) vs. 24.4 (2.6-78.0), P=0.02). However, "2 carriers" tended to have lower IL-1beta levels than "2 noncarriers" (21.7 (1.5-78.0) vs. 26.8 (5.7-161.3), P=0.09). The IL-1B-511*T/IL-1RN*1 ("T1") haplotype showed lower risk (P=0.05, OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-1.0). "T1" had higher IL-1beta levels than both "T1 carriers" and "T1 noncarriers" (43.5 (18.2-161.3) vs. 23.9 (2.6-121.9), P=0.02; 43.5 (18.2-161.3) vs. 10.9 (1.5-82.6), P=0.06, respectively). The presence of H. pylori infection was associated with the stronger risk of the IL-1B-511*CC genotype. The "T1" haplotype was strongly protective against GERD among patients with H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The T1 haplotype was associated with the reduced risk of GERD, particularly among patients with H. pylori infection, probably because of higher gastric mucosal IL-1beta levels.

Long-term efficacy of lansoprazole in preventing relapse of erosive reflux esophagitis

In a phase III study of lansoprazole treatment, patients with healed or unhealed erosive esophagitis entered a titrated open-label treatment period and received lansoprazole for <or=6 years to assess long-term maintenance therapy. Doses were adjusted depending on symptom response. Endoscopy was performed yearly. One hundred ninety-five subjects received lansoprazole for <1 to 72 months; most received daily doses of <or=30 mg. Lansoprazole maintained erosive esophagitis remission in 75% of subjects receiving treatment for <or=72 months, with 39 subjects experiencing 50 recurrences. Most subjects (94-95%) had no or mild symptoms of day or night heartburn at study end, and 77% were asymptomatic at first erosive esophagitis recurrence. The most common treatment-related adverse events included diarrhea (10%), headache (8%), and abdominal pain (6%), and were mild or moderate in severity. Long-term lansoprazole is effective and well tolerated when used to maintain erosive esophagitis remission for <or=6 years.

Impaired gastric motility and its relationship to reflux symptoms in patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

More than half of patients with refluxrelated symptoms have no endoscopic evidence of mucosal breaks. These patients are considered to have nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). The pathogenesis of NERD may be multifactorial, but the role played by gastric motility in symptom generation in patients with NERD has not been examined. In this study, we elucidate gastric motility in patients with NERD and the efficacy of a prokinetic agent in the treatment of NERD.

METHODS

Gastric motility was evaluated with electrogastrography (EGG) and by measurement of gastric emptying using the acetaminophen method in 26 patients with NERD and in 11 matched healthy controls. NERD patients were treated with a prokinetic agent (mosapride 15 mg, orally three times daily) for a period of 4 weeks, after which gastric motility was measured again.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy controls, the NERD patients showed a significantly lower percentage of normogastria, a lower power ratio in EGG, and delayed gastric emptying. Ten patients had normal gastric motor function (group A), and 16 showed abnormalities of either gastric myoelectrical activity or gastric emptying (group B). After treatment with mosapride, gastric motility improved significantly in both groups of patients compared with pretreatment values. The subjective assessment by the patient after the treatment was improved in 20.0% of group A versus 62.5% of group B patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric hypomotility appears to be an important factor in reflux symptom generation in some NERD patients.

Lansoprazole for long-term maintenance therapy of erosive esophagitis: double-blind comparison with ranitidine

In a study evaluating the efficacy and safety of lansoprazole to prevent the relapse of erosive esophagitis (EE), 206 of 241 patients (85%) healed after open-label treatment with lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 8 weeks and received double-blind maintenance treatment with lansoprazole 15 mg once daily or ranitidine 150 mg twice daily for up to 1 year. At 1 year, 67% of lansoprazole-treated and 13% of ranitidine-treated patients remained healed (P<0.001). Lansoprazole-treated patients experienced significantly greater symptom relief (P<0.001), and, if asymptomatic at entry into the maintenance phase, remained asymptomatic for significantly longer than ranitidine-treated patients (P<0.001). Symptom status correlated with healing (P=0.001), supporting the symptom-directed management of EE. Both treatments were well tolerated and no unexpected events occurred. Daily therapy with lansoprazole to prevent the relapse of EE is effective, well tolerated, and superior to ranitidine in the maintenance of healing and symptom relief.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): risk factors, and impact on quality of life-a population-based study

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated risk factors, and assess quality of life (QoL) in relation to the frequency and severity of reflux symptoms.

METHODS

A random sample of 1000 residents of Western Sydney were mailed a validated self-report questionnaire. GERD symptoms, risk factors, psychologic distress, QoL, and demographics were measured.

RESULTS

The response rate was 73% (n=672; mean age, 46 y; 52% female). A total of 78 [12%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9-14] had GERD (at least weekly heartburn and/or acid regurgitation). Independent risk factors for GERD were high cholesterol [odds ratio (OR) =3.28, 95% CI: 1.42-7.57, P=0.005] and current smoker (OR=2.47, 95% CI: 1.07-5.70, P=0.03). Anxiety, depression, and neuroticism were not risk factors. Worse physical functioning was the only QoL domain associated with GERD (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99, P=0.006). QoL was significantly impaired regardless of the severity of GERD for the QoL domains physical function, body pain, vitality, and social function. The frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation were not associated with significantly reduced QoL domain scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac risk factors (high cholesterol and smoking) were independently associated with GERD. Increasing GERD symptom severity is associated with worse QoL scores, whereas GERD symptom frequency did not impact the QoL scores.

Diet and lifestyle modifications in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition affecting 44% of the American population at least once a month, with daily occurrences affecting about 7% of the population. It is the most common gastrointestinal-related diagnosis given by physicians during clinic visits in the United States. Treatment of this disease is a step-wise approach that includes diet and lifestyle interventions as well as medications titrated based on symptom severity. This article reviews dietary and lifestyle factors that contribute to the physiology and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and modification of these factors as an adjunctive therapy.

Obesity and lifestyle risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

The aim of this study was to examine the association of obesity with esophageal adenocarcinoma, and with the precursor lesions Barrett esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This case-control study included cases with GERD (n = 142), Barrett esophagus (n = 130), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 57). Controls comprised 102 asymptomatic individuals. Using logistic regression methods, we compared obesity rates between cases and controls adjusting for differences in age, gender, and lifestyle risk factors. Relative to normal weight, obese individuals were at increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.67, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.27-17.9). Diets high in vitamin C were associated with a lower risk for GERD (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19-0.87), Barrett esophagus (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20-0.98), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.77). For the more established risk factors, we confirmed that smoking was a significant risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and that increased liquor consumption was associated with GERD and Barrett esophagus. In light of the current obesity epidemic, esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence rates are expected to continue to increase. Successful promotion of healthy body weight and diets high in vitamin C may substantially reduce the incidence of this disease.

Omeprazole delays gastric emptying in healthy volunteers: an effect prevented by tegaserod

BACKGROUND

Proton-pump inhibitors effectively suppress stomach acidity. They are widely used for treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and related conditions. While generally safe, omeprazole and other proton-pump inhibitors can delay gastric emptying.

AIM

To test the hypothesis that tegaserod can normalize or prevent omeprazole-induced delay in gastric emptying.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study in 40 healthy male volunteers. After informed consent and screening, qualified volunteers were treated with unblinded omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and either blinded tegaserod 6 mg t.d.s. (active treatment group) or placebo-matching tegaserod t.d.s. (control group) for 14 days. Gastric emptying was assessed before and after treatment, using a scintigraphy method.

RESULTS

Omeprazole monotherapy significantly delayed gastric emptying expressed by duration of lag-phase (P < 0.007), time to gastric half-emptying (P < 0.003), and gastric retention of the meal at 60 (P < 0.002) and 120 min (P < 0.04) after its ingestion. Tegaserod taken together with omeprazole effectively prevented development of the above effects. Combined treatment was safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of tegaserod 6 mg t.d.s. prevented development of the delayed gastric emptying induced by omeprazole monotherapy.