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López-Pintor E, Puig-Moltó M, Lumbreras B. EsReflux Protocol: Epidemiological Study of Heartburn and Reflux-like Symptoms in Spanish Community Pharmacies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9807. [PMID: 36011453 PMCID: PMC9407743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Heartburn and reflux discomfort are frequent reasons for consultation at the community pharmacy. To facilitate the assistance work of the community pharmacist and its coordination between different levels of care, a group of experts in Community Pharmacy, Primary Care, and Gastroenterology have recently worked on an algorithm to manage these symptoms in the community pharmacy (Professional Pharmaceutical Service). The objective of this study is to analyze the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with heartburn and/or reflux-like symptoms who go to a community pharmacy, and to evaluate the clinical and humanistic results after the implementation of a Professional Pharmaceutical Service. (2) Methods: A pre-post study will be carried out to evaluate clinical and humanistic results after the implementation of a Professional Pharmaceutical Service. We will include 1200 patients who ask for advice or get a non-prescription medication due to acid and/or reflux symptoms in 240 Spanish pharmacies. Clinical data will be collected at baseline and 15 days after the pharmaceutical intervention. The GERD Impact Scale (GIS) questionnaire will be applied to assess changes in heartburn/reflux-like symptoms and quality of life after the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa López-Pintor
- Department of Engineering, Area of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, CIBERESP, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Puig-Moltó
- Department of Engineering, Area of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Blanca Lumbreras
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, CIBERESP, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Public Health, History of Science and Gynecology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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Maev IV, Barkalova EV, Ovsepian MA, Andreev DN. Phenotypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease: classification, pathogenesis and diagnostic criteria: A review. CONSILIUM MEDICUM 2022. [DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2022.5.201703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The literature review focuses on the current understanding of visceral hypersensitivity mechanisms in the esophagus. Mechanisms of peripheral and central sensitization and their relation to heartburn symptoms are covered in detail. Diagnostic criteria and algorithms for non-erosive reflux disease, functional heartburn, and esophagus hypersensitivity based on pH-impedance testing and high-resolution esophageal manometry data are presented.
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Patel D, Fass R, Vaezi M. Untangling Nonerosive Reflux Disease From Functional Heartburn. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:1314-1326. [PMID: 32246998 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhyanesh Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Ronnie Fass
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Vaezi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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Adding Acotiamide to Gastric Acid Inhibitors Is Effective for Treating Refractory Symptoms in Patients with Non-erosive Reflux Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:823-831. [PMID: 30465175 PMCID: PMC6394577 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 30% of patients who are treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience persistent symptoms. No prokinetic agent regiments are useful for symptom relief. AIMS This study was conducted to examine the effect of adding acotiamide to PPI or vonoprazan refractory GERD. METHODS This was a randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-one patients were enrolled. Patients underwent upper endoscopy before initial therapy [15 reflux esophagitis and 55 non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)]. Patients with persistent reflux symptoms were administered 300 mg/day acotiamide or placebo for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall treatment effect (OTE), and gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated. High-resolution manometry (HRM) and 24-h multiple intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring were conducted before and after treatment when possible. RESULTS Seventy patients were randomized (35 acotiamide and 35 placebo). Sixteen and 10 patients in the acotiamide and placebo groups, respectively, completed MII-pH and HRM. The OTE improvement rates were 28.6% and 14.3% in patients administered acotiamide and placebo, respectively (p = 0.145). In patients with NERD, however, the OTE improvement rate and responder rate for regurgitation in the acotiamide group was significantly higher than those in the placebo group (29.6 vs. 7.1%; p = 0.030, 37.0 vs. 10.7%; p = 0.021, respectively). Acotiamide significantly reduced the total reflux episodes (p = 0.001), acid (p = 0.020), proximal reflux (p = 0.007), and liquid reflux (p = 0.013) episodes. CONCLUSION Adding acotiamide to gastric acid inhibitors can improve symptoms in patients with refractory NERD.
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de Bortoli N, Tolone S, Frazzoni M, Martinucci I, Sgherri G, Albano E, Ceccarelli L, Stasi C, Bellini M, Savarino V, Savarino EV, Marchi S. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: common overlapping gastrointestinal disorders. Ann Gastroenterol 2018; 31:639-648. [PMID: 30386113 PMCID: PMC6191868 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have indicated an overlap between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The overlapping conditions reported have mainly been functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The available literature is frequently based on symptomatic questionnaires or endoscopic procedures to diagnose GERD. Rarely, among patients with heartburn, pathophysiological evaluations have been considered to differentiate those with proven GERD from those without. Moreover, both GERD and IBS or FD showed enormous heterogeneity in terms of the criteria and diagnostic procedures used. The GERD-IBS overlap ranges from 3-79% in questionnaire-based studies and from 10-74% when GERD has been diagnosed endoscopically. The prevalence of functional dyspepsia (after normal upper endoscopy) is 12-15% and an overlap with GERD has been reported frequently. Only a few studies have considered a potential overlap between functional heartburn (FH) and IBS using a 24-h pH-metry or impedance-pH evaluation. Similar data has been reported for an overlap between FH and FD. Recently, a revision of the Rome criteria for esophageal FGIDs identified both FH and hypersensitive esophagus (HE) as potential functional esophageal disorders. This might increase the potential overlap between different FGIDs, with FH and HE rather than with GERD. The aim of the present review article was to appraise and discuss the current evidence supporting the possible concomitance of GERD with IBS and FD in the same patients and to evaluate how various GERD treatments could impact on the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola de Bortoli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Tolone
- Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta (Salvatore Tolone), Italy
| | - Marzio Frazzoni
- Division of Pathophysiology, Baggiovara Hospital, Modena (Marzio Frazzoni), Italy
| | - Irene Martinucci
- Division of Gastroenterology, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore-Lucca (Irene Martinucci), Italy
| | - Giulia Sgherri
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
| | - Eleonora Albano
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
| | - Linda Ceccarelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
| | - Cristina Stasi
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, Florence (Cristina Stasi), Italy
| | - Massimo Bellini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa (Vincenzo Savarino), Italy
| | - Edoardo V. Savarino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua (Edoardo V. Savarino), Italy
| | - Santino Marchi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa (Nicola de Bortoli, Giulia Sgherri, Eleonora Albano, Linda Ceccarelli, Massimo Bellini, Santino Marchi), Caserta, Italy
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Song IJ, Kim HK, Lee NK, Lee SK. Prospective Single Arm Study on the Effect of Ilaprazole in Patients with Heartburn but No Reflux Esophagitis. Yonsei Med J 2018; 59:951-959. [PMID: 30187702 PMCID: PMC6127432 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.8.951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease without esophagitis show varying responses to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the effect of a new PPI, ilaprazole, on patients with heartburn but without reflux esophagitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was performed on 20 patients with heartburn but without reflux esophagitis. All patients underwent upper endoscopy and 24-hr combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH esophageal monitoring (MII-pH). They were then treated with ilaprazole (20 mg) once daily for 4 weeks. The GerdQ questionnaire, histologic findings, and inflammatory biomarkers were used for assessment before and after ilaprazole. RESULTS Among the 20 patients, 13 (65%) showed GerdQ score ≥8. Based on MII-pH results, patients were classified as true nonerosive reflux disease (n=2), hypersensitive esophagus (n=10), and functional heartburn (n=8). After treatment, patients showed a statistically significant improvement in GerdQ score (p<0.001). Among histopathologic findings, basal cell hyperplasia, papillary elongation, and infiltration of intraepithelial T lymphocytes improved significantly (p=0.008, p=0.021, and p=0.008; respectively). Expression of TNF-α, IL-8, TRPV1, and MCP-1 decreased marginally after treatment (p=0.049, p=0.046, p=0.045, and p=0.042; respectively). CONCLUSION Daily ilaprazole (20 mg) is efficacious in improving symptom scores, histopathologic findings, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with heartburn but no reflux esophagitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Ji Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Ki Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Na Keum Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Kil Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Tack J, Zerbib F, Blondeau K, des Varannes SB, Piessevaux H, Borovicka J, Mion F, Fox M, Bredenoord AJ, Louis H, Dedrie S, Hoppenbrouwers M, Meulemans A, Rykx A, Thielemans L, Ruth M. Randomized clinical trial: effect of the 5-HT4 receptor agonist revexepride on reflux parameters in patients with persistent reflux symptoms despite PPI treatment. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 27:258-68. [PMID: 25530111 PMCID: PMC4681320 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately, 20-30% of patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) experience persistent symptoms despite treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These patients may have underlying dysmotility; therefore, targeting gastric motor dysfunction in addition to acid inhibition may represent a new therapeutic avenue. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of the prokinetic agent revexepride (a 5-HT4 receptor agonist) in patients with GERD who have persistent symptoms despite treatment with a PPI. METHODS This was a phase II, exploratory, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study in patients with GERD who experienced persistent symptoms while taking a stable dose of PPIs (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01370863). Patients were randomized to either revexepride (0.5 mg, three times daily) or matching placebo for 4 weeks. Reflux events and associated characteristics were assessed by pH/impedance monitoring and disease symptoms were assessed using electronic diaries and questionnaires. KEY RESULTS In total, 67 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no significant differences between study arms in the number, the mean proximal extent or the bolus clearance times of liquid-containing reflux events. Changes from baseline in the number of heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptom events were minimal for each treatment group and no clear trends were observed. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES No clear differences were seen in reflux parameters between the placebo and revexepride groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tack
- Universitair Ziekenhuis LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | - F Zerbib
- CHU de Bordeaux, Hôpital Saint AndréBordeaux, France
| | - K Blondeau
- Universitair Ziekenhuis LeuvenLeuven, Belgium
| | | | - H Piessevaux
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-LucBrussels, Belgium
| | - J Borovicka
- Kantonsspital St GallenSt Gallen, Switzerland
| | - F Mion
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Digestive Physiology, University LyonLyon, France
| | - M Fox
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital ZürichZurich, Switzerland
| | | | - H Louis
- CUB Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de BruxellesBrussels, Belgium
| | - S Dedrie
- Shire-Movetis NVTurnhout, Belgium
| | | | | | - A Rykx
- Shire-Movetis NVTurnhout, Belgium
| | | | - M Ruth
- Shire-Movetis NVTurnhout, Belgium
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Shaheen NJ, Denison H, Björck K, Karlsson M, Silberg DG. Efficacy and safety of lesogaberan in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a randomised controlled trial. Gut 2013; 62:1248-55. [PMID: 22730470 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lesogaberan (AZD3355) is a novel γ-aminobutyric acid B-type receptor agonist designed to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by inhibiting transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre phase IIb study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of lesogaberan as an add-on to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in patients with GERD who are partially responsive to PPI therapy (ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT01005251). DESIGN In total, 661 patients were randomised to receive 4 weeks of placebo or 60, 120, 180 or 240 mg of lesogaberan twice daily, in addition to ongoing PPI therapy. Symptoms were measured using the Reflux Symptom Questionnaire electronic Diary. Response to treatment was defined as having an average of ≥ 3 additional days per week of not more than mild GERD symptoms during treatment compared with baseline. RESULTS In the primary analysis, 20.9%, 25.6%, 23.5% and 26.2% of patients responded to the 60, 120, 180 and 240 mg twice daily lesogaberan doses, respectively, and 17.9% responded to placebo. The response to the 240 mg twice daily dose was statistically significantly greater than the response to placebo using a one-sided test at the predefined significance level of p < 0.1. However, the absolute increases in the proportions of patients who responded to lesogaberan compared with placebo were low. Lesogaberan was generally well tolerated, although six patients receiving lesogaberan developed reversible elevated alanine transaminase levels. CONCLUSIONS In patients with GERD symptoms partially responsive to PPI therapy, lesogaberan was only marginally superior to placebo in achieving an improvement in symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Shaheen
- Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
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Ang D, Teo EK, Ang TL, Ong J, Poh CH, Tan J, Fock KM. To Bravo or not? A comparison of wireless esophageal pH monitoring and conventional pH catheter to evaluate non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease in a multiracial Asian cohort. J Dig Dis 2010; 11:19-27. [PMID: 20132427 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-2980.2009.00409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) constitutes the majority of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal pH monitoring is useful in distinguishing patients with NERD from functional heartburn. The gastroenterologist often faces the dilemma of choosing the most appropriate investigative modality. The wireless Bravo capsule allows prolonged 48 hour monitoring with improved patient tolerance, but concerns regarding its reduced sensitivity compared to conventional pH catheter have been raised. We compared the prevalence of high esophageal acid exposure and positive symptom correlation profiles (using the symptom index [SI] and symptom association probability [SAP]) in patients who underwent Bravo compared to patients who underwent conventional pH catheter, and evaluated the efficacy of Bravo monitoring in a multiracial Asian cohort. METHODS Retrospective analysis of all pH studies performed between January 2004 and February 2009 for patients with persistent reflux symptoms and a normal gastroscopy. RESULTS 66 (27 Male, 42.4 +/- 13.4 years) and 55 (24 Male, 47.1 +/- 13.3 years) patients underwent wireless and pH catheter evaluation respectively. "True NERD" (abnormal acid exposure) was diagnosed in 26 (39.4%) and 20 (36.4%) patients (pNS) while "acid-sensitive esophagus" (SI > or = 50% and/or SAP > or = 95%) occurred in 14 (21.2%) and 12 (21.8%) patients (pNS) using the wireless and pH catheter respectively. Extended recording time with Bravo led to an incremental diagnostic yield of 30%. CONCLUSION The wireless capsule was well tolerated. The diagnostic yield was similar using both modalities. With the increasing availability of impedance-pH technology, it is uncertain if devices that detect only acid-reflux events will be surpassed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Ang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
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Hungin APS, Modlin I. NERD: a new approach in managing reflux symptoms. Fam Pract 2008; 25:397-9. [PMID: 19017710 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmn093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Hobson AR, Furlong PL, Aziz Q. Oesophageal afferent pathway sensitivity in non-erosive reflux disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2008; 20:877-83. [PMID: 18410265 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) report symptoms which commonly fail to improve on conventional antireflux therapies. Oesophageal visceral hyperalgaesia may contribute to symptom generation in NERD and we explore this hypothesis using oesophageal evoked potentials. Fifteen endoscopically confirmed NERD patients (four female, 29-56 years) plus 15 matched healthy volunteers (four female, 23-56 years) were studied. All patients had oesophageal manometry/24-h pH monitoring and all subjects underwent evoked potential and sensory testing, using electrical stimulation of the distal oesophagus. Cumulatively, NERD patients had higher sensory thresholds and increased evoked potential latencies when compared to controls (P = 0.01). In NERD patients, there was a correlation between pain threshold and acid exposure as determined by DeMeester score (r = 0.63, P = 0.02), with increased oesophageal sensitivity being associated with lower DeMeester score. Reflux negative patients had lower pain thresholds when compared to both reflux positive patients and controls. Evoked potentials were normal in reflux negative patients but significantly delayed in the reflux positive group (P = 0.01). We demonstrate that NERD patients form a continuum of oesophageal afferent sensitivity with a correlation between the degree of acid exposure and oesophageal pain thresholds. We provide objective evidence that increased oesophageal pain sensitivity in reflux negative NERD is associated with heightened afferent sensitivity as normal latency evoked potential responses could be elicited with reduced afferent input. Increased oesophageal afferent pain sensitivity may play an important role in a subset of NERD and could offer an alternate therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Hobson
- Immuno-inflammation CEDD, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK.
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