Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, adults, and elderly in the same community

Prevalence and risk factors of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms among adolescents, the HUNT study

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is recognized by symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. These gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) are common in adults, but data from adolescents are sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of GORS among adolescents in a large and unselected population.

METHODS

This study was based on the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal series of population-based health surveys conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. This study included data from Young-HUNT4 performed in 2017-2019, where all inhabitants aged 13-19 years were invited and 8066 (76.0%) participated. The presence of GORS (any or frequent) during the past 12 months and tobacco smoking status were reported through self-administrated questionnaires, whereas body mass index (BMI) was objectively measured.

RESULTS

Among 7620 participating adolescents reporting on the presence of GORS, the prevalence of any GORS and frequent GORS was 33.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.2 - 34.3%) and 3.6% (95% CI 3.2 - 4.0%), respectively. The risk of frequent GORS was lower among boys compared to girls (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.46 - 0.79), higher in current smokers compared to never smokers (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.93) and higher among obese compared to underweight/normal weight adolescents (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.70 - 3.66).

CONCLUSION

A considerable proportion of adolescents had GORS in this population-based study, particularly girls, tobacco smokers, and individuals with obesity, but frequent GORS was relatively uncommon. Measures to avoid tobacco smoking and obesity in adolescents may prevent GORS.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Survivors From Infancy to Adulthood

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common comorbidity associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), with reported cases of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma before the age of 25. The prevalence and natural course of GERD in CDH survivors remain uncertain due to variations in diagnostic methods. We aimed to analyse the GERD prevalence from infancy through young adulthood.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed pH-impedance measurements and endoscopic findings in 96 CDH survivors evaluated as routine care using well established clinical protocols. GERD was defined as an abnormal acid exposure time for pH-MII measurements and as presence of reflux esophagitis or BE at upper endoscopy. Clinical data including symptoms at time of follow-up and use of antireflux medication were collected.

RESULTS

GERD prevalence remained consistently low (≤10%) across all age groups, yet many patients experienced GER symptoms. Histological abnormalities were observed in 80% of adolescents and young adults, including microscopic esophagitis in 50%. BE was diagnosed in 7% before the age of 18, all had GER symptoms. CDH severity, anatomy at the time of CDH correction, alcohol usage, and smoking did not emerge as significant risk factors for GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the low GERD prevalence in CDH survivors, a symptom-driven approach to diagnosis and follow-up is warranted. We advise long-term follow-up for all adult patients due to the early onset of BE and the limited evidence available. The longitudinal course and impact of GERD on other long-term CDH-related comorbidities should be explored in larger cohorts.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Impact on the Quality of Life Among Obese Individuals in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a global gastrointestinal disorder, and obesity is a particular risk factor. Symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and acid reflux, are caused by abnormal relaxation in the lower esophagus, causing gastric acid reflux. Persistent symptoms can affect the patient's quality of life (QOL) and can cause complications, such as esophageal adenocarcinoma. Management of GERD includes lifestyle changes, antacids, and anti-reflux surgery. Even though GERD is a common disease, few research has been carried out on it in Saudi Arabia. Aim This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GERD and its associated risk factors among obese individuals in the Al-Baha region population and the effect of GERD on their QOL. Methods A cross-sectional study included 314 obese participants from the Al-Baha region. A questionnaire was filled out to measure the prevalence of GERD, risk factors, and effects on the QOL of the participants. Data were analyzed by the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (released 2019, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were applied. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the incidence of GERD. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 314 patients who met our inclusion criteria completed the survey; 42% of them were women, the mean age of all patients was 35.3 ± 12.9 years, and 38.2% of the patients were diagnosed with GERD. Epigastric pain and burning sensation were the most common symptoms (44.9%). Five out of six domains in the QOL questionnaire showed more effects among GERD participants than non-GERD participants, and the results were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that men are 1.8 times more likely than women to be diagnosed with GERD, and smokers have 2.6 times the risk of being diagnosed with GERD than non-smokers. Conclusion The present study showed a high prevalence of GERD among obese patients in the Al-Baha region, negatively affecting their QOL. Major risk factors included gender, smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Public health programs to raise awareness of these risk factors and lifestyle habits are necessary to improve QOL and prevent complications.

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

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

Health related quality of life is associated with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in overweight children

OBJECTIVES

The association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is well-established in adults; however, data in pediatric population is scarce. Our study aimed to assess the association between GERD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight children.

METHODS

From April to August of 2020, we included children aged 7-18 years who attended the Endocrinological Outpatient Clinic at the Paediatric Institute, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The participants completed two questionnaires: the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire (PGSQ) and the HRQoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), the patients were categorized into two groups: an overweight or obese group and a group with normal weight.

RESULTS

A total of 107 children (51 % female, mean age 13.2 years, 46 % overweight or obese) completed the questionnaires. The median PGSQ score was similar in both groups (4.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.8) vs. 3.0 (IQR: 1.0-7.0), p=0.6). However, the total PedsQL score was significantly lower in the children with overweight or obesity compared to those with normal weight (80.1 (71.1-91.0) vs. 88.0 (76.1-94.6), p=0.031). The PedsQL score was lower among overweight patients with GERD symptoms than that of normal-weight patients without GERD symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about GERD to enhance the HRQoL and prevent long-term complications in obese children.

Prediction of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children

BACKGROUND

Many children respond to medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, some may require invasive intervention for refractory disease. Due to the lack of prognostic tools in children, this study aimed to develop a predictive model for refractory GERD.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in children with symptoms of GERD at a university hospital. Refractory GERD was defined as an unresponsive disease after optimal treatment with medication for >8 weeks. The predictive model was constructed based on clinical features and 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring results.

RESULTS

A total of 205 children were included with a median (IQR) age of 0.6 (0.3, 2.0) years. Over half of the patients (59.5%) had motor disabilities. Forty-four children (21.5%) were diagnosed with refractory GERD and subsequently underwent fundoplication. Multivariable analysis suggested that the refractory disease was associated with motor disabilities (OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 2.06-13.91), recurrent aspiration pneumonia (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24-6.26), prematurity with an onset of GERD at a post-conceptual age <40 weeks (OR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.96-23.33), and abnormal total reflux episodes according to age (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24-6.19), but not the acid exposure time or symptom association analysis. The predictive model for refractory GERD based on associated factors revealed an area under the ROC curve of 76.8% (95% CI: 69.2%-84.3%) with a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 64% when applying a cutoff score of ≥2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model, using clinical features and MII-pH, may be an additional tool to predict refractory GERD in young children.

Reflux-Qual-Short-Form Questionnaire: Translation and Validation of the Greek Version

The aim of this study was the translation and validation of the Reflux-Qual Short-Form (RQS), a quality of life questionnaire in a Greek sample of 148 individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This tool through eight items explores the effects of GERD in five dimensions of quality of life: daily activity, well-being, psychological impact, sleep, and eating. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a one-factor scale for the Greek-translated version. Internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was deemed very satisfactory based on Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which was equal to 0.816. Split-half reliability was evaluated as an additional measure of internal consistency. The test-retest reliability analysis revealed a good stability after a 1-month interval. Construct validity was measured by the correlation level between each item and the adjusted global score, resulting in an acceptable level of convergence between the items. Concurrent validity was confirmed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as a reference scale. This study indicates that RQS Questionnaire is a short, simple, reliable, and valid tool that can be used to assess quality of life in Greek individuals with GERD.

Long-term vonoprazan therapy is effective for controlling symptomatic proton pump inhibitor-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease

Vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, results in greater inhibition of gastric acid secretion than proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of patients with PPI-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated with vonoprazan. The medical records of patients with symptomatic GERD treated with vonoprazan for 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in abdominal symptoms were assessed using the Izumo scale, a self-reported questionnaire which is useful in evaluating the symptoms of GERD, epigastric pain, postprandial distress, constipation and diarrhea, and is commonly used in routine clinical practice. A total of 30 patients were included and stratified into a non-erosive (n=22) and erosive group (n=8). At baseline, postprandial distress symptoms were significantly greater in the non-erosive group compared with the erosive group (P=0.013). Even with vonoprazan therapy, symptoms of GERD in the non-erosive group were refractory compared with the erosive group, and required additional treatment in a larger proportion of patients (45 vs. 13%). GERD symptoms in the non-erosive group significantly improved from baseline and remained better after 1 year of vonoprazan therapy, similar to the erosive group. In addition, vonoprazan improved epigastric pain and postprandial distress symptoms in the non-erosive group, and 1 year of vonoprazan therapy did not aggravate constipation or diarrhea. In conclusion, 1 year of vonoprazan therapy improves GERD symptoms in patients with PPI-resistant GERD.

Retrospective Review of Pharmacogenetic Testing at an Academic Children's Hospital

There is limited evidence to support pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing in children. We conducted a retrospective review of PGx testing among 452 patients at an academic children's hospital to determine the potential utility of PGx in diseases of childhood and to identify targets for future pediatric pharmacogenetic research. An actionable gene-drug pair associated with the 28 genes tested (Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) level A or B, Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base (PharmGKB) level 1A or B, or US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendation and a PharmGKB level) was present in 98.7% of patients. We identified 203 actionable gene-drug-diagnosis groups based on the indications for each actionable drug listed in Lexicomp. Among patients with an actionable gene-drug-diagnosis group, 49.3% had a diagnosis where the drug was a therapeutic option and PGx could be used to guide treatment selection. Among patients with an associated diagnosis, 30.9% had a prescription for the actionable drug allowing PGx guided dosing. Three genes (CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5) accounted for all the gene-drug-diagnosis groups with matching diagnoses and prescriptions. The most common gene-drug-diagnosis groups with matching diagnoses and prescriptions were CYP2C19-citalopram-escitalopram-depression 3.3% of patients tested; CYP2C19-dexlansoprazole-gastritis-esophagitis 3.1%; CYP2C19-omeprazole-gastritis-esophagitis 2.4%; CYP2D6-atomoxetine-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 2.2%; and CYP2C19-citalopram-escitalopram-obsessive-compulsive disorder 1.5%. PGx could be used to guide selection of current treatment options or medication dosing in almost half (48.7%) of pediatric patients tested. Mood disorders and gastritis/esophagitis are promising targets for future study of PGx testing because of the high prevalence of these diagnoses and associated actionable gene-drug pairs in the pediatric population.

Efficacy of DA-5204 (Stillen 2X) for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) alone is not satisfactory for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of DA-5204 (Stillen 2X, 90 mg of Artemisia asiatica 95% ethanol extract per tablet) and PPI combination therapy on GERD in comparison to PPI alone.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomly assigned 70 patients with endoscopically proven esophageal mucosal injury (Los Angeles classification grade A or B) into 2 groups: pantoprazole 40 mg once daily with DA-5204 twice daily (DA-5204 group) or pantoprazole 40 mg once daily with placebo twice daily (placebo group) for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was endoscopic healing rate. The secondary endpoint was sufficient relief (≥50% reduction) of symptoms using GERD Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Final analyses included 29 patients with the DA-5204 group and 30 patients with the placebo group. At weeks 4, there was no significant difference in the endoscopic healing rate between the 2 groups (DA-5204 vs placebo; 96.6% vs 93.3%; P = 1.000). However, the rate of residual minimal change was significantly lower in the DA-5204 group (5/28, 17.9%) than in the placebo group (17/28, 60.7%) (P < .001). The rates of symptom relief were not different between the DA-5204 group and the placebo group (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy with PPI and DA-5204 has no additional effect on the endoscopic healing rate compared to PPI alone. However, it may be beneficial in resolving minimal change.

When did gastro-esophageal reflux become a disease? A historical perspective on GER(D) nomenclature

BACKGROUND

Within the span of a few decades, gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) evolved from a rare entity to the most commonly diagnosed upper gastro-intestinal disease, i.e. gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The boundaries of GERD remain matter of controversy and appear to be ever expanding in both children and adults. Our aim is to answer the questions: when did GER become a disease? And when did it become specifically a pediatric disease?

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive historical review of the original medical literature using Medline and Google, along with a compilation of original and secondary texts in English, French and German.

RESULTS

Our finding is that those actively involved in treating the reflux, first surgeons in the 1960s and then gastroenterologists in the 1970s, initiated naming it a disease. In pediatrics, the possible correlation between reflux events and sudden infant death syndrome accelerated the management of reflux associated with respiratory symptoms with surgery in the 1970s. Surgeons were also the first specialists to formulate the term pediatric GERD in 1982.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the genesis of GERD may shed light upon its expansion as a disease category and its persistent controversial nature in pediatrics.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a population-based cross-sectional study in southern Chile

Background

This study assessed the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a general adult population from Temuco in southern Chile. The association of GERD with demographic variables was also examined.

Methods

A cross-sectional study among the general population of Temuco in southern Chile was conducted in 2017, using a validated and reliable questionnaire for detecting GERD. The urban area of Temuco, with a population of 245,317 inhabitants (2002 census), was divided into four zones, which were representative of the socioeconomic sectors of the city. The sample size was estimated assuming a prevalence of 52.8%, an accuracy of 3.0%, a confidence level of 95.0%, and a design effect of 1.15. Area sampling was used to build clusters. The prevalence of GERD was determined and associated factors were studied by means of bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 1,069 subjects (47.9% women, median age 40 years) from the selected subareas were interviewed. The prevalence of GERD was 44.8%. The most frequently reported symptom was regurgitation (54.8%). One-third of subjects took medication to control symptoms and was considered 'sick' by the instrument, although >68% of them had never sought medical consultation. There was a significant association between GERD and age (P < 0.001) and female gender (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

In this population-based study, the prevalence of GERD was high (44.8%). GERD was associated with age and female gender.

Concomitant gastrostomy tube insertion during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastro-esophageal reflux disease: analysis of risk factors for fundoplication failure

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and gastrostomy tube (GT) placement may be performed concomitantly in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and failure to thrive. We aimed to evaluate the rate and risk factors for LNF failure in children undergoing concomitant LNF/GT.

METHODS

A retrospective multi-institutional cohort study was conducted, reviewing patients that underwent LNF (2005-2014). Data collected included patient demographics, comorbidities, and type of GT (laparoscopy- or endoscopy-assisted). The primary outcome measure was LNF failure. Data was compared using contingency tables or Mann-Whitney tests, when appropriate. An exploratory analysis by Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to determine predictors of time to LNF failure after LNF/GT.

RESULTS

Of 189 children that underwent LNF, 99 (52%) had a concomitant GT (55% laparoscopy-, 45% endoscopy-assisted). LNF failed in 15% after LNF/GT and in 17% after LNF alone (p = 0.84), at a median age of 23 months (IQR 8-41). Using univariate analysis, we found that a younger age at the time of surgery (p = 0.05), prematurity (p = 0.0018), esophageal atresia (p = 0.01), and endoscopy-assisted GT (p = 0.02) were potential predictors of LNF failure after LNF/GT. After multivariate regression analysis, prematurity (p = 0.007) remained significantly associated with LNF failure after LNF/GT. No predictive factors for LNF failure after LNF alone were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant GT insertion and LNF is a common practice, as half of the children that undergo LNF also received GT insertion. Children born preterm or with esophageal atresia comprise a fragile population at high-risk of LNF failure after LNF/GT. Prospective, multicentric studies are needed to evaluate the best GT technique to use in children undergoing LNF.

Allergic rhinitis as a key factor for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause airway symptoms and some airway diseases exacerbate GERD symptoms. Asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) have been identified as united airway disease because of their similar epidemiology and pathophysiology. Asthma has been considered a risk factor to develop GERD. However, the association between AR and GERD is not clear. We tried to investigate whether AR could increase the development of GERD.

METHODS

Children diagnosed as AR without a prior history of GERD were conducted from the National Health Insurance Research Database between 2000 and 2005. After propensity score matching, we enrolled 36,588 children with AR and 36,588 non-AR children as the controls. Cox regression models were adopted to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of GERD.

RESULTS

AR children had a significantly increased risk of GERD than non-AR children (adjusted HR 1.91, 95% CI = 1.73-2.11, p < 0.001), especially in the age less than 6 years old (adjusted HR 2.68, 95% CI = 1.64-4.38, p < 0.001). The risk factor related to increased risk of GERD including age, gender, and chronic sinusitis.

CONCLUSION

AR is a risk factor associated with the development of GERD in children.

Effects of acotiamide on functional dyspepsia patients with heartburn who failed proton pump inhibitor treatment in Japanese patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are gastrointestinal disorders that often overlap. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, the effects of adding acotiamide to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were investigated in FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment, corresponding to PPI-resistant NERD.

METHODS

The subjects included 16 FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment, and they were administered acotiamide or a placebo for 28 days. After suspending medication for 28 days, the trial drug and placebo were crossed over and administered for 28 days. Before the study began and after each administration period, high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) was performed, and the modified frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) questionnaire was administered.

KEY RESULTS

Postprandial fullness in the FD assessment and all modified FSSG items were significantly lower in the acotiamide group than in the placebo group. Esophagogastric junction pressure was significantly higher in the acotiamide group. The distal contractile integral (DCI) pressure and the highest DCI pressure both increased significantly in the acotiamide group. Moreover, in the acotiamide group, the frequency of abnormal primary peristalsis decreased to normal levels; complete bolus transit (CBT), an indicator of esophageal clearance, increased; and CBT time decreased.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Acotiamide was considered to improve upper gastrointestinal functions not only in the stomach but also in the esophagus. Adding acotiamide to PPI therapy appears to improve upper abdominal symptoms in FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment.

A population-based survey of gastroesophageal reflux disease in a region with high prevalence of esophageal cancer in China

Background:

The exact relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is far from clarification. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of GERD in a region with high prevalence of ESCC in China.

Methods:

A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a high ESCC prevalent area, Anyang, Henan, China. All subjects fulfilled questionnaires and underwent gastroendoscopy with routine esophageal biopsy. The subjects were divided into GERD subtypes (reflux esophagitis [RE] and non-erosive reflux disease [NERD]) and controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine risk factors for RE and NERD.

Results:

A total of 2844 subjects were finally enrolled. The prevalence of GERD (RE + NERD) was 17.3%. Among them, 271 (9.53%) adults were diagnosed with RE. The prevalence of RE increased with age (7.09% in 45–50 years, 8.00% in 51–60 years, and 9.53% in 61–69 years, χ² = 62.216, P < 0.001). Sixty-seven (2.36%) subjects were diagnosed with the silent RE. A total of 221 (7.77%) subjects were diagnosed with NERD. Frequent liquid food consumption (OR [95% CI]: 1.502 [1.076–2.095]) was independent risk factor for RE as well as age, male gender, high body mass index (BMI), ever smoking. Age was independent risk factor for NERD. For silent RE, age, male gender, and frequent liquid food consumption were risk factors.

Conclusions:

In the population with high prevalence of ESCC, a high prevalence of GERD and inverted proportion of RE/NERD were presented. Age was an independent risk factor for GERD. The male gender, high BMI, smoking, and frequent liquid food consumption may be risk factors for RE but not for NERD.

Effects of Life style factors on the symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease: A cross sectional study in a Pakistani population

Background &Objective:

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) broadly includes the whole spectrum of reflux disease symptoms like heartburn or acid regurgitation to endoscopic, reflux esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus. Our aim therefore was to study the association between Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and various lifestyle factors.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of Darul Sehat Hospital, Zubaida Medical Center and Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan from January 2018 to October 2018. The selected candidates were asked to fill a validated GERD questionnaire and they were also asked about their lifestyle factors. Odds ratio and their 95% confidence interval were estimated using binary logistic regression with GERD symptoms as the study outcome.

Results:

A total of 2000 respondents completed the questionnaire. 69.3% gastroesophageal reflux disease cases were found in participants above 35 years of age while 56.9% subjects were male. The most common lifestyle factors associated with GERD were less exercise time (90.9%) (OR, 6.47; 95% CI, 4.91-8.53), 78.3% participants had habit of eating midnight snacks (OR, 5.08; 95% CI, 4.03-6.40), 87.3% participants reported less interval between dinner and sleep (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 5.36-9.08). The most important factor relieving GERD symptoms was raising the head of bed during sleep (79.4%) while 43.3% subjects with the habit of post dinner walk reported fewer symptoms of GERD.

Conclusion:

Lifestyle factors particularly less physical activity, late evening meals, inadequate sleep, smoking and post dinner lying were found to be associated with GERD symptoms.

The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire in Adolescents: What Is the Best Cutoff Score?

BACKGROUND

A self-assessment questionnaire, the GERD-Questionnaire (GERD-Q) was used to determine the prevalence of GERD in adolescents, describe the related factors, and determine the impact on quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

The incidence of GERD was evaluated using the GERD-Q in adolescents aged 12-18 years. The Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire and Quality of Life Questionnaire (PGSQ-A) for adolescents were additionally administered. Some factors considered related to GERD were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The 520 adolescents were included. The prevalence of suspected GERD, according to a GERD-Q cutoff score of ≥7 was 32.9%, and those drinking soda were 1.7 times more likely to have GERD (95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.2; p<0.001). However, soda consumption was not a risk factor for development of GERD symptoms. Applying a cutoff score of ≥8, only 10.9% of the participants had a positive GERD score, but the association with soda consumption persisted. The median PGSQ-A score in subjects suspected of GERD was 8 (range 0-37) on weekends and 1 (range 0-17) during weekdays (p<0.001) compared to those not suspected of GERD, with a median of 2 (range 0-27) during weekends and 0 (range 0-10) during weekdays. Heartburn, regurgitation, and extraesophageal symptoms correlated significantly with QoL (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of suspected GERD in adolescents was 32.9% or 10.9%, depending on the cutoff score used. There was a statistically significant difference in PGSQ-A scores between the subjects suspected or not of GERD, indicating an impaired QoL.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as gastroesophageal reflux causing troublesome symptoms or complications. In this study we reviewed the literature regarding the prevalence of GERD symptoms in infants and children.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically searched from inception to June 26, 2018. English-written studies based on birth cohort, school-based, or general population samples of ≥50 children aged 0 to 21 years were included. Convenience samples were excluded.

RESULTS

In total, 3581 unique studies were found, of which 25 studies (11 in infants and 14 in children) were included with data on the prevalence of GERD symptoms comprising a total population of 487,969 children. In infants (0-18 months), GERD symptoms are present in more than a quarter of infants on a daily basis and show a steady decline in frequency with almost complete disappearance of symptoms at the age of 12 months. In children older than 18 months, GERD symptoms show large variation in prevalence between studies (range 0%-38% of study population) and overall, are present in >10% and in 25% on respectively a weekly and monthly basis. Of the risk factors assessed, higher body mass index and the use of alcohol and tobacco were associated with higher GERD symptom prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review demonstrates that the reported prevalence of GERD symptoms varies considerably, depending on method of data collection and criteria used to define symptoms. Nevertheless, the high reported prevalence rates support better investment of resources and educational campaigns focused on prevention.

One-year outcomes in children with eosinophilic esophagitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Despite rising incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), data on the follow-up and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present data on the treatment outcomes in children diagnosed with EoE who were treated in a tertiary medical center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study involving patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with EoE in our center between January 2011 and June 2017.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were followed up for a mean of 3 years (range 0.5-6.8). Six months after the diagnosis, 28 (87.5%) children were still followed up; 21 (75%) were in clinical remission, including 10 (36%) who were in histological remission. After 12 months, 27 patients were still followed up; 21 (78%) achieved clinical remission, including 10 (37%) with histological remission. During follow-up, three patients developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There was no difference in body mass index (BMI) Z score between baseline and 12 months follow-up (median - 0.3 vs - 0.3 SD, p = 0.862).

CONCLUSIONS

Absence of symptoms does not indicate mucosal healing; therefore, patients should be followed up endoscopically. Additionally, despite restricted diet, nutritional status remains unaffected. Finally, patients with EoE can develop significant GERD even years after the EoE diagnosis.

Oral esomeprazole in Japanese pediatric patients with gastric acid-related disease: Safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are widely used for the treatment of gastric acid-related disease, but they are not approved for use in children in Japan. To assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy (gastrointestinal symptom improvement) of PPI in Japanese pediatric patients with gastric acid-related disease, we conducted an 8 week, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, phase I/III study of once-daily oral esomeprazole use.

METHODS

Japanese children, aged 1-14 years with gastric acid-related disease, were stratified by weight and age into five groups (10 patients/group) to receive esomeprazole as granules for suspension (10 mg) or capsules (10 mg or 20 mg) once daily.

RESULTS

Esomeprazole was absorbed and eliminated rapidly in all groups, with a median time to reach maximum plasma concentration of 1.47-1.75 h, an arithmetic mean terminal elimination half-life of 0.80-1.37 h, and a weight-correlated apparent total body clearance of 0.216-0.343 L/h/kg. Area under the plasma concentration-time curve during a dosage interval and maximum plasma drug concentration were generally higher in groups given a higher dose (20 mg) or with a lower age/weight, but also in patients identified as poor metabolizers on cytochrome P450 2C19 genotype. Most patients who had any upper gastrointestinal symptoms at baseline were asymptomatic at the end of the study. Thirty-three patients (66%) reported ≥1 adverse events, including three patients who reported serious adverse events not judged to be causally related to esomeprazole.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral esomeprazole, at 10 mg or 20 mg once daily, had a similar safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profile in Japanese pediatric patients to that previously seen in adults and Caucasian children.

Effect of high-fat, standard, and functional food meals on esophageal and gastric pH in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and healthy subjects

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of different test meals on esophageal and intragastric pH in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and healthy subjects and to demonstrate the relationship between esophageal acid exposure (EAE) and gastric pH.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with reflux esophagitis (RE; n = 15), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD; n = 12) and healthy subjects (n = 10). Four pH electrodes were used to monitor the pH of the distal esophagus, upper border of the lower esophageal sphincter, gastric fundus, and gastric body for 26 hours. Isocaloric and isovolumetric high-fat, standard, and functional meals were supplied randomly to the participants. The EAE and gastric acidity of each meal in fasting and postprandial states were compared.

RESULTS

High-fat meals significantly increased postprandial EAE in patients with RE and NERD. EAE was higher after a high-fat meal than after a standard or functional food meals at the fourth hour postprandially in patients with RE (P < 0.05). Patients with NERD reported fewer symptoms after a functional food meal than after high-fat and standard meals (0 [interquartile range {IQR} 0-1] vs 1 [IQR 0-2] vs 3 [IQR 1-4], P = 0.014). Compared with high-fat and standard meals, functional food meal significantly decreased gastric acidity in patients with RE. EAE was significantly related to gastric acidity in patients with RE.

CONCLUSIONS

High-fat meals increased EAE in patients with RE and NERD. Functional food could serve as adjuvant therapy in GERD patients. EAE was related to gastric acidity in RE patients.

Long-term outcomes of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease treated with vonoprazan

OBJECTIVE

The novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, vonoprazan, provides rapid and effective acid suppression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated with vonoprazan.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 55 patients with symptomatic GERD treated with vonoprazan who have been followed for more than one year. The effectiveness of vonoprazan on gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated using the Izumo scale, a self-reported questionnaire reflecting quality of life related to various abdominal symptoms.

RESULTS

These 55 patients with symptomatic GERD had non-erosive reflux disease (n = 30) or erosive esophagitis (n = 25). Vonoprazan (10 mg) for one month improved GERD symptoms in 89% (responders) and the improvement was maintained at one year in 82% without additional treatment. One-year maintenance therapy resulted in sustained resolution of GERD symptoms in 47%. Of the 49 responders, nine patients had relapse of GERD symptoms and dose escalation of vonoprazan improved the symptoms in six patients. Postprandial distress and the presence of erosive esophagitis before starting vonoprazan were identified as significant negative and positive predictors of sustained resolution of GERD symptoms for one year, respectively. Epigastric pain, postprandial distress, constipation and diarrhea were significantly improved at one-month and maintained at one year. After one-year of treatment, the endoscopic healing rate of erosive esophagitis was 95%.

CONCLUSION

One-year treatment with vonoprazan significantly improves GERD symptoms and endoscopic healing of erosive esophagitis is satisfactory. The long-term use of vonoprazan is effective and useful to control GERD.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Results from an Iranian Cohort Study

BACKGROUND Despite progress in the health indexes in recent years, health inequalities remain as a global challenge within and between regions and countries. This study is the first to quantify the socioeconomic inequity in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) using the concentration index. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used baseline data (7012 subjects) from the Fasa Cohort Study (the Southern Iran). The principal component analysis was used to construct socioeconomic status of the participants. The concentration index and concentration curve were used to measure socioeconomic-related inequality in GERD. Decomposition of concentration index was also done to identify the contribution of each explanatory variable to the wealth-related inequality in GERD prevalence. RESULTS The prevalence of GERD was 16.9% (95% CI: 15.9-17.7%). The overall concentration index for GERD was 0.093 (95% CI: 0.062-0.166]. Correspondingly, this figure for men and women were 0.116 (95% CI: 0.062-0.171%) and 0.091 (95% CI: 0.044-0.137%), respectively. The main contributors of socioeconomic-related inequality in GERD prevalence were socioeconomic status (64.4%), alcohol drinking (29%), and age (8.4%). CONCLUSION GERD is significantly more concentrated among richest people. There was significant socioeconomic inequality in GERD according to some individual factors. These inequalities need to be addressed by policy makers to identify the vulnerable subgroups and to reduce the disease burden in the community.

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults: a pharmacist's perspective

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal diagnosis, a leading reason for endoscopy and cause of potentially serious complications, resulting in significant individual and system-wide health burden. Approximately one quarter of people living in western countries have experienced GERD, and the prevalence appears to be on the rise. Risk factors for GERD include hiatus hernia, obesity, high-fat diet, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, pregnancy, genetics, and some medications. The cardinal symptoms of GERD are troublesome heartburn and regurgitation. GERD is identified by taking a patient-centered history and if necessary can be classified by endoscopic investigation. The role of the pharmacist in the management of GERD is to confirm the diagnosis by history taking, confirm there are no alarming signs or symptoms that require referral to a doctor, and recommendation of short-term therapy to control symptoms. Effective pharmacological treatments for GERD include antacids, alginate, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. This narrative review includes a comparison of the efficacy and safety of these treatments and pertinent information to help pharmacists advise patients with GERD on their appropriate use.

Oral microbiome alterations of healthy volunteers with proton pump inhibitor

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acid suppressive agents including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used as first-line treatment for various acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. Although known to profoundly reduce gastric acid production, their influence on inhibition of acid secretion as part of the function of the gastrointestinal tract microbiome remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of PPI usage on oral and gut microbiota in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Ten healthy adult volunteers receiving no medications were enrolled. We obtained fecal, saliva, and periodontal pocket fluid samples from the subjects before and after 4 weeks of once daily administrations of 20-mg esomeprazole. The effects of PPI administration on bacterial communities were investigated using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing method.

RESULTS

Species richness (alpha diversity) was significantly different among the salivary, periodontal pocket, and fecal samples. Furthermore, the measurements for UniFrac distances, despite inter-individual variations (beta diversity), of the microbiota structure of saliva and periodontal pocket and feces samples were clearly separated from each other. The salivary samples showed significant differences between alpha and beta diversity measurements before and after administration of the PPI for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, taxon-based analysis indicated that PPI administration raised the ratio of Streptococcus organisms in fecal samples, suggesting a potentially unfavorable effect leading to gut microbiota alteration. Moreover, alterations of the microbiota in the oral carriage microbiome along with bacterial overgrowth (Streptococcus) and decreases in distinct bacterial species (Neisseria and Veillonella) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that PPIs cause both oral and gut microbiota alterations.

Gastric Emptying Time, Esophageal pH-Impedance Parameters, Quality of Life, and Gastrointestinal Comorbidity in Obese Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To provide further evidence regarding the relationship between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children, through the use of 13C-octanoic acid breath test for gastric emptying time (GET) assessment and esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance pH-testing (MII-pH).

STUDY DESIGN

Obese children aged 4-17 years completed a questionnaire investigating reflux symptoms, the presence of functional gastrointestinal disorders, and quality of life. A subgroup of obese patients with and without GERD symptoms were asked to undergo 13C-octanoic acid breath test. Symptomatic patients were also required to undergo MII-pH. Age- and sex- matched asymptomatic nonobese children were enrolled as a comparison group.

RESULTS

Of 113 enrolled patients, 44 (38.9%) reported reflux symptoms; 22 of the 44 underwent MII-pH. Their mean reflux index was 14.6%, and their mean number of daily reflux episodes was 51.8. The mean T½ GET of symptomatic was 107.6 minutes vs 116.5 minutes in asymptomatic obese children. Healthy nonobese children had a mean T½ GET of 100.1 minutes. The mean GET of symptomatic obese patients having >70 daily reflux events was 121.8 vs 87.6 minutes of patients with <70 daily reflux events (P <.05). Both symptomatic and asymptomatic obese patients had a worse quality of life than nonobese (P = 0.003 and P = 0.0002, respectively); a narrow waist circumference was directly related to GET (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of obese children and adolescents experience GERD symptoms. GET was directly related to the narrow waist circumference of obese children with GERD and was significantly delayed in obese children with increased reflux events. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic obese patients had a worse quality of life compared with nonobese healthy patients.

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Systematic Review on Prognosis and Prognostic Factors

In this systematic review, we summarize the evidence on prognosis and prognostic factors of pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A structured search of Embase and MEDLINE/PubMed (inception to April 2016) yielded 5365 references; 4 publications met our inclusion criteria (risk of bias moderate-high). Definitions and outcome measures varied widely between studies. The percentage of children with a diagnosis of GERD with esophagitis that had persisting symptoms and/or were on antireflux medication at follow-up (12 months to >5 years) ranged from 23% (weekly symptoms) to 68% (antireflux medication), depending on definition used. In children with a diagnosis of GERD without esophagitis, 1.4% developed esophagitis at follow-up (>5 years); none developed Barrett esophagus. In conclusion, prognostic studies on pediatric GERD are of limited quality and show large methodological heterogeneity. Based on these studies, we are unable to identify those children at risk for unfavorable outcome with regards to GERD symptoms or endoscopic complications.

A global assessment of the male predominance in esophageal adenocarcinoma

Background

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is characterized by a male predominance. However, variations in the sex difference across populations and over time have not previously been thoroughly investigated.

Results

The male-to-female ratio in EAC incidence varied greatly across continents, ranging from 1.03 in Africa to 7.64 in Northern America during 2003– 2007. The ratio was high in Europe (6.04) and Oceania (6.24), and lower in Asia (4.37) and Latin America and the Caribbean (3.94). The sex ratio remained relatively stable over time in most populations. In absolute terms, the sex difference in EAC incidence increased over time in populations of higher incidence, while it remained stable or slightly decreased in low-incidence populations.

Materials and Methods

We used data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series to compute sex-specific age-standardized rates of EAC by population. The sex difference in incidence was evaluated on both absolute and relative scales, measured by the absolute difference and ratio between sexes, respectively.

Conclusions

This first global assessment of the sex ratio in EAC shows that the male predominance is particularly strong in developed countries. The underlying reasons remain to be identified, but the emerging EAC burden in men merits consideration for targeted prevention and early detection.

Association between Minimal Change Esophagitis and Gastric Dysmotility: A Single-Center Electrogastrography and Endoscopy Study in Children

PURPOSE

Minimal change esophagitis (MCE) is a reflux disease without mucosal breaks, known to be partially associated with abnormal gastric motor function. Electrogastrography (EGG) is commonly applied to assess gastric motor function in a noninvasive fashion. We aimed to determine the relationship between MCE and gastric myoelectrical activity (GME) recorded on EGG in children.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed the records of 157 children without underlying disease who underwent both EGG and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at Gachon University Gil Medical Center between January 2010 and June 2015. The children were stratified according to the appearance of the esophagus (normal vs. MCE). Between-group differences in EGG parameters and their correlation with each MCE finding were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Only the power ratio, one of the EGG parameters analyzed, differed significantly between the two groups (MCE, 1.68±3.37 vs. normal, 0.76±1.06; p<0.05), whereas the other parameters, such as dominant frequency, dominant power, and the ratio of abnormal rhythm, showed no differences. Among children with MCE, significant correlations were noted between erythema and power ratio (p<0.05), friability and postprandial dominant frequency (p<0.05), and edema and/or accentuation of mucosal folds and pre-prandial frequency (p<0.05). Helicobacter pylori infection correlated with postprandial arrhythmia (MCE, 33.59±15.52 vs. normal, 28.10±17.23; p<0.05). EGG parameters did not differ between children with normal esophagus and those with biopsy-proven chronic esophagitis.

CONCLUSION

In children with MCE, gastric dysmotility may affect the development of MCE, manifesting as EGG abnormalities. H. pylori infection may also affect GME. However, larger prospective investigations are needed to confirm these findings.

Gastrointestinal symptom prevalence depends on disease duration and gastrointestinal region in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

To unravel relationships between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms impairing quality of life (QOL) and clinical profiles of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 134 outpatients with type 2 DM. Mean age was 64.7 years, mean body mass index was 24.7 kg/m², mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.1%, and mean DM duration was 13.7 years. GI symptom-related QOL was determined using the Izumo scale, based on five factors, i.e., heartburn, gastralgia, postprandial fullness, constipation and diarrhea. The sum of scores obtained for the three questions in each domain was calculated, and subjects with a score of 5 or higher were considered to be symptomatic with impaired QOL. JMP Clinical version 5.0 was used for all statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Lower abdominal symptoms were found to be more frequent than those affecting the upper abdomen. Diabetic duration and medications showed associations with GI symptoms. We identified differences in peak prevalences of the five symptoms. Gastralgia (P = 0.02 vs 10-14 years) and total GI symptoms (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02 vs 5-9 years and 10-14 years, respectively) peaked at a diabetes duration of 15-19 years. Heartburn (P = 0.004) and postprandial fullness (P = 0.03) tended to increase with disease duration. Constipation and diarrhea showed bimodal peaks, with the first early and the second late (e.g., P = 0.03 at 15-19 years vs 10-14 years for diarrhea) in the disease course. Finally, GI symptoms showed clustering that reflected the region of the GI tract affected, i.e., constipation and diarrhea had similar frequencies (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the importance of questioning patients about QOL impairment due to abdominal symptoms, especially in the early and the late periods of diabetes.

Vonoprazan treatment improves gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

The effects of vonoprazan, a new potassium-competitive acid blocker, on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vonoprazan on GERD and associated gastrointestinal symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed 88 Helicobacter pylori negative patients with GERD treated with vonoprazan 10 mg daily. Symptoms were evaluated using the Izumo scale, which reflects quality of life related to various abdominal symptoms. The rates of improvement and resolution of GERD symptoms were 86% (76/88) and 57% (50/88), respectively. Improvement and resolution in patients with erosive esophagitis was higher than in those with non-erosive reflux disease (91% vs 83%, p = 0.260 and 71% vs 47%, p = 0.025, respectively). We attempted to identify factors which predict the effects of vonoprazan. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (≥60-year-old) (odds ratio [OR] 7.281, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.056-25.776, p = 0.002), obesity (BMI ≥ 24) (OR 3.342, 95%CI 1.124-9.940, p = 0.030) and erosive esophagitis (OR 4.368, 95%CI 1.281-14.895, p = 0.018) as positive predictors of resolution of GERD symptoms. Alcohol use (OR 0.131, 95%CI 0.027-0.632, p = 0.011) and history of H. pylori eradication (OR 0.171, 95%CI 0.041-0.718, p = 0.015) were identified as negative predictors. Vonoprazan also improved epigastric pain (73%), postprandial distress (60%), constipation (58%) and diarrhea (52%) in patients with GERD. In conclusion, vonoprazan 10 mg daily is effective in improving GERD symptoms. Advanced age, obesity, erosive esophagitis, alcohol use and history of H. pylori eradication influence the resolution of GERD symptoms. Treatment with vonoprazan favorably affects gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with GERD.

Vonoprazan 10 mg daily is effective for the treatment of patients with proton pump inhibitor-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is commonly treated by primary care physicians. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have been the mainstay of GERD treatment for two decades, in some patients GERD is refractory to standard dose PPI for more than eight weeks and is referred to as PPI-resistant GERD. Vonoprazan, a novel competitive acid blocker, became available in Japan for the treatment of patients with GERD, and has greater acid inhibition than existing PPIs. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vonoprazan 10 mg daily on PPI-resistant GERD. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients with PPI-resistant GERD treated with vonoprazan 10 mg daily. The Izumo scale was used to evaluate the effect of vonoprazan before and one month after treatment, which reflects quality of life related to gastrointestinal symptoms. The overall rates of improvement and resolution of GERD symptoms were 88% (21/24) and 42% (10/24), respectively, and the score was significantly decreased (before 5.8±1.7, at one month 1.9±1.9, P<0.001). To evaluate the influence of esophageal erosions despite prior PPI treatment, the patients were divided into erosive (n=6) and non-erosive groups (n=18). Vonoprazan achieved 100% (6/6) improvement in the erosive group and 83% (15/18) in the non-erosive group. Patients in the erosive group had a significantly higher rate of resolution than in the non-erosive group [83% (5/6) vs 28% (5/18), P=0.017]. No adverse events occurred. Other GI symptoms in patients with PPI-resistant GERD were evaluated. The scores for epigastric pain, postprandial distress, constipation and diarrhea were unchanged during the treatment period. In conclusion, vonoprazan 10 mg daily is effective for the treatment of patients with PPI-resistant GERD. Vonoprazan resolves GERD symptoms in patients with erosions more than in those without erosions. This is the first report on the effect of vonoprazan 10 mg on PPI-resistant GERD.

Mucosal breaks show same circumferential distribution in majority of patients with recurrent reflux esophagitis

Background and study aims Esophageal mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) have a unique circumferential distribution. However, the specific location of mucosal breaks during recurrence of RE remains unclear. We investigated the circumferential distribution of mucosal breaks in patients with recurrent RE and compared their location to that noted at the initial diagnosis. Patients and methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with recurrent RE with Los Angeles (LA) grade A-C who were treated at our University Hospital between July 1996 and June 2014. The circumferential distribution of esophageal mucosal breaks was evaluated at the time of the initial diagnosis and again at the time of recurrence. Information regarding clinical parameters, including proton pump inhibitor administration, presence of hiatal hernia, and mucosal atrophy, was also reviewed. Results A total of 114 patients with recurrent RE were examined during the study period, with a mean duration to recurrence after initial diagnosis of 39.4 months. The majority (72.8 %) had the same LA grade at recurrence. In addition, recurrent mucosal breaks in 96 (84.2 %) patients were observed to have occurred in the same circumferential location as at the initial diagnosis, while those in 18 (15.8 %) were observed in a different location. When recurrent lesions had a different location, the LA grade also tended to be different (P = 0.02). Conclusions We found that most patients with recurrent RE developed lesions in the same circumferential location as noted for the initial lesions. Those in different locations at recurrence were associated with a change in LA grade.

Epidemiology and mechanisms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the elderly: a perspective

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) seems to be more common in older individuals. Disturbed esophageal motility; anatomical disorders, such as hiatal hernia, increased obesity, defective mucosal integrity, and alteration in salivary secretion; and concomitant medications all attribute to the higher rate of GERD in the elderly. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanisms that could explain this higher rate of GERD in the elderly.

Screening and Identifying Erosive Esophagitis in Children with Non-cardiac Chest Pain

Non-cardiac chest pain is a common disorder that leads to costly evaluations to distinguish it from cardiac pain. The present study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of erosive esophagitis in children with non-cardiac chest pain. Ninety nine patients (mean age, 9.55 ± 2.95 years, 49 girls) with non-cardiac chest pain were enrolled. Patients were classified into two groups: erosive esophagitis and non-erosive esophagitis-related non-cardiac chest pain by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Children in the erosive esophagitis-related non-cardiac chest pain group were significantly older (10.95 ± 2.54 years vs. 8.52 ± 2.83 years). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following predictors of gastroesophageal reflux: chest pain related to sleep (odds ratio = 18.05, 95% confidence interval: 3.18-102.49); unfavorable dietary habits (odds ratio = 7.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-32.87); chest pain related to food (odds ratio = 5.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-18.86); epigastric pain (odds ratio = 3.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-12.33); and nausea, vomiting, and/or regurgitation (odds ratio = 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-15.54). Gastroesophageal reflux disease should be considered first in children with non-cardiac chest pain. Children with gastroesophageal reflux disease should receive medical treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Patients with Refractory Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background/Aims

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). However, the prevalence and clinical conditions of SIBO in patients with FGID remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we examined the frequency of SIBO in patients with refractory FGID.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with refractory FGID based on Rome III criteria. A glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT) was performed using a gas analyzer after an overnight fast, with breath hydrogen concentration measured at baseline and every 15 minutes after administration of glucose for a total of 3 hours. A peak hydrogen value ≥ 10 ppm above the basal value between 60 and 120 minutes after administration of glucose was diagnosed as SIBO.

Results

A total of 38 FGID patients, including 11 with functional dyspepsia (FD), 10 with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and 17 with overlapping with FD and IBS, were enrolled. Of those, 2 (5.3%) were diagnosed with SIBO (one patient diagnosed with FD; the other with overlapping FD and IBS). Their symptoms were clearly improved and breath hydrogen levels decreased to normal following levofloxacin administration for 7 days.

Conclusions

Two patients initially diagnosed with FD and IBS were also diagnosed with SIBO as assessed by GHBT. Although the frequency of SIBO is low among patients with FGID, it may be important to be aware of SIBO as differential diagnosis when examining patients with refractory gastrointestinal symptoms, especially bloating, as a part of routine clinical care.

Effects of acotiamide on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux in healthy volunteers

Background

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing worldwide, with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration the current mainstay therapy for affected individuals. However, PPI efficacy is insufficient especially for non-erosive reflux disease. Although it has been reported that prokinetic drugs improve GERD, their effects on esophageal function remain to be clearly investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the direct effects of acotiamide, a novel prokinetic agent for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux.

Methods

Ten adult healthy volunteers (average age 24 years, range 20–36 years; 7 males, 3 females) were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure with and without acotiamide administration were recorded using high resolution manometry using a cross-over protocol. Total and acidic reflux levels for 24 h and during the postprandial period were also recorded using a multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring system. Data were analyzed blind by one observer.

Results

Acotiamide at a standard dose of 300 mg/day did not significantly stimulate esophageal motor function. Although the frequency of swallows with weak contraction tended to decrease with acotiamide administration, the difference as compared to no administration was not statistically significant. In addition, the drug neither decreased total or postprandial gastroesophageal acid/non-acid reflux events nor accelerated esophageal clearance time.

Conclusions

Acotiamide, a novel gastrointestinal motility modulator, at a standard dose did not significantly affect esophageal motor functions or gastroesophageal reflux in healthy adults. Additional investigations with GERD patients are necessary to elucidate its clinical significance.

Trial registration

This study was registered on 1st August 2013 with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry, as number: UMIN000011260.