Quantitative computer-assisted image analysis of suction biopsy in pediatric gastroesophageal reflux

Adult and paediatric GERD: diagnosis, phenotypes and avoidance of excess treatments

Detailed investigations and objective measurements in patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux should be performed with the intent of making the correct diagnosis, thus enabling choice of appropriate therapy. Establishing the most effective therapy is particularly important in adults who do not respond to standard treatment and in children. The use of PPIs for suspected GERD has increased substantially over the past decade, providing great relief in patients with acid-related symptoms, but also leading to adverse effects and a considerable economic burden. Adults with functional heartburn do not benefit from PPIs, while prolonged PPI use in patients with extraoesophageal symptoms remains a controversial area. Moreover, PPIs are not indicated in infants with GERD unless symptoms are proven to be acid-related. With regard to antireflux surgery, patients must be carefully selected to avoid the need for ongoing PPI treatment postoperatively. Correct diagnosis and phenotyping of patients with symptoms attributed to gastro-oesophageal reflux through detailed investigations is therefore imperative, leading to improved patient outcomes and rationalized use of available treatment options. In this Review, we outline currently available diagnostic tests and discuss approaches to limit any unnecessary medical or surgical interventions.

A global, evidence-based consensus on the definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the pediatric population

OBJECTIVES

To develop an international consensus on the definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Using the Delphi process, a set of statements was developed and voted on by an international panel of eight pediatric gastroenterologists. Statements were based on systematic literature searches using Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Voting was conducted using a six-point scale, with consensus defined, a priori, as agreed by 75% of the group. The strength of each statement was assessed using the GRADE system.

RESULTS

There were four rounds of voting. In the final vote, consensus was reached on 98% of the 59 statements. In this vote, 95% of the statements were accepted by seven of eight voters. Consensus items of particular note were: (i) GERD is present when reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications, but this definition is complicated by unreliable reporting of symptoms in children under the age of approximately 8 years; (ii) histology has limited use in establishing or excluding a diagnosis of GERD; its primary role is to exclude other conditions; (iii) Barrett's esophagus should be defined as esophageal metaplasia that is intestinal metaplasia positive or negative; and (iv) extraesophageal conditions may be associated with GERD, but for most of these conditions causality remains to be established.

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus statements that comprise the Definition of GERD in the Pediatric Population were developed through a rigorous process. These statements are intended to be used for the development of future clinical practice guidelines and as a basis for clinical trials.

Morphometric histology for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease: evaluation of reliability in 497 esophageal biopsies

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine the reliability of morphometric measurements on infant esophageal biopsies using a light microscope with eyepiece micrometer.

METHODS

We measured epithelial thickness, basal layer thickness (B), papillary height (P) and epithelial lymphocyte and eosinophil numbers on approximately 500 existing esophageal suction biopsies from infants previously evaluated for reflux esophagitis. We tested these measurements for interobserver, test-retest and internal consistency reliability.

RESULTS

Infants ages 0.25 to 23.75 (median, 6.25) months provided 497 biopsies. Both investigators scoring the biopsies independently judged 93% of them scorable. Of the biopsies scored by both, the 2 readings were within 0.15 of each other for P in 97% and for B in 81%. In addition to these correlative measures of consistency, categoric measures demonstrated that 373 (89%) of the 420 scorable biopsies with visible papillae produced agreement as to P being abnormal (317, 85%) or normal (56, 15%). Similarly, 360 (78%) of the 463 scorable biopsies produced agreement as to B being abnormal (339, 94%) or normal (21, 6%). P values were 0.17 to 0.94 (median, 0.67), and B values were 0.13 to 0.91 (median, 0.34). Lymphocytes numbered 0 to 40 (median 5) per high-power field. Only 12% had any eosinophils; none of those with completely normal morphometrics had any eosinophils; and only 2% had >5 eosinophils per high-power field.

CONCLUSIONS

Simple quantitative esophageal histological morphometric parameters are reliably measurable on suction biopsies from infants using a light microscope fitted with an ocular micrometer, even by nonpathologists.

Natural history of infant reflux esophagitis: symptoms and morphometric histology during one year without pharmacotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To determine the natural history of infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis, we periodically analyzed symptoms and biopsies during 1 yr in 19 infants randomly assigned to placebo in a pharmacotherapy study.

METHODS

One hundred infants who were referred during 1994-1999 for GERD, were unresponsive to 2-wk life-style measures, and manifested morphometric reflux esophagitis, were assigned at random to one of four treatment arms. This analysis examines the 19 (ages 2.8-6.0 months) assigned to placebo who returned for initial follow-up. SYMPTOMS and esophageal biopsy were assessed at baseline and 2, 4, 6, and 12 months. At any visit with both symptoms and biopsy unimproved, infants were "rescued" to open label active drug.

RESULTS

By 12 months, 10/19 completed without rescue; the 9 others withdrew (3) or required pharmacotherapy (6).

SYMPTOMS

Among the 10 nonrescued completers, parents' global score rated 9 "completely well," and 1 "improved." Comparing 12-month symptoms to baseline symptoms in the 10 completers, fewer reported regurgitation >3/day, >1 Tbsp, or that was uncomfortable; crying >1 h/d, or during or after feeds; or arching spells or abnormal hiccups (p < 0.05, chi(2)). Biopsy: None of the 10 ever had normal biopsies (basal cell layer <25% and papillary height <53% of epithelial thickness). One had normal papillary height, but abnormal basal thickness. Five others had normal basal thickness, but all five of them had abnormal papillary height.

CONCLUSION

Although symptoms improved in more than half of the infants with reflux esophagitis followed longitudinally for 1 yr without pharmacotherapy, histology remained abnormal.

Pathological issues of gastric and lower esophageal cancer: helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication

Gastric carcinoma is thought to develop via the actions of inducers and promoters of carcinogenesis. Tryptophan in charred fish or animal meat, ultraviolet rays, and irradiation, which damage genes of normal cells, have long been regarded as inducers of carcinoma, and agents such as alcohol, tobacco, aflatoxin, and nitrosoamine as promoters, with tobacco having both activities. The interaction between these environmental factors, principally diet, and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is important in the genesis of gastric carcinoma. In this report, the histopathological feature of the Hp gastritis-carcinoma sequence is outlined, and the pathological characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and endoscopically negative reflux disease (ENRD) and the risk factors for lower esophageal carcinoma after Hp eradicated status in particular are discussed regarding aspects of cell cycle-associated factors. We conclude that (1) Infection with Hp increases the risk of gastric cancer in two histological phenotypes (i.e., diffuse undifferentiated type and intestinal differentiated type). Excessive cell replication and interrupting the mucus secretion mechanism may result in a large proportion of cells with genetic abnormalities. (2) Genetic alterations in gastric carcinogenesis may differ from those in colonic carcinogenesis. (3) The degree of GERD in Japanese patients is milder than that in patients from Western countries, although the incidence of GERD increases the status after successful eradication of Hp. It is also possible that accumulation of genetic abnormalities increases the number of cardiac and lower esophageal cancers. Investigation of cell cycle factors in GERD including ENRD can be expected to reveal the risk of carcinogenesis.

Autosomal dominant infantile gastroesophageal reflux disease: exclusion of a 13q14 locus in five well characterized families

OBJECTIVES

A genetic locus for pediatric reflux was proposed on chromosome 13q14, but is unconfirmed in independent kindreds. We sought to test this locus in families with multiple affected infants from our database of well characterized infants with reflux.

METHODS

We screened the database for families with multiple affected infants. Affected proband phenotype required histological esophagitis; affected sibling/cousin phenotype required a threshold score on a diagnostic questionnaire. Screened families were reduced to five based on pedigree, consent, and phenotypic clarity. Linkage of the phenotype with the four previously reported markers (D13S218, D13S1288, D13S1253, and D13S263) was tested, using an autosomal dominant, 70% penetrance model. Linkage required logarithm-of-odds score > or = 3.

RESULTS

Of 54 individuals in the five probands' generation, 21 (39%) were affected based on questionnaire, of whom nearly one half also had histological confirmation of esophagitis. Linkage to the defined region was excluded for the five families by two-point LOD scores (-1.47 at D13S218, -1.32 at D13S1288, -3.43 at D13S1253, and -3.92 at D13S263) and by multipoint (multipoint LOD scores less than -2 between D13S218 and D13S263) linkage analysis. No family demonstrated even suggestive positive linkage (i.e., LOD score >1).

CONCLUSIONS

In five rigorously phenotyped families with autosomal dominant pattern infantile reflux, we excluded genetic linkage to the region of 13ql4 previously identified responsible for an autosomal dominant form of pediatric reflux. These results suggest genetic heterogeneity, possibly related to phenotypic heterogeneity, in familial pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Use of MIB-1 in the assessment of esophageal biopsy specimens from patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in well- and poorly oriented areas

MIB-1, a proliferation marker may be useful in the assessment of esophageal biopsy specimens for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Forty-five hematoxylin and eosin-stained esophageal biopsy specimens were histologically assessed for basal zone height, papillary length, and inflammatory cell infiltrate and classified as 10 normal and 35 esophagitis. The percentage of MIB-1-positive area (MIB-1% area) was measured on immunostained sections using image analysis (CAS 200) in the basal half of well-oriented areas and adjacent to five cross-sectioned papillae (c-pap) in poorly oriented areas. The cell layer of the MIB-1-positive cell furthest from the basal layer of the c-pap was also noted. MIB-1% area was significantly greater in both well- and poorly oriented areas of esophagitis biopsy specimens compared with normal biopsy specimens. MIB-1 positivity in the basal half and c-pap were correlated (r = 0.43, p = 0.017). MIB-1 expression correlated with basal zone height and eosinophil infiltrate (r = 0.61, p < 0.001; r = 0.32, p = 0.03, respectively). The cell layer with positive cells furthest from c-pap in normal and esophagitis biopsy specimens was two and six layers, respectively. Using 31% as a threshold to detect abnormal findings, the MIB-1 sensitivity/specificity and positive predictive value in the basal half and c-pap were 86, 70, 91% and 80, 80, 94%, respectively. In summary, MIB-1 staining correlates with basal zone hyperplasia and eosinophil infiltrate seen in GERD. MIB-1 staining can be assessed both in well- and poorly oriented areas as MIB-1% areas. Alternatively simply finding MIB-1 positive cells more than three cell layers from the basal layer is abnormal and consistent with GERD.

[Reflux esophagitis in children: histological and morphometric study]

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a frequent cause of morbidity in childhood, including esophagitis and recurrent respiratory symptoms; however histological and morphometric studies in esophageal biopsies of children are scarce.

AIM

To study histological and morphometric findings in children with reflux esophagitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 26 esophageal biopsies of children (mean age: 4.1 years +/- 3.4) with reflux esophagitis, which prevailed in boys (84.6%); post-prandial vomiting (76.9%) and repetitive bronchopneumonia (38.5%) were the most frequent symptoms. The diagnosis was made by X-ray in 18, by pH evaluation in 5 and by scintilography in 3 patients. The control group was formed by seven children without reflux symptoms who died from meningococcemia or congenital heart malformation (mean age: 2.5 years +/- 2.3). Histological variables were studied by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid of Schiff stain, inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial and basal layer thickness, papillary length and its ratio with the thickness of the epithelium. Morphometry was performed at a digital system connected to pro-image software. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, Fisher and Pearson's correlation methods were used for the statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Epithelial and basal zone thickness, papillary length and its rate with thickness of epithelium, among the reflux group patients were higher than the control group. Eosinophils, neutrophils and "balloon cells" were not observed in the control group. Intraepithelial capillaries occurred in 11 cases in the reflux group (mean diameter: 59 mum).

CONCLUSION

Epithelial and basal zone thickness, papillary length and its ratio with thickness of epithelium, resulted greater in the gastroesophageal reflux group than in the control group. There was a direct correlation between thickness of epithelium, basal zone thickness and papillary length, showing increased epithelial cell turnover. Eosinophils, neutrophils and "balloon cells" were observed only in patients with gastroesophageal reflux, thus serving as specific markers of this disease.

Quantitative color analysis of laryngeal erythema in chronic posterior laryngitis

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively analyze the degree of erythema visible in the larynges of normal subjects and of patients with symptoms of chronic posterior laryngitis. Video-documented examinations of laryngoscopy were digitized and then analyzed using computer image analysis software that allowed quantification of average color values, hue, saturation, and brightness from digitized color images. Documented laryngoscopic images from 7 normal subjects and 64 patients complaining of chronic laryngitis symptoms were examined, and additional patient examinations which were obtained and documented during treatment for reflux laryngitis were analyzed. Analysis was made of five different areas of each laryngeal image: the right and left vocal folds, the right and left vocal processes, and the posterior arytenoid mucosa. Data analysis showed that average color value ratings of redness for the patients with chronic laryngitis were significantly (p <0.0561) greater than the average values for normal subjects for the vocal folds. Color values for redness of the posterior laryngeal structures and vocal folds in the patients who were treated for reflux laryngitis were significantly (p <0.05) reduced over time and correlated with the clinical response to treatment. The data suggest that computer color analysis of documented video-laryngoscopic examinations can provide quantitative data on degree of erythema and may be useful as a quantitative means of diagnosis and documentation of treatment outcome for reflux laryngitis.

Clinical and endoscopic predictors of histological oesophagitis in infants

OBJECTIVE

To define the earliest age at which histological changes can be used to diagnose oesophagitis and to determine the relationships between clinical, endoscopic and histological features of oesophagitis in infants.

METHODOLOGY

The case records and biopsies of 113 infants aged 2-18 months with clinically significant gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR), undergoing oesophagoscopy between 1978 and 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. The biopsies were independently evaluated and graded by two pathologists.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases (40%) had histological oesophagitis but only 16 (14%) had abnormal endoscopic findings (excluding erythema). Endoscopy was found to be highly specific (93%) for histological oesophagitis but lacked sensitivity (25%). Irritability was inversely related to the presence of endoscopic abnormalities, and there was poor correlation between symptoms and histological changes with only haematemesis showing a statistically significant association with histological abnormalities (P = 0.033). Intraepithelial lymphocytes were the earliest of the histological features noted and were present before 4 months of age. The numbers of intraepithelial eosinophils and lymphocytes and the presence of papillary elongation all increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of oesophagitis is difficult to predict on the basis of symptoms. The presence of intraepithelial lymphocytes is the earliest histological change to be seen in infants with GOR, and can develop before 4 months of age. Oesophagoscopy without biopsy is unreliable in the diagnosis of oesophagitis in infants.

The biopsy diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease, "carditis," and Barrett's esophagus, and sequelae of therapy

Histologic changes indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are found on both sides of the squamocolumnar junction (Z-line). In the gastric cardia, inflammation is found as part of GERD in the absence of Helicobacter pylori or other causes of gastritis (carditis). The squamous mucosa is the location most likely to show inflammatory changes, such as neutrophils or eosinophils, close to the Z-line, whereas traditional reactive changes in the squamous mucosa are found only in biopsies taken at least 3 cm above the Z-line. Endoscopic criteria for GERD have a morphologic counterpart in capillary congestion and hemorrhage into the papillae, which have largely been ignored by pathologists as secondary to biopsy trauma. A biopsy protocol that maximizes the chances of detecting changes of GERD is suggested. The traditional definition of Barrett's esophagus as requiring 3 cm of glandular mucosa extending into the esophagus is no longer tenable. However, even the concept of short-segment Barrett's esophagus, in which less than 3 cm of intestinalized mucosa is present, often as tongues, is being challenged because random biopsies immediately distal to the Z-line may also show intestinal metaplasia when Barrett's esophagus is unsuspected endoscopically. Moreover, it is difficult or impossible to determine whether these changes indicate the earliest lesion of Barrett's esophagus or intestinal metaplasia in native cardiac mucosa. It is suggested that Barrett's esophagus be redefined as intestinal metaplasia in the lower esophagus. It is presently unclear whether patients with such minimal Barrett's epithelium are at increased risk for adenocarcinoma or require surveillance. Successful therapy for GERD results in healing of disease in squamous mucosa and may result in regression of Barrett's epithelium. In the stomach it may be associated with temporary regression of H. pylori and associated inflammation, migration of H. pylori into the oxyntic mucosa, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of parietal cells, and a variant of fundic gland polyps. Some patients may be at risk for accelerated atrophic gastritis if inflammation is present before therapy.