Gastric emptying in patients with gastroesophageal reflux

Topical Protection of Esophageal Mucosa as a New Treatment of GERD

Among the various factors implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), visceral hypersensitivity and mucosal resistance have been recently re-evaluated in relation to the increasing phenomenon of proton pump inhibitor failure, particularly in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Intensive research has allowed us to understand that noxious substances contained in the refluxate are able to interact with esophageal epithelium and to induce the elicitation of symptoms. The frequent evidence of microscopic esophagitis able to increase the permeability of the mucosa, the proximity of sensory afferent nerve fibers to the esophageal lumen favoring the higher sensitivity to noxious substances and the possible activation of inflammatory pathways interacting with sensory nerve endings are pathophysiological alterations confirming that mucosal resistance is impaired in GERD patients. Accordingly, the reinforcement of protective mechanisms of esophageal mucosa by topical therapies has become a novel treatment target. Alginate, the combination of hyaluronic acid+chondroitin sulphate and Poliprotect have been shown to adhere to esophageal mucosa and to have good protective properties. Several placebo-controlled clinical trials have shown that these compounds, given alone or as add-on therapy for short periods, enable to relieve symptoms and to improve the quality of life in NERD patients. Further studies are needed to confirm the above results and to find new mucosal protectants in order to improve the management of NERD patients.

The impact of delayed gastric emptying as measured by gastric emptying scintigraphy on the outcome of magnetic sphincter augmentation

INTRODUCTION

The impact of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) on the outcome of anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is controversial. There is concern that poor gastric emptying diminishes outcomes. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) may have a comparatively mild impact on gastric physiology, but the relationship between DGE and MSA outcomes is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between objective DGE and MSA outcomes over time.

METHODS

Patients who completed gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) prior to MSA between 2013 and 2021 were included. DGE was defined as a 4 h retention > 10% or half emptying time > 90 min on GES. Outcomes were compared between DGE and normal gastric emptying (NGE) groups at 6 months, 1 and 2 years. Sub-analysis of patients with severe (> 35%) DGE and correlation analysis between 4-h retention and symptom and acid-normalization were performed.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 26 (19.8%) patients with DGE and 105 with NGE. DGE was associated with more 90-days readmissions (18.5 vs 2.9%, p = 0.009). At 6 months patients with DGE had higher median (IQR) GERD-HRQL total [17.0(10-29) vs 5.5(3-16), p = 0.0013], heartburn [1(1-3) vs 0(0-1), p = 0.0010) and gas-bloat [4(2-5) vs 2(1-3), p = 0.033] scores. Outcomes at 1 and 2 years follow-up were comparable (p > 0.05). From 6 months to 1-year the gas-bloat score decreased from 4(2-5) to 3(1-3), p = 0.041. Total and heartburn scores decreased, but not significantly. Severe DGE (n = 4) patients had lower antiacid medication freedom at 6 months (75 vs 87%, p = 0.014) and 1-year (50 vs 92%, p = 0.046). There were non-significant trends for higher GERD-HRQL scores, dissatisfaction, and removal rates in severe DGE at 6 months and 1-year. There was a weak correlation between 4-h retention and 6-month GERD-HRQL total score [R = 0.253, 95%CI (0.09-0.41), p = 0.039], but not acid-normalization (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Outcomes after MSA are diminished early on in patients with mild-to-moderate DGE, but comparable by 1 year and durable at 2 years. Severe DGE outcomes may be suboptimal.

Research trends in the field of the gut-brain interaction: Functional dyspepsia in the spotlight – An integrated bibliometric and science mapping approach

Objectives

This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of functional dyspepsia (FD), which includes visualizing bibliographic information, in order to identify prevailing study themes, topics of interest, contributing journals, countries, institutions, and authors as well as co-citation patterns.

Methods

The Web of Science™ Core Collection Database was used to retrieve all peer-reviewed scientific publications related to FD research. The validated search terms were entered into the “title” and “author keywords” fields, and the results were sorted by publication year from 2006 to 2022. There were no restrictions on language. On 12 February 2023, a manual export of the complete metadata for each original publication and review article was performed. CiteSpace was used to reveal co-authorship, publication, and co-citation patterns to find prominent authors, organizations, countries, and journals in FD research as well as to identify author keywords with strong citation bursts, which could indicate an emerging research area. VOSviewer was used to build the co-occurrence indicator (co-word) to identify the main author keywords on which previous studies focused and to induce clustered scientific landscape for two consecutive periods to identify intriguing areas for future research.

Results

A search of the database retrieved 2,957 documents. There was a wave-like pattern in the number of publications until 2017, after which there was a spike in publication volume. The USA, China, and Japan provided the majority of contributions. In terms of institution, Mayo Clin, Univ Newcastle, and Katholieke Univ Leuven were found to be the prolific institutions. Additionally, the results indicate that eastern Asian researchers contributed significantly to the global knowledge of literature that led other countries; however, Canada, the USA, Australia, England, and Germany were found to have the highest degree of betweenness centrality. Nicholas J. Talley, Jan Tack, Gerald Holtmann, Michael Camilleri, Ken Haruma, and Paul Moayyedi occupied the top positions based on productivity and centrality indicators. Six thematic clusters emerged (Helicobacter pylori infection; pathophysiological mechanisms of FD; extraintestinal co-morbidities and overlap syndromes associated with FD; herbal medicine in FD; diabetic gastroparesis; and dietary factors in FD). “Acupuncture,” “duodenal eosinophilia,” “gut microbiota,” and others were among the author keywords with rising prevalence.

Conclusion

In FD research, eastern Asian countries have established themselves as major contributors with the highest publishing productivity; however, research has primarily been driven by North America, Europe, and Australia, where cooperation is generally more active and highly influential scientific results are produced. Our analysis suggests that increased investments, training of human resources, improved infrastructures, and expanded collaborations are essential to improving the quality of FD research in Asia. The emerging author keyword analysis suggests that eosinophil-mast cell axis, gut microbiota, mental disorders, and acupuncture are the key areas that attract researchers’ attention as future research boulevards. There is a highly skewed distribution of research output across Asia, with most focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) coming from Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean centers. However, CAM remains an underexplored area of research in the context of FD, and it deserves greater research efforts in order to obtain quality scientific evidence. Furthermore, we propose that the research framework of CAM should not be limited to dysmotility; rather, it could be interpreted within a more holistic context that includes the brain-gut-microbiota axis, as well as novel concepts such as duodenitis, increased mucosal permeability, and infiltration and activation of eosinophils and mast cells, among others. Overall, we provided bibliometrics-based overviews of relevant literature to researchers from different backgrounds and healthcare professionals to provide an in-depth overview of major trends in FD research.

A Comparative Assessment of the Diagnosis of Swallowing Impairment and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Canines and Humans

Swallowing impairment is a highly prevalent and clinically significant problem affecting people and dogs. There are myriad causes of swallowing impairment of which gastroesophageal reflux is the most common in both species. Similarities in anatomy and physiology between humans and canines results in analogous swallowing disorders including cricopharyngeus muscle achalasia, esophageal achalasia, hiatal herniation, and gastroesophageal reflux with secondary esophagitis and esophageal dysmotility. Accordingly, the diagnostic approach to human and canine patients with swallowing impairment is similar. Diagnostic procedures such as swallowing fluoroscopy, high-resolution manometry, pH/impedance monitoring, and endolumenal functional luminal imaging probe can be performed in both species; however, nasofacial conformation, increased esophageal length, and the difficulty of completing several of these procedures in awake dogs are inherent challenges that need to be considered. Human patients can convey their symptoms and respond to verbal cues, whereas veterinarians must rely on clinical histories narrated by pet owners followed by comprehensive physical examination and observation of the animal eating different food consistencies and drinking water. Dogs may also be unwilling to drink or eat in the hospital setting and may be resistant to physical restraint during diagnostic procedures. Despite the species differences and diagnostic challenges, dogs are a natural animal model for many oropharyngeal and esophageal disorders affecting people, which presents a tremendous opportunity for shared learnings. This manuscript reviews the comparative aspects of esophageal anatomy and physiology between humans and canines, summarizes the diagnostic assessment of swallowing impairment in both species, and discusses future considerations for collaborative medicine and translational research.

Rapid, non-invasive measurement of gastric emptying rate using transcutaneous fluorescence spectroscopy

Gastric emptying rate (GER) signifies the rate at which the stomach empties following ingestion of a meal and is relevant to a wide range of clinical conditions. GER also represents a rate limiting step in small intestinal absorption and so is widely assessed for research purposes. Despite the clinical and physiological importance of gastric emptying, methods used to measure GER possess a series of limitations (including being invasive, slow or unsuitable for certain patient populations). Here, we present a new technique based on transcutaneous (through-the-skin) fluorescence spectroscopy that is fast, non-invasive, and does not require the collection of samples or laboratory-based analysis. Thus, this approach has the potential to allow immediate reporting of clinical results. Using this new method, participants receive an oral dose of a fluorescent contrast agent and a wearable probe detects the uptake of the agent from the gut into the blood stream. Analysis of the resulting data then permits the calculation of GER. We compared our spectroscopic technique to the paracetamol absorption test (a clinically approved GER test) in a clinical study of 20 participants. Results demonstrated good agreement between the two approaches and, hence, the clear potential of transcutaneous fluorescence spectroscopy for clinical assessment of GER.

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

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

Reflux Aspiration Associated with Oesophageal Dysmotility but Not Delayed Liquid Gastric Emptying

INTRODUCTION

Severe oesophageal dysmotility is associated with treatment-resistant reflux and pulmonary reflux aspiration. Delayed solid gastric emptying has been associated with oesophageal dysmotility; however, the role of delayed liquid gastric emptying (LGE) in the pathophysiology of severe reflux disease remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between delayed LGE, reflux aspiration, and oesophageal dysmotility.

METHODS

Data were extracted from a prospectively populated database of patients with severe treatment-resistant gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. All patients with validated reflux aspiration scintigraphy and oesophageal manometry were included in the analysis. Patients were classified by predominant clinical subtype as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) or laryngopharyngeal reflux. LGE time of 22 min or longer was considered delayed.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met by 631 patients. Normal LGE time was found in 450 patients, whilst 181 had evidence of delayed LGE. Mean liquid half-clearance was 22.81 min. Reflux aspiration was evident in 240 patients (38%). Difference in the aspiration rates between delayed LGE (42%) and normal LGE (36%) was not significant (p = 0.16). Severe ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM) was found in 70 patients (35%) and was independent of LGE time. Severe IOM was strongly associated with reflux aspiration (p < 0.001). GOR dominant symptoms were more common in patients with delayed LGE (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Severe IOM was strongly associated with reflux aspiration. Delayed LGE is not associated with reflux aspiration or severe IOM. Delayed LGE is more prevalent in patients presenting with GOR dominant symptoms.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Functional Dyspepsia Overlap: Do Birds of a Feather Flock Together?

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) are 2 of the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in the Western world. Previous Rome definitions excluded patients with predominant heartburn from the definition of FD because they were considered to have GERD. However, more recent studies showed that heartburn and acid regurgitation are also common symptoms in patients with FD. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the prevalence of overlap between GERD and FD, the underlying pathophysiology and implications for treatment.

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database, and a meta-analysis with random effects model was completed.

RESULTS

This review showed considerable overlap between GERD and FD. A meta-analysis on the data included in this review showed 7.41% (confidence interval [CI]: 4.55%-11.84%) GERD/FD overlap in the general population, 41.15% (CI: 29.46%-53.93%) GERD with FD symptoms, and 31.32% (CI: 19.43%-46.29%) FD with GERD symptoms. Although numerous committees and consensus groups attempted to develop uniform definitions for the diagnosis of GERD and FD, various diagnostic criteria are used across studies and clinical trials (frequency, severity, and location of symptoms). Several studies showed that the overlap between GERD and FD can be explained by a shared pathophysiology, including delayed gastric emptying and disturbed gastric accommodation.

DISCUSSION

For diagnoses of GERD and FD, uniform definitions that are easy to implement in population studies, easy to interpret for physicians, and that need to be well explained to patients to avoid overestimation or underestimation of true prevalence are needed. Both GERD and FD coexist more frequently than expected, based on coincidence, suggesting a potential pathophysiological link. More research is needed to explore the common GERD/FD overlap population to identify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, which may lead to a more effective therapeutic approach.

Reflux Symptoms in Gastroparesis: Correlation With Gastroparesis Symptoms, Gastric Emptying, and Esophageal Function Testing

GOAL

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship of reflux with gastroparesis (Gp), looking both at symptoms and objective testing.

BACKGROUND

Gp patients often experience gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. How the severity of reflux correlates with the severity of Gp is not known.

STUDY

Patients referred to our academic center with symptoms of Gp completed the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-15. They underwent 4-hour gastric emptying scintigraphy; and, if indicated, high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal pH impedance (EpHI).

RESULTS

Of 755 patients from July 2013 to May 2018, 432 had Gp with Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) total score of 3.2±0.1 (mean±SEM) and heartburn/regurgitation subscore of 2.0±0.1. A fourth (27.1%) of all Gp patients had moderate to very severe heartburn/regurgitation symptoms. Heartburn/regurgitation subscore had strong correlation with GSCI total score (r=0.56, P<0.01), and weak correlation with 4-hour gastric retention (r=0.11, P=0.02). In total, 103 Gp patients underwent EpHI monitoring; time esophageal pH<4 had no correlation with heartburn/regurgitation subscore. Less than half (41.7%) of the patients undergoing EpHI had gastroesophageal reflux disease by EpHI. Gp patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease had more severe 4-hour gastric retention, and more frequently had decreased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure and esophageal motility disorders. Heartburn/regurgitation subscore had moderate correlation with somatic symptoms, and weak correlations with anxiety and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of reflux symptoms in Gp has strong correlation with GCSI total score, weak correlation with gastric retention, and no correlation with esophageal pH monitoring.

Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease

INTRODUCTION

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, relapsing disorder, whose knowledge has increased in last years thanks to the advent of new sophisticated techniques, such as 24-h impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, for the study of esophageal functions.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of our advancements in understanding the complex pathophysiology, improving the diagnosis and defining the modern pharmacological therapeutic approach to GERD.

EXPERT OPINION

The growing clinical application of impedance-pH testing has allowed us to know the diversity of patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), who nowadays represent about 70% of the whole population with reflux symptoms. We have realized that NERD has to be considered as an umbrella term covering various subgroups with different pathophysiologies. The development of new impedance metrics, in particular mean nocturnal baseline impedance, seems to be promising in the improvement of the diagnostic process of this disease. There are no particularly innovative features in the pharmacological therapy of GERD, unless the interest toward drugs is able to increase the defense properties of esophageal mucosa and/or its protection. These compounds can be of help in combination with proton pump inhibitors in NERD patients with partial response to antisecretory drugs alone.

Transabdominal ultrasound elastography of the esophagogastric junction predicts reflux esophagitis

PURPOSE

Abdominal ultrasound (US) can visualize the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) as a hyperechoic area in the dorsal portion of the lateral segment of the liver. We prospectively evaluated the EGJ using US elastography (US-EG) in patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) to examine prediction of distal esophageal function.

METHODS

Of 108 patients undergoing US-EG and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 102 in whom the EGJ was observed for ≥ 15 s were included. The subjects were divided into a RE group (n = 41, Grade M/A/B:24/13/4 according to modified Los Angeles Classification) and a non-RE group (n = 61). Direct strain elastography (LOGIQ E9, GE Healthcare), which gives a semi-quantitative elasticity index within a region of interest including the lateral segment, was used as a standard for measurement of the change in stiffness (CS) at the EGJ.

RESULTS

The number of CS as determined by US-EG was 6.0 (5.5-6.7) in the RE group and 8.6 (6.6-10.0) in the non-RE group (P < 0.0001). In ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.8415 for diagnosis of RE using the number of CS. At a cut-off of 7.7, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for diagnosis were 92.7, 65.6, and 74.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of RE can be predicted based on US-EG.

When fasted is not empty: a retrospective cohort study of gastric content in fasted surgical patients†

Background

Perioperative aspiration leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Point-of-care gastric ultrasound is an emerging tool to assess gastric content at the bedside.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of baseline gastric content on fasted elective surgical patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of full stomach (solid content or >1.5 ml kg−1 of clear fluid). Secondary outcomes included: gastric volume distribution (entire cohort, each antral grade); the association between gastric fullness, fasting intervals, and co-morbidities; anaesthetic management changes and incidence of aspiration.

Results

We identified 538 patients. Thirty-two patients (6.2%) presented with a full stomach. Nine of these (1.7%) had solid content and 23 (4.5%) had clear fluid >1.5 ml kg−1. An empty stomach was documented in 480 (89.8%) patients. The examination was inconclusive in the remaining 20 patients (5.0%). As expected, increasing antral grade was correlated with larger antral cross-sectional area and higher gastric volume (P<0.001). Of the 32 patients with a full stomach, only six had a documented risk factor for prolonged gastric emptying. The anaesthetic management was changed in all nine patients with solid content. No aspiration was reported.

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study suggests that a small proportion of elective surgical patients may present with a full stomach despite the recommended duration of fasting. Further research is needed to establish the clinical implications of these findings in the elective setting. At present, the clinical role of gastric ultrasound continues to be for the evaluation of gastric contents to guide management when the risk of aspiration is uncertain or unknown.

Presentation and Epidemiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in the United States, and leads to substantial morbidity, though associated mortality is rare. The prevalence of GERD symptoms appeared to increase until 1999. Risk factors for complications of GERD include advanced age, male sex, white race, abdominal obesity, and tobacco use. Most patients with GERD present with heartburn and effortless regurgitation. Coexistent dysphagia is considered an alarm symptom, prompting evaluation. There is substantial overlap between symptoms of GERD and those of eosinophilic esophagitis, functional dyspepsia, and gastroparesis, posing a challenge for patient management.

Severe Delayed Gastric Emptying Induces Non-acid Reflux up to Proximal Esophagus in Neurologically Impaired Patients

Background/Aims

The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) and evaluate how the severity of DGE affects gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in neurologically impaired (NI) patients utilizing 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements (pH/MII) and ¹³C-acetate breath test (¹³C-ABT) analyses.

Methods

¹³C-ABT and pH/MII were conducted in 26 NI patients who were referred to our institution due to suspected GERD. At first, correlation analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the ¹³C-ABT parameters and the clinical or pH/MII parameters. Thereafter, all patients were divided into 2 groups (DGE and severe DGE [SDGE] group) according to each cut off half emptying time (t_1/2, 90-170 minutes). Each pH/MII parameter was compared between the 2 groups in each set-up cutoff t_1/2.

Results

The mean t_1/2 of all patients was 215.5 ± 237.2 minutes and the t_1/2 of 24 (92.3%) patients were > 100 minutes. Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between both t_1/2 and lag phase time and the non-acid reflux related parameters. Furthermore, the patients in the SDGE group demonstrated higher non-acid reflux related parameters than those of the DGE groups when the cutoff was t_1/2 ≥ 140 minutes.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that GE with t_1/2 ≥ 140 minutes was related to an increase of non-acid exposure reaching up to the proximal esophagus in NI patients, and indicating that NI patients with SDGE might have a high risk of non-acid GERD.

Patients with symptoms of delayed gastric emptying have a high prevalence of oesophageal dysmotility, irrespective of scintigraphic evidence of gastroparesis

Background

Patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis exhibit several symptoms, such as epigastric pain, postprandial fullness, bloating and regurgitation. It is uncertain if such symptoms reflect underlying oesophageal motor disorder.

Aims

To examine whether patients with epigastric pain and postprandial distress syndrome suggestive of functional dyspepsia and/or gastroparesis also have concomitant oesophageal motility abnormalities and, if so, whether there are any associations between these disturbances.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with functional gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of gastric neuromuscular dysfunction (gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia) underwent clinical assessment, gastric scintigraphy, oesophageal high-resolution manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring using standard protocols.

Results

We studied 61 patients with various functional upper gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent gastric scintigraphy, oesophageal high-resolution manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring. Forty-four patients exhibited gastroparesis by gastric scintigraphy. Oesophageal motility disorders were found in 68% and 42% of patients with or without scintigraphic evidence of gastroparesis respectively, suggesting of overlapping gastric and oesophageal neuromuscular disorder. Forty-three per cent of patients with gastroparesis had abnormal oesophageal acid exposure with mean % pH <4.0 of 7.5 in contrast to 38% of those symptomatic controls with normal gastric emptying, with mean %pH <4.0 of 5.4 (NS). Symptoms of epigastric pain, heartburn/regurgitation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, belching and weight loss could not distinguish patients with or without gastroparesis, although weight loss was significantly more prevalent and severe (p<0.002) in patients with gastroparesis. There was no relationship between oesophageal symptoms and motor or pH abnormalities in either groups.

Conclusions

Irrespective of gastric emptying delay by scintigraphy, patients with symptoms suggestive of gastric neuromuscular dysfunction have a high prevalence of oesophageal motor disorder and pathological oesophageal acid exposure that may contribute to their symptoms and may require therapy. High-resolution oesophageal manometry and pH monitoring are non-invasive and potentially useful in the assessment and management of these patients.

A review of medical therapy for proton pump inhibitor nonresponsive gastroesophageal reflux disease

Up to 40% of patients report persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. This review outlines the evidence for medical therapy for PPI nonresponsive GERD. A literature search for GERD therapies from 2005 to 2015 in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified 2928 unique citations. Of those, 40 unique articles specific to the impact of PPI metabolizer genotype on PPI response and the use adjunctive medical therapies were identified. Thirteen articles reported impacts on CYP genotypes on PPI metabolism demonstrating lower endoscopic healing rates in extensive metabolizers; however, outcomes across genotypes were more uniform with more CYP independent PPIs rabeprazole and esomeprazole. Twenty-seven publications on 11 adjunctive medications showed mixed results for adjunctive therapies including nocturnal histamine-2 receptor antagonists, promotility agents, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation inhibitors, and mucosal protective agents. Utilizing PPI metabolizer genotype or switching to a CYP2C19 independent PPI is a simple and conservative measure that may be useful in the setting of incomplete acid suppression. The use of adjunctive medications can be considered particularly when the physiologic mechanism for PPI nonresponse is suspected. Future studies using adjunctive medications with improved study design and patient enrollment are needed to better delineate medical management options before proceeding to antireflux interventions.

Radiologic Diagnosis of Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux by Means of Graded Abdominal Compression

The aim of the study was to ascertain whether abdominal compression by a standardized technique increases the reliability of the radiologic diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Eightyeight patients were examined by means of a manometric reflux test, 24-hour measurements of pH and endoscopy. The radiologic examination was performed with and without graded abdominal compression, the patient at the same time turning from side to side. When abdominal compression was included the result of the radiologic examination was positive in 31 patients. In the absence of abdominal compression reflux was detected in 11 of these patients. In one patient reflux was detected only without compression. All these 31 patients had one more test positive and in 27 at least 2 more tests were positive. Another 21 patients had reflux disease as indicated by at least 2 of the 3 other tests. The compression technique seems to yield no false positive responses, and proved to be significantly more reliable than examinations without compression.

Management of gastroparesis-associated malnutrition

Gastroparesis (GP) is a chronic debilitating dysmotility characterized by unrelenting nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, postprandial fullness and abdominal pain. Patients with GP experience other associated conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric bezoars and small bowel bacterial overgrowth. Furthermore, GP is associated with poor quality of life, increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations and subsequent increased healthcare costs. Currently, the managements of GP consist of glycemic control, antiemetics, prokinetics and the use of gastric electrical stimulation. However, most GP patients are at risk for significant nutritional abnormalities. As such, it is essential to screen and diagnose malnutrition in these patients. Poor oral intake in such patients could be supplemented by enteral tube feeding. Parenteral nutrition, although a last resort, is associated with a number of complications and should be used only for the short term. In summary, a systematic approach including initial nutritional screening, diet recommendations, medical therapy, nutritional re-evaluation and enteral and parental nutrition should be considered in complex GP patients.

Normal values and symptom correlation of a simplified oatmeal-based gastric emptying study in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Instant oatmeal has been proposed as a good alternative to the standardized low-fat egg white test meal for gastric emptying studies. We aim to establish normal values of oatmeal-based gastric emptying scintigraphy and test its correlation with gastroparesis symptoms in the Chinese population.

METHODS

This study prospectively enrolled 60 healthy volunteers, 30 functional dyspepsia and 30 diabetes patients with gastroparesis symptoms. All participants were evaluated using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Each participant ingested instant oatmeal mixed with 1 mCi of (99m) Tc diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid, and serial imaging was immediately acquired for 3 h in the supine position using a left anterior oblique projection. Time-activity curves were generated and quantitative parameters were determined. Normal values were established from healthy volunteers and further applied in the symptomatic patients.

RESULTS

All participants finished the test meal and tolerated the procedure well. All gastric emptying parameters were not significantly affected by age or gender. Values above the 95th percentile of T1/2 , gastric retention at 1, 2, and 3 h (85 min, 65%, 28%, and 8%, respectively) were indicative of delayed gastric emptying. Values below the 5th percentile of gastric retention at 0.5 and 1 h (40% and 15%, respectively) were indicative of rapid gastric emptying. The lower gastric retention limit at 0.5 and 1 h were 40% and 15%, respectively. Four (13.3%) diabetes and four (13.3%) functional dyspepsia patients had delayed emptying while three diabetes patients (10%) had rapid emptying. Gastric emptying parameters correlated best with vomiting (r = 0.621) and nausea (r = 0.566) in diabetes patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We established normal values of oatmeal-based gastric emptying scintigraphy and observed good correlation with cardinal gastroparesis symptoms in the Chinese population.

Abnormal structure and function of the esophagogastric junction and proximal stomach in gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVES

This study applies concurrent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high-resolution manometry (HRM) to test the hypothesis that structural factors involved in reflux protection, in particular, the acute insertion angle of the esophagus into the stomach, are impaired in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.

METHODS

A total of 24 healthy volunteers and 24 patients with mild-moderate GERD ingested a test meal. Three-dimensional models of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) were reconstructed from MRI images. Measurements of the esophagogastric insertion angle, gastric orientation, and volume change were obtained. Esophageal function was assessed by HRM. Number of reflux events and EGJ opening during reflux events were assessed by HRM and cine-MRI. Statistical analysis applied mixed-effects modeling.

RESULTS

The esophagogastric insertion angle was wider in GERD patients than in healthy subjects (+7° ± 3°; P=0.03). EGJ opening during reflux events was greater in GERD patients than in healthy subjects (19.3 mm vs. 16.8 mm; P=0.04). The position of insertion and gastric orientation within the abdomen were also altered (both P<0.05). Median number of reflux events was 3 (95% CI: 2.5-4.6) in GERD and 2 (95% CI: 1.8-3.3) in healthy subjects (P=0.09). Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was lower (-11 ± 2 mm Hg; P<0.0001) and intra-abdominal LES length was shorter (-1.0 ± 0.3 cm, P<0.0006) in GERD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

GERD patients have a wider esophagogastric insertion angle and have altered gastric morphology; structural changes that could compromise reflux protection by the "flap valve" mechanism. In addition, the EGJ opens wider during reflux in GERD patients than in healthy volunteers: an effect that facilitates volume reflux of gastric contents.

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a complex relationship

Sleeve gastrectomy is rapidly becoming popular as a standalone bariatric operation. At the same time, there are valid concerns regarding its long-term durability and postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Though gastric bypass remains the gold standard bariatric operation, it is not suitable for all patients. Sleeve gastrectomy is sometimes the only viable option. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, liver cirrhosis, significant intra-abdominal adhesions involving small bowel and those reluctant to undergo gastric bypass could fall in this category. It is widely recognised that some patients report worsening of their gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after sleeve gastrectomy. Still, others develop de novo reflux. This review examines if it is possible to identify these patients prior to surgery and thus prevent postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease after sleeve gastrectomy.

Defining esophageal landmarks, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett's esophagus

The following paper on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on defining esophageal landmarks; new techniques for evaluating upper esophageal sphincter (UES) tone; differential diagnosis of GERD, BE, and hiatal hernia (HH); the use of high-resolution manometry for evaluation of reflux; the role of fundic relaxation in reflux; the use of 24-h esophageal pH-impedance testing in differentiating acid from nonacid reflux and its potential inclusion in future Rome criteria; classification of endoscopic findings in GERD; the search for the cell origin that generates BE; and the relationship between BE, Barrett's carcinoma, and obesity.

Pathophysiology of gastro-esophageal reflux disease: a role for mucosa integrity?

BACKGROUND

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very prevalent and has a high burden on health security system costs. Nevertheless, pathophysiology is complex and not well-understood. Several mechanisms have been proposed: decreased salivation, impaired esophageal clearance, decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure resting tone, presence of hiatal hernia, increased number of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), increased acid, and pepsin secretion, pyloric incompetence provoking duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux of bile acids and trypsin. Independent of the relevance of each mechanism, the ultimate phenomenon is that mucosal epithelium is exposed for a longer time to agents as acid and pepsin or is in contact to luminal agents not commonly present in gastric refluxate as trypsin or bile acids. This leads to a visible damage of the epithelium (erosive esophagitis -EE) or impairing mucosal integrity without any sign of macroscopic alteration as occurs in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Luminal factors are not the only responsible for such impairment; more recent data indicate that endogenous factors may also play a role.

PURPOSE

This review will update the most recent findings on the putative pathophysiological mechanisms and specially will focus on the role of esophageal mucosal integrity in GERD. Methodologies used for the evaluation of mucosal integrity, its relevance in EE and NERD, its involvement in symptoms perception and the effect of luminal and endogenous factors will be discussed.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment: side effects and complications of fundoplication

Even skilled surgeons will have complications after antireflux surgery. Fortunately, the mortality is low (<1%) with laparoscopic surgery, immediate postoperative morbidity is uncommon (5%-20%), and conversion to an open operation is <2.5%. Common late postoperative complications include gas-bloat syndrome (up to 85%), dysphagia (10%-50%), diarrhea (18%-33%), and recurrent heartburn (10%-62%). Most of these complications improve during the 3-6 months after surgery. Dietary modifications, pharmacologic therapies, and esophageal dilation may be helpful. Failures after antireflux surgery usually occur within the first 2 years after the initial operation. They fall into 5 patterns: herniation of the fundoplication into the chest, slipped fundoplication, tight fundoplication, paraesophageal hernia, and malposition of the fundoplication. Reoperation rates range from 0%-15% and should be performed by experienced foregut surgeons.

Overlap of functional dyspepsia and GERD--diagnostic and treatment implications

GERD and functional dyspepsia are the two most prevalent upper gastrointestinal disorders. Gastro-oesophageal reflux is most commonly diagnosed using the cardinal symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. Patients might also be diagnosed using a questionnaire, after empiric treatment with an acid suppressant, after upper endoscopy or by pH testing. Functional dyspepsia is best diagnosed using symptoms outlined by the Rome committee in conjunction with a normal upper endoscopy. Theoretically, distinguishing these two populations should be easy for all health-care providers. In reality, however, carefully separating out these two populations can be quite difficult, as substantial overlap exists epidemiologically, symptomatically and even diagnostically. This overlap renders precise diagnosis a challenge; given the limited treatment options, the primary goal is to identify those patients who will respond to acid suppressive therapy. Despite the frequency with which functional dyspepsia and GERD overlap, remarkably few studies have investigated this overlap. Most recommendations are based on data derived from separate studies of functional dyspepsia and GERD. A further limitation of existing studies is their failure to differentiate between the various diagnostic categories into which the individual presenting with heartburn might belong.

Predictors of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in pregnant women screened for sleep disordered breathing: a secondary analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in pregnancy. The cause is multifactorial, including a decreased or transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, increased intra-abdominal pressure, and gastrointestinal motility disturbances.

AIMS

Evaluate the incidence of GERD in pregnancy and assess predictors and predisposing factors.

METHOD

This is a secondary analysis of a survey of postpartum women regarding symptoms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and GERD performed at a large tertiary care center. Patients rated heartburn frequency during pregnancy as either never, occasionally/sometimes, or frequently/always. Pregnancy outcomes and newborn information was collected. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test and continuous variables were compared by Anova or Kruskal-Wallis test. Multinominal logistic regression was also performed.

RESULTS

Information regarding 1000 mothers and 1025 newborns was reviewed. The majority of mothers were Caucasian (68.8%) with mean age 29 ± 6.1 years. A total of 56.7% had GERD frequently/always; and 25.5% had none. GERD symptoms correlated with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), BMI at delivery, maternal age, smoking and symptoms of SDB. There was no significant correlation between fetal weight and maternal weight gain with GERD symptoms. Symptoms were more frequent in white non-Hispanic women than in other racial groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that GERD symptoms correlate with pre-pregnancy BMI and BMI at delivery, but not with the amount of weight gain during pregnancy. Maternal age, smoking, race, and SDB are also associated with GERD. Interestingly, fetal weight/uterine size did not seem predictive of developing GERD in pregnancy.

Pre-operative gastric emptying time correlates with clinical response to gastric electrical stimulation in the treatment of gastroparesis

BACKGROUND

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) may be of benefit in cases of gastroparesis that fail to respond to standard medical therapy. Response to this treatment is varied and prediction of clinical improvement is difficult.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review and symptom questionnaire survey for all patients who underwent GES insertion in a single institution from November 2008 until May 2010 using the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI).

RESULTS

14 out of 17 patients who had GES insertion responded to telephone or postal questionnaire. Mean pre-operative gastric emptying time was 151 min (median 146 min, range 18-318). Median follow up was 14 months (range 7-25 months). The mean reduction in GCSI score after GES insertion was 51% (13.4 vs 6.4, Z = 0.0013). Percentage reduction in GCSI correlated with pre-operative solid gastric emptying time (p = 0.0086). Two patients who responded to questionnaire required device removal, one due to a gastric perforation and the other for discomfort related to the implant and a poor clinical response.

CONCLUSIONS

GES significantly improves symptoms of gastroparesis on the GCSI score. Not all patients respond equally to GES, and response may be predicted by pre-operative solid gastric emptying times.

Heterogeneity in oesophageal dysfunction among patients with different reflux symptoms

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ineffective oesophageal motility (IOM) often occurs in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. We aimed to examine the hypothesis of whether the presence of IOM differs between patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with different symptom profiles.

METHODS

Eligible patients were subclassified according to their predominant symptom of heartburn (HB) or acid regurgitation (AR). All patients underwent combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and oesophageal manometry. IOM was further graded according to the presence of oesophageal transit abnormalities.

RESULTS

Fourteen healthy individuals, 16 HB patients and 24 AR patients participated in this study. The percentage of swallows with complete bolus transit was lower in AR than in HB patients during liquid and viscous swallowing (P<0.05). Abnormal bolus transit occurred more frequently in AR patients than in HB patients with liquid swallows (P<0.001) and viscous swallows (P<0.05). IOM occurred more frequently in AR patients than in HB patients (42.7 vs. 12.5%, P=0.049). In patients with IOM, severe functional abnormality was more frequently found in AR patients than in HB patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests a potential link between oesophageal body dysfunction and individual reflux symptom. Patients with a predominant symptom of AR are characterized by greater IOM and defective bolus clearance.

Advancing gastric emptying studies: standardization and new parameters to assess gastric motility and function

For many years, gastric emptying (GE) studies were performed using various local protocols and different radiolabeled meals. This lack of standardization and normal values made the test results unreliable and difficult to compare from one site to another. A recent consensus has been published that now provides guidance and standardization on how to perform a radiolabeled solid-meal GE study. It is widely recognized, however, that simple measurement of total GE of a solid meal often does not provide an answer to the etiology of symptoms for a large number of patients who present with functional dyspepsia. Advances in our understanding of the different roles of the fundus and antrum and their complex interaction with the proximal small bowel and central nervous system have led to the development of new methods to study gastric motility. This review describes how a more comprehensive approach to studying GE is needed and how this will lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients referred for GE studies.

Spectrum of gastroparesis in children

BACKGROUND

Gastroparesis (GP) is characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical outlet obstruction. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Delayed gastric emptying of a solid-phase meal assessed by radionuclear scintigraphy is the criterion standard for diagnosis. The prevalence of GP is difficult to estimate due to the lack of a validated, widely available diagnostic test that can be applied in primary care. The extent of this problem in children is unknown.

METHODS

We studied a cohort of children with GP diagnosed by radionuclear scintigraphy to identify demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes. A retrospective analysis of 239 patients between ages 0 and 21 years was performed.

RESULTS

The mean age of presentation was 7.9 years, and boys and girls were almost equally affected, that is, 48.5% and 51.5%, respectively. Vomiting was the most frequent presenting symptom (68%), followed by abdominal pain (51%), nausea (28%), weight loss (27%), early satiety (25%), and bloating (7%). Almost 75% of patients responded to intravenous erythromycin administered provocatively during gastric scintigraphy. In a majority of the patients, no cause was identified, that is, idiopathic GP (70%), followed by drugs (18%) and postsurgical (12.5%) causes. Only 4% patients had diabetic GP, and our population was essentially narcotic naïve (2%). After an average of 24 months' follow-up, the most common complication was esophageal reflux (67%). Despite different therapeutic modalities, by the end of the follow-up period, a significant improvement in symptoms was reported by an average of 60%, regardless of sex, age, or degree of emptying delay.

CONCLUSIONS

GP has a good prognosis in childhood despite different etiologies, symptom presentation, and therapy.

Impaired ghrelin signaling is associated with gastrointestinal dysmotility in rats with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often associated with decreased upper gastrointestinal motility, and ghrelin is an appetite-stimulating hormone known to increase gastrointestinal motility. We investigated whether ghrelin signaling is impaired in rats with GERD and studied its involvement in upper gastrointestinal motility. GERD was induced surgically in Wistar rats. Rats were injected intravenously with ghrelin (3 nmol/rat), after which gastric emptying, food intake, gastroduodenal motility, and growth hormone (GH) release were investigated. Furthermore, plasma ghrelin levels and the expression of ghrelin-related genes in the stomach and hypothalamus were examined. In addition, we administered ghrelin to GERD rats treated with rikkunshito, a Kampo medicine, and examined its effects on gastroduodenal motility. GERD rats showed a considerable decrease in gastric emptying, food intake, and antral motility. Ghrelin administration significantly increased gastric emptying, food intake, and antral and duodenal motility in sham-operated rats, but not in GERD rats. The effect of ghrelin on GH release was also attenuated in GERD rats, which had significantly increased plasma ghrelin levels and expression of orexigenic neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide mRNA in the hypothalamus. The number of ghrelin-positive cells in the gastric body decreased in GERD rats, but the expression of gastric preproghrelin and GH secretagogue receptor mRNA was not affected. However, when ghrelin was exogenously administered to GERD rats treated with rikkunshito, a significant increase in antral motility was observed. These results suggest that gastrointestinal dysmotility is associated with impaired ghrelin signaling in GERD rats and that rikkunshito restores gastrointestinal motility by improving the ghrelin response.

Impact of lumbar kyphosis on gastric myoelectrical activity and heart rate variability in a model using flexion posture in healthy young adults

Relationship between lumbar kyphotic deformity and gastroesophageal reflux disease has been indicated in recent years. But it remains unclear whether kyphotic deformity of the lumbar vertebrae affects gastric motility. Healthy young adults (n = 20) were analyzed by recording the electrogastrography (EGG) and heart rate variability (HRV) before and after meal with flexion and neutral postures. Dominant power (DP) and dominant frequency (DF) of EGG and low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) of HRV were analyzed in blocks of 10 minutes' duration. In neutral posture, DPs of all postprandial durations were significantly higher than those during fasting in two channels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). However, in flexion posture, only DP at postprandial 20 (10-20 minutes after eating) in a channel was significantly higher than that during fasting (P < 0.05). DF in neutral posture was significantly higher than that in flexion posture at postprandial 20 in a channel (P < 0.05). The standard deviation of DF at postprandial 10 in flexion posture was significantly higher than that during fasting in a channel (P < 0.05). LF/HF in neural posture was significantly higher than that in flexion posture at postprandial 10 (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that inhibition of stomach myoelectrical activity was induced in the flexion posture in this lumbar kyphotic model, and autonomic activity as assessed by HRV did not accord with that expected from EGG.

Gastroparesis: pathogenesis, diagnosis and management

Gastroparesis is a prevalent condition that produces symptoms of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of physical blockage. The most common etiologies of gastroparesis are idiopathic, diabetic, and postsurgical disease, although some cases stem from autoimmune, paraneoplastic, neurologic or other conditions. Histologic examination of gastric tissues from patients with severe gastroparesis reveals heterogeneous and inconsistent defects in the morphology of enteric neurons, smooth muscle and interstitial cells of Cajal, and increased levels of inflammatory cells. Diagnosis is most commonly made by gastric emptying scintigraphy; however, wireless motility capsules and nonradioactive isotope breath tests have also been validated. A range of treatments have been used for gastroparesis including dietary modifications and nutritional supplements, gastric motor stimulatory or antiemetic medications, endoscopic or surgical procedures, and psychological interventions. Most treatments have not been subjected to controlled testing in patients with gastroparesis. The natural history of this condition is poorly understood. Active ongoing research is providing important insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of this disease.

Does impaired gallbladder function contribute to the development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma?

INTRODUCTION

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is aetiologically associated with gastro-esophageal reflux, but the mechanisms responsible for the metaplasia-dysplasia sequence are unknown. Bile components are implicated. Impaired gallbladder function may contribute to duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and harmful GERD.

AIMS

This study aims to compare gallbladder function in patients with Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma, and controls.

METHODS

Three groups of patients, all free of gallstone disease, were studied. Group 1: (n = 15) were normal controls. Group 2: (n = 15) were patients with >3-cm-long segment of Barrett's esophagus. Group 3: (n = 15) were patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Using real-time ultrasonography unit, gallbladder volume was measured in subjects following a 10-h fast. Ejection fraction was calculated before and after standard liquid meal and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The mean percentage reduction in gallbladder volume was 50% at 40 min in the adenocarcinoma group compared with 72.4% in the control group (p < 0.001). At 60 min, gallbladder filling had recommenced in the control group to 64.1% of fasting volume while continuing to empty with further reduction to 63% in the Barrett's group and to 50.6% (p = 0.008) in the adenocarcinoma group. The mean gallbladder ejection fraction decreased progressively from controls to Barrett's to adenocarcinoma and was significantly lower in Barrett's group (60.9%; p = 0.019) and adenocarcinoma group (47.9%; p < 0.001) compared with normal controls (70.9%).

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder function is progressively impaired in Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma. Gallbladder malfunction increases duodenogastric reflux, exposing the lower esophagus to an altered chemical milieu which, in turn, may have a role in promoting metaplasia-dysplasia-neoplasia sequence in the lower esophageal mucosa.

Early satiety is the only patient-reported symptom associated with delayed gastric emptying, as assessed by breath-test

Background/Aims

To evaluate associations between delayed gastric emptying (GE) assessed by the octanoic acid breath test and upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Methods

A historical, prospective study included 111 consecutive symptomatic adults referred for a GE breath test because of upper abdominal symptoms suggestive of delayed GE. Exclusion criteria included underlying organic disease associated with delayed GE. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire and underwent a GE octanoic breath test. Patients with delayed GE were compared with those with normal results, for upper GI symptoms.

Results

Early satiety was the only symptom significantly associated with delayed GE. It was observed in 52% of subjects with delayed GE compared to 33% patients with no evidence of delayed GE (P = 0.005). This association was seen for all degrees of severity of delayed GE. Patients with early satiety had a t_1/2 of 153.9 ± 84.6 minutes compared to 110.9 ± 47.6 minutes in subjects without it (P = 0.002). In a logistic regression model, early satiety was significantly associated with delayed GE (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.01-5.18; P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Early satiety is the only patient-reported GI symptom associated with delayed GE. The utility of GE tests as a clinical diagnostic tool in the work-up of dyspeptic symptoms may be overrated.

Comparative levels of excessive daytime sleepiness in common medical disorders

INTRODUCTION

Sleep restriction and sleep disorders are common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Medical disorders (MD) can also cause EDS, but previous studies have used non-standardized measures, selected samples, or have examined EDS in singular disorders. This study describes the relative degree of EDS associated with medical disorders to provide comparative data across a range of common medical conditions in a large unselected community-based sample.

METHODS

Responses of 2612 individuals (aged 18-65) were assessed after excluding those with suspected sleep disordered breathing, narcolepsy, and shift workers. Participants across a range of medical disorders were evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and patient reports of nocturnal sleep.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven percent of the sample reported a MD. The prevalence of EDS (ESS>or=10) was 31.4% in individuals with MD and increased as a function of a number of MD (0 MD=29.4%, 1 MD=28.4%, 2 MD=31.0%, 3 MD=35.3%, 4 MD=38.4%). Disorders which were independent predictors of EDS were ulcers OR=2.21 (95% CI=1.35-3.61), migraines OR=1.36 (95% CI=1.08-1.72), and depression OR=1.46 (95% CI=1.16-1.83) after controlling for other conditions, age, gender, time in bed, caffeine, smoking and alcohol use. Participants with ulcers had the highest prevalence of sleepiness, 50.0%, as well as the highest level of problems falling asleep (40.8%) and awakenings during the night (62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with ulcers, migraines, and depression have independent and clinically significant levels of EDS relative to other common MD.

The role of delayed gastric emptying and impaired oesophageal body motility

Delayed gastric emptying in a variable proportion of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease has been observed in most series, however a relationship between delayed gastric emptying and increased gastro-oesophageal reflux has not been convincingly demonstrated. Enhanced postprandial accommodation and delayed emptying of the proximal stomach have been described, but some controversy exists. Impaired primary peristalsis is often present especially in patients with oesophagitis and its prevalence increases with increasing severity of inflammatory mucosal lesions. Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease often have defective triggering of secondary peristalsis independently of presence of oesophagitis. It is presently unclear if impaired oesophageal motility is a primary defect or an irreversible consequence of inflammation. Attempts at pharmacological improvement of impaired oesophageal motility have been so far disappointing. Patients with partially preserved neuromuscular structures need to be identified in order to select them for new prokinetic therapy.

Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to assess the acute prokinetic efficacy of nizatidine-controlled release (150 and 300 mg) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study is to test whether nizatidine delivered via a unique bimodal pulsatile-controlled release system, nizatidine controlled release (CR), accelerates gastric emptying in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

Combined data were analyzed on 39 patients with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) from 2 studies (n = 84) assessing the prokinetic effect of nizatidine CR. A single-blind placebo baseline was followed by double-blind nizatidine CR (150 and 300 mg) in randomized sequence, 2 to 5 days apart. Each dose was followed 1 hour later by an egg-beater meal, labeled with Tc99m. Gamma camera images were obtained at meal completion, 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-hour postmeal. All the 84 patients were classified at baseline with DGE (gastric retention >6.3% at 4 hours) or normal gastric emptying.

RESULTS

In the 39 patients identified with DGE, change from placebo baseline (CFB) for percent gastric retention at 4-hour postmeal with nizatidine CR (150 and 300 mg) was each improved and statistically significant (P < 0.05). In a subgroup of diabetic patients with DGE (n = 10), the CFB with nizatidine CR (300 mg) was significant (P < 0.05) at 3- and 4-hour postmeal.

CONCLUSIONS

Nizatidine CR (150 and 300 mg) significantly enhanced gastric emptying of a standard meal in patients with GERD with DGE.

Helicobacter pylori infection and reflux esophagitis in young and middle-aged Japanese subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Helicobacter pylori infection rates are reported to be high in people over the age of 40 years, but are decreasing in younger age groups. A negative correlation has been reported between H. pylori infection and reflux esophagitis (RE).

METHODS

The subjects were 418 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and measurement of serum immunoglobulin G H. pylori antibodies examined as part of their routine health checks. Their mean age was 39.2 +/- 8.3 years (range 22-58). We analyzed the RE findings (Los Angeles classification: A, B, C, D).

RESULTS

The total H. pylori infection rate was 33.7% (141/418). By age group, infection rates were 15.7% in the 20-29 years group, 28.0% in the 30-39 group, 34.3% in the 40-49 group and 69.1% in the 50-59 group. The proportion of H. pylori-negative subjects with RE was 23.5% (20-29, 22.9%; 30-39, 31.7%; 40-49, 32.4%; 50-59, 41.7%), significantly higher than that (12.1%) in H. pylori-positive subjects (20-29, 0%; 30-39, 16.7%; 40-49, 12.2%; 50-59, 10.5%). The severity of RE increased with advancing age in H. pylori-positive subjects, but not in H. pylori-negative subjects.

CONCLUSION

In this study, higher rates of RE were seen in H. pylori-negative subjects. It may be, however, that the presence of H. pylori infection influences the progression of RE.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Inhibition of gastroesophageal reflux by semi-solid nutrients in patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

BACKGROUND

Aspiration is one of the major complications after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). The administration of semi-solid nutrients by means of gastrostomy tube has recently been reported to be effective in preventing aspiration pneumonia. The effects of semi-solid nutrients on gastroesophageal reflux, intragastric distribution, and gastric emptying were evaluated.

METHODS

Semi-solid nutrients were prepared by liquid nutrients mixed with agar at the concentration of 0.5%. The distribution of the administered radiolabeled liquid and semi-solid nutrients was monitored by a scintillation camera for 15 post-PEG patients. The percentage of esophageal reflux, the distribution of the proximal and distal stomach, and the gastric emptying time were evaluated.

RESULTS

The percentage of gastroesophageal reflux was significantly decreased in semi-solid nutrients (0.82 +/- 1.27%) compared with liquid nutrients (3.75 +/- 4.25%), whereas the gastric emptying time was not different. The distribution of semi-solid nutrients was not different from liquid nutrients in the early phase, whereas higher retention of liquid nutrients in the proximal stomach was observed in the late phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly inhibited by semi-solid nutrients. One of the mechanisms of the inhibition is considered to be an improvement in the transition from the proximal to distal stomach in semi-solid nutrients.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer-associated gastroparesis: literature review and our experience

BACKGROUND

Patients with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma often present with early satiety, nausea, and vomiting without evidence of mechanical obstruction, mucosal disease, or metabolic abnormality. This condition is well described in the literature and is thought to result from pancreatic cancer-associated gastroparesis (PCAG). No clinical guideline is available for diagnosing and managing this rare disease.

OBJECTIVE

To propose an algorithm for diagnosing and managing patients with PCAG based on a literature review and our clinical experience.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted of literature on the subject from 1966 to 2005, and retrospective analysis was performed for patients with PCAG who presented to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, IA, USA) during the period 1998-2005.

RESULTS

Literature on an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PCAG is lacking. There are only two small case series and one case report regarding management of PCAG. Extensive chart review only identified two patients who met the diagnostic criteria of PCAG. We propose performing routine upper GI series and esophagogastroduodenoscopy on all patients with pancreatic cancer who present with nausea and vomiting, to rule out obstruction and mucosal disease. If there is no obstruction or mucosal disease, we do not recommend further workup. Prokinetic agents are the first line therapy for PCAG. In refractory cases, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension may be considered in selected patients who respond to nasojejunal decompression.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose a time-effective and useful strategy for diagnosing and managing patients with PCAG. We also define the diagnostic end-point for this difficult to manage condition.

Pyloric injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of refractory GERD accompanied with gastroparesis: a preliminary report

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to conventional medical treatment is frequently associated with gastroparesis, a complex condition with no definitive treatment to date. We first developed a scoring system to assess the severity and frequency of both reflux- and gastroparesis-related symptoms. We then tested, for the first time, the hypothesis that endoscopic pyloric botulinum toxin injection alleviates both of these symptom types. Eleven patients (four males) with GERD (confirmed by esophageal pH monitoring) plus gastroparesis (confirmed by gastric emptying study) underwent toxin injection. Patients had no concomitant disease and were not allowed to use prokinetics before or after treatment. Injection significantly improved both gastroparesis- and reflux-related symptoms in the majority of patients but the duration of symptom relief was relatively short. Responders to treatment had significantly higher total reflux symptom scores (before injection) than nonresponders. All but one of the patients in whom gastroparesis symptoms improved also showed response in reflux symptoms, which supports our hypothesis. We believe that response to toxin injection is a reliable predictor of response to subsequent surgery following the recurrence of symptoms.

Changes in a gastric air bubble linked to gastroesophageal reflux symptoms

The distribution of gas in the digestive tract is easily detected by a plain abdominal radiograph and associated with abdominal symptoms in some dyspeptic patients. Therefore, we investigate whether a gastric bubble detected on the abdominal radiograph is associated with gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) symptoms or not. All of the patients were asked to respond to the F-scale questionnaire regardless of their chief complaints. Plain abdominal films in the erect position were used to classify the form of gastric bubble into four groups: dome-type, irregular-type, stomach-type and undetected-type. The gastric bubble was found in 93.4% of patients on plain films in the erect position. Of them, 55 had a dome-type gastric bubble that indicates the distended fundus and fluid levels. GERD was most frequently detected in the stomach-type group, followed by undetected-type, irregular-type and dome-type. The mean score of the F-scale was significantly higher in stomach-type than in dome-type. It is concluded that a gastric bubble detected on plain abdominal films is an informative marker for evaluating the functional disorder of upper digestive tracts. Physicians have to recognize the importance of plain films of the abdomen in the diagnostic process of GERD.

Increased prevalence of gallstone disease and impaired gallbladder motility in patients with Barrett's esophagus

The prevalence of gallstones in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) and their gallbladder motility relative to that of healthy volunteers and GERD patients without BE were investigated. Of the 707 patients reviewed, 203 (125 males and 78 females) had BE. The prevalence of gallstones was significantly higher in the patients with BE than in those without BE (34 vs. 20%, respectively). The gallbladder functions of 22 patients with GERD, 27 patients with BE and 21 healthy volunteers were assessed by ultrasonography before and after a test meal. The patients with BE had significantly higher fasting volume and residual volume, but lower ejection volume, ejection fraction and ejection rate values than those of the healthy controls. None of the ultrasonographic parameters of patients without BE were significantly different from those of the controls. Patients with BE have a more complex gastrointestinal motility disorder that involves the gallbladder, and this makes this subset of patients with GERD more prone to gallstone disease.