Comparison of the Carlsson-Dent and GERD-Q questionnaires for gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom detection in a general population

Diagnostic accuracy of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire for gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of a symptom-based gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire (GerdQ) for GERD diagnosis has gained interest due to its greater efficacy and ease of use than other available questionnaires. However, different guidelines have given inconsistent recommendations regarding using GerdQ as a diagnostic test. This meta-analysis summarized the diagnostic accuracy of GerdQ for diagnosing GERD.

METHODS

Studies published up to April 12, 2023, and indexed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Diagnostic test accuracy studies comparing GerdQ with upper endoscopy and/or pH-metry for GERD diagnosis in adult patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD were included. The study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Meta-analysis using bivariate (Reitsma) analysis was done to summarize the overall sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LRs), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). The summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve was visualized, and the area under the ROC (AUC) was calculated.

KEY RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with 11,166 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and DOR for GerdQ (cut-off value of ≥8) were 66.9% (95% CI 56.4%-73.1%), 65.2% (95% CI 56.4%-73.1%), 1.93 (95% CI 1.55-2.42), 0.51 (95% CI 0.38-0.66), and 3.89 (95% CI 2.44-5.89), respectively. The overall AUC from the SROC was 0.705. The subgroup analysis showed similar pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR between Asian and non-Asian studies.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

GerdQ had moderate sensitivity and specificity for GERD diagnosis. GerdQ can still be recommended as a diagnostic tool for GERD, especially when the PPI test is unavailable or contraindicated.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: prevalence and Extraesophageal manifestations among undergraduate students in South West Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The reflux of noxious contents of the stomach may cause oesophageal and extra-oesophageal complications either by direct contact of aspirated gastric refluxate with the upper airway or by a vago-vagal reflex. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal disease (GERD) and extraesophageal manifestations among undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Nigeria.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study involving undergraduate students in a private University in Nigeria. Study proforma had three parts. Part A consisted of self-administered questionnaire designed to obtain students biodata. Part B consisted of standard Carlsson-Dent questionnaire. A score of 4 and above on Carlsson- Dent questionnaire was considered diagnostic of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERD). Thereafter those who had GERD were further questioned and examined for extra-oesophageal symptoms of GERD.

RESULTS

The total number of the study participants was 647, out of which 212 (32.8%) had GERD. One hundred and forty-four (67.9%) and 86 (32.1%) females and male had GERD respectively (p = 0.13). The extraesophageal symptoms found in those with GERD were, dysphagia, coated tongue, nocturnal cough, xerostomia, lump in the throat, asthma-like symptoms, recurrent sore throat, frequent throat clearing, halithosis and dental erosion among others.

CONCLUSION

GERD is common among this study population, with a prevalence rate of 32.8%. Only age showed significant predictor for GERD. Varying extra-oesophageal manifestations were found in those with GERD.