Peptic strictures of the esophagus

Esophageal Dysphagia in Adults: When It Sticks

Esophageal dysphagia is a common yet difficult to diagnose condition. This article underscores the role of detailed patient history and physical examinations, including prompt endoscopic evaluation, for accurate differentiation between esophageal and oropharyngeal dysphagia. The authors discuss the heightened importance of early intervention in certain patient groups, such as elderly individuals and patients with head and neck cancer, to mitigate the risk of malnutrition and infection. The authors delve into etiologic factors highlighting the complexity of clinical presentations and the significance of tailored management strategies.

THERAPEUTIC TACTICS FOR PEPTIC STRICTURES OF THE ESOPHAGUS. LITERATURE REVIEW

The work is based on the analysis of literature data devoted to the choice of treatment for peptic esophageal strictures. The main goal of this review is to identify treatment tactics for patients with stenosing reflux esophagitis.

 Researchers point out that the main causes of GERD are a decrease in pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, the action of the damaging properties of the refluctant. Untimely treatment of GERD can lead to complications such as peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus. The appearance of GERD stricture is most often promoted by: persistent heartburn after bougienage, erosion of the lower third of the esophagus, shortening of the II degree esophagus, and inadequate antisecretory therapy.

Various methods of treatment at all stages of the appearance of peptic stricture are presented, depending on the degree of dysphagia and the length of the stricture, the use of adequate conservative therapy regimens for PPIs, bougienage, as well as a description of various methods of antireflux operations. Endoscopic dilation is the first treatment option for all symptomatic benign esophageal strictures. There are treatments for benign refractory esophageal strictures such as endoscopic dilatation with intraluminal steroid injection, endoscopic postoperative therapy or stricturoplasty, esophageal stenting, self-bougienage, as well as surgery - antireflux surgery, esophagectomy with replacement of the esophagus by the stomach or colon [1].

The main goal in the treatment of peptic esophageal strictures, according to most authors, is to eliminate the progression of GERD, conduct bougienage or balloon dilatation, and select the optimal antireflux surgery. Treatment for peptic strictures should minimize the risk of re-stricture of the esophagus.

Persistent Vomiting and Weight Loss Leading to the Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus in an Adolescent

Barrett's esophagus in children with peptic strictures has not been well characterized, and its prevalence is unknown. We report a case of peptic esophageal stricture with Barrett's esophagus in an adolescent patient who presented with dysphagia with recurrent episodes of vomiting and limited medical history. A 13-year-old male with mild intellectual disability was transferred to our facility due to a two-month history of dysphagia with recurrent episodes of vomiting and intolerance to both solids and liquids. Physical examination and laboratory values were within normal limits, including complete blood count and differential, serum electrolytes, glucose, amylase, lipase, liver and kidney function tests, and thyroid-stimulating hormone level. Barium esophagram revealed persistent focal narrowing of the proximal and mid-esophagus. An esophageal endoscopy revealed a snug circumferential stricture and biopsy consistent with erosive esophagitis. The patient was started on high dose pantoprazole and underwent serial endoscopic guided balloon dilations with marked improvement in symptoms. Peptic stricture with Barrett's esophagus is rare in children. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of a child with the common symptom of vomiting in the setting of developmental delay. Vigorous treatment with endoscopic balloon dilation and proton pump inhibitors is necessary to prevent the progression into adenocarcinoma.

UK guidelines on oesophageal dilatation in clinical practice

These are updated guidelines which supersede the original version published in 2004. This work has been endorsed by the Clinical Services and Standards Committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) under the auspices of the oesophageal section of the BSG. The original guidelines have undergone extensive revision by the 16 members of the Guideline Development Group with representation from individuals across all relevant disciplines, including the Heartburn Cancer UK charity, a nursing representative and a patient representative. The methodological rigour and transparency of the guideline development processes were appraised using the revised Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool.Dilatation of the oesophagus is a relatively high-risk intervention, and is required by an increasing range of disease states. Moreover, there is scarcity of evidence in the literature to guide clinicians on how to safely perform this procedure. These guidelines deal specifically with the dilatation procedure using balloon or bougie devices as a primary treatment strategy for non-malignant narrowing of the oesophagus. The use of stents is outside the remit of this paper; however, for cases of dilatation failure, alternative techniques-including stents-will be listed. The guideline is divided into the following subheadings: (1) patient preparation; (2) the dilatation procedure; (3) aftercare and (4) disease-specific considerations. A systematic literature search was performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Develop-ment and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to evaluate the quality of evidence and decide on the strength of recommendations made.

Complementary roles of interventional radiology and therapeutic endoscopy in gastroenterology

Acute upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tubes and luminal strictures are some of the common reasons for gastroenterology service. While surgery was initially considered the main treatment modality, the advent of both therapeutic endoscopy and interventional radiology have resulted in the paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In this paper, we discuss the patient’s work up, indications, and complementary roles of endoscopic and angiographic management in the settings of gastrointestinal bleeding, enteral feeding, cecostomy tube placement and luminal strictures. These conditions often require multidisciplinary approaches involving a team of interventional radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons. Further, the authors also aim to describe how the fields of interventional radiology and gastrointestinal endoscopy are overlapping and complementary in the management of these complex conditions.

Health-Care Utilization and Complications of Endoscopic Esophageal Dilation in a National Population

Background/Aims

Esophageal stricture is usually managed with outpatient endoscopic dilation. However, patients with food impaction or failure to thrive undergo inpatient dilation. Esophageal perforation is the most feared complication, and its risk in inpatient setting is unknown.

Methods

We used National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for 2007–2013. International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes were used to identify patients with esophageal strictures. Logistic regression was used to assess association between hospital/patient characteristics and utilization of esophageal dilation.

Results

There were 591,187 hospitalizations involving esophageal stricture; 4.2% were malignant. Endoscopic dilation was performed in 28.7% cases. Dilation was more frequently utilized (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; p<0.001), had higher in-hospital mortality (3.1% vs. 1.4%, p<0.001), and resulted in longer hospital stays (5 days vs. 4 days, p=0.01), among cases of malignant strictures. Esophageal perforation was more common in the malignant group (0.9% vs. 0.5%, p=0.007). Patients with malignant compared to benign strictures undergoing dilation were more likely to require percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or jejunostomy (PEG/J) tube (14.1% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001). Palliative care services were utilized more frequently in malignant stricture cases not treated with dilation compared to those that were dilated.

Conclusions

Inpatient endoscopic dilation was utilized in 29% cases of esophageal stricture. Esophageal perforation, although infrequent, is more common in malignant strictures.

Techniques and principles of endoscopic treatment of benign gastrointestinal strictures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The fundamental goal of treating any stenosis is luminal enlargement to ameliorate the underlying obstructive symptoms. Symptoms depend on the etiology and the site of the stricture and may include dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, obstipation, or frank bowel obstruction. This article compares the various current technologies available for the treatment of gastrointestinal stenoses with regard to ease and site of application, patient tolerance, safety and efficacy data, and cost-benefit ratio.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies indicate that gastrointestinal dilation and stenting have evolved to a point at which in many if not most situations they can be the first line therapy and potentially the final therapy needed to treat the underlying condition.

SUMMARY

Following techniques and principles in the management of gastrointestinal strictures would allow for the well tolerated and effective treatment of most patients with the tools currently available today.

Erosive reflux disease increases risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma, compared with nonerosive reflux

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a strong risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, but it is not clear whether the mucosal inflammation that develops in patients with reflux disease promotes this cancer. We determined the development of adenocarcinoma among patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and were found to have erosive (with esophagitis) or nonerosive (without esophagitis) reflux.

METHODS

We performed a nationwide cohort study using data from 33,849 patients with reflux disease (52% men; median age, 59.3 y) from population-based Danish medical registries, from 1996 through 2008. The observed incidences of adenocarcinoma were compared with the expected incidence for the general population, standardized by age, sex, and calendar time. Absolute risks were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

In the study cohort, 26,194 of the patients (77%) had erosive reflux disease and 37 subsequently developed esophageal adenocarcinoma after a mean follow-up time of 7.4 years. Their absolute risk after 10 years was 0.24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15%-0.32%). The incidence of cancer among patients with erosive reflux disease was significantly greater than that expected for the general population (standardized incidence ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-3.0). In contrast, of the 7655 patients with nonerosive reflux disease, only 1 was diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma after 4.5 years of follow-up evaluation (standardized incidence ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.01-1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Erosive reflux disease, but not nonerosive disease, increased the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, based on analysis of population-based Danish medical registries. Inflammation therefore might be an important factor in the progression from reflux to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Endoscopic Treatment Options in Patients With Gastrojejunal Anastomosis Stricture Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The proportion of obese individuals continues to increase worldwide. Bariatric surgery remains the only evidence-based treatment strategy to produce marked weight loss. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an effective and common bariatric surgical procedure offered to obese patients. However, a small percentage of individuals can develop narrowing or stricture formation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. Endoscopic treatment of gastrojejunostomy (GJ) is preferred compared to surgical revision, as it is less invasive. The endoscopic treatment strategy most common employed is balloon dilatation. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is successful in majority of cases with low morbidity, however multiple dilatation may be required. Other endoscopic strategies such as incisional therapy has been successful in treating other gastrointestinal anastomotic strictures, however remain to be evaluated in post-RYGB GJ strictures. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of incision therapy and other endoscopic treatment strategies compared to endoscopic balloon dilatation.

Diagnosis and initial management of gastroesophageal complications

Chronic esophageal exposure to reflux of gastroduodenal contents can result in complications of GERD including esophageal stricture, Barrett's oesophagus or extraesophageal symptoms such as laryngitis, chronic cough or asthma. Endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool for patients with chronic reflux presenting with dysphagia to visualise esophageal mucosa and identify the underlying pathology. Barrett's oesophagus should be suspected in those with chronic reflux disease. Patients with Barrett's oesophagus should undergo surveillance endoscopy in order to risk stratify to dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. New endoscopic ablative therapies in patients with Barrett's oesophagus and high grade dysplasia are promising new treatment modality for those who may not be candidates for definitive intervention. Given poor sensitivity of diagnostic tests in extraesophageal reflux, empiric therapy with proton pump patients is the initial recommended approach. Diagnostic testing with esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ambulatory pH and impedance monitoring is usually reserved for those unresponsive to acid suppressive therapy. Many uncertainties remain in this group of patients including which patient subgroups might benefit from acid suppressive therapy. Future outcome studies are needed to assess the role of impedance/pH monitoring in this group of patients and to determine who might symptomatically benefit from medical or surgical intervention.

Update on health-related quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is highly prevalent in westernized countries. It damages quality of life but its effect is frequently underestimated, often leading to inadequate management of the disease and its symptoms. Health-related quality of life questionnaires are now becoming more widely recognized as an effective means of demonstrating the true impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease, both on individuals and on society at large. Health-related quality of life questionnaires can also help to underscore the importance of effective acid suppression therapy, with proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole, for this common and highly debilitating condition. This review summarizes recent information on the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease on a range of aspects of health-related quality of life, including patient well-being.

Inflammatory mediators in gastroesophageal reflux disease: impact on esophageal motility, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common problems in clinical practice today. It is widely believed that functional and structural abnormalities of the gastroesophageal junction as well as an abnormal exposure to gastroduodenal contents are the main contributors to its pathogenesis. Novel findings of the inflammatory process in GERD suggest a far more complex process involving multifaceted inflammatory mechanisms. This review summarizes knowledge about the expression of inflammatory mediators in GERD and their potential cellular sources and provides an integrated concept of disease pathogenesis. In addition we evaluate the contribution of inflammatory mediators to well-known complications of GERD, namely motility abnormalities, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Novel findings regarding the pathophysiology of esophageal inflammation should enhance our understanding of GERD and its complications and provide new treatment insights.

Esophagectomy in scleroderma: report of a case

Scleroderma is a generalized autoimmune disease with variable involvement of the skin and major organs (esophagus, lung, heart and kidney). Scleroderma is essentially a skin disease that frequently involves the digestive system. In scleroderma, the esophagus is the most frequently affected organ of the digestive system, and esophageal dysmotility, reflux and stricture may be observed in the advanced stage. Balloon dilatation and bougienage are generally sufficient in patients developing stricture, and the number of cases in whom resection is performed is very low. In a 20-year-old patient with difficulty in taking even liquid foods, tests revealed sclerodermal involvement of the distal end of the esophagus and stricture. Esophageal resection and gastric replacement were performed. Such systemic diseases as scleroderma, although rare, must be considered in the differential diagnosis of nonmalignant dysphagia, and resection must be borne in mind as a surgical option in cases of advanced stricture.

Proximal esophageal stenosis in head and neck cancer patients after total laryngectomy and radiation

BACKGROUND

There has been an increasing focus on late functional effects of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of late proximal esophageal stricture in patients undergoing total laryngectomy (TL) and radiation therapy (RT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An institutional retrospective review of HNC patients treated between 1995 and 2003 with TL and RT was undertaken. Thirty-three patients with stage II-IV disease were included; 25 patients had TL and postoperative RT (group 1), while 8 patients had definitive RT with salvage laryngectomy (group 2).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 28 months. At the last follow-up, 25 patients (76%) were alive and disease free. Four had died and 3 developed distant metastasis. Dysphagia or stenosis developed in 40% in group 1 and 75% in group 2 patients. The median time to dysphagia was 5.5 months for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of esophageal stenosis was 33% for all patients. Contributing factors for esophageal stenosis after TL and RT include continued alcohol and tobacco use, the dose-volume relationship of the RT and normal tissue damage from the tumor and the treatment.

Lifestyle modification counseling in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of documented counseling on lifestyle modifications in patients presenting to the primary care setting with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Retrospective chart review was conducted for 502 active patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease from two internal medicine clinics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. Charts were reviewed for documented counseling on four specific lifestyle modifications: (a) smoking and alcohol cessation, (b) dietary changes, (c) head of bed elevation, and (e) postprandial avoidance of recumbency. Only 12% of patients in this sample received documented counseling on lifestyle modifications. Of those patients receiving documented counseling, 71% were counseled on dietary changes, 41% smoking or alcohol cessation, 28% head of bed elevation, and 21% postprandial avoidance of recumbency. Documentation indicated that patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease are not adequately counseled regarding recommended lifestyle modifications.

Esophageal and pharyngeal strictures: report on 1,862 endoscopic dilatations using the Savary-Gilliard technique

Treatment of symptomatic pharyngeal and esophageal strictures requires endoscopic dilatation. The Savary-Gilliard bougienage was developed by our department and has been used since 1980 for this purpose. We report our experience using this technique. The records of patients seen from January 1, 1963 to December 31, 2005, who had pharyngeal and esophageal strictures needing dilatation, were reviewed. The prevalence of different etiologies, and the incidence of complications using the Savary-Gilliard dilators were assessed. Efficiency of dilatation was assessed over a 17-year segment of this period, using number of dilatations and time intervals between dilatations until resolution of symptoms as outcome measures. Of the 2,652 pharyngeal and esophageal strictures reviewed, 90% were of organic origin (45% benign and 55% malignant stenoses), and 10% were of functional etiology. The most common etiologies were peptic strictures before the era of proton pump inhibitors, and postoperative anastomotic strictures thereafter. A total of 1,862 dilatations using the Savary-Gilliard technique were analyzed. Complication and mortality rates were 0.18 and 0.09% for benign and 4.58 and 0.81% for malignant etiologies, respectively. The number of dilatations per stricture and the time interval between different sessions were dependent on the type of strictures, varying from 1 to 23 dilatations and 7 days to 16 years, respectively. Pharyngeal and esophageal dilatations using the Savary-Gilliard technique were safe when used together with fluoroscopy. Overall, the efficiency of the dilatation procedure was good, but some types of strictures (e.g., caustic, post-surgical and/or post radiotherapy) were refractory to treatment and required repeated dilatations.

The many manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease: presentation, evaluation, and treatment

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem that is expensive to diagnose and treat. The disease is increasing in prevalence in the Western world, with important risk factors being obesity and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are classic symptoms of GERD, but their sensitivity is poor. Ambulatory esophageal pH testing is the most sensitive test for GERD, whereas endoscopy is the most specific test. Medical treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has revolutionized the treatment of GERD and its complications, but long-term side effects do exist. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and PPIs have similar efficacy in the few available long-term trials. This article reviews the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of GERD.

Gastrooesophageal reflux disease

Gastrooesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is a common problem which is expensive to diagnose and treat. The disease is increasing in prevalence in the Western world with important risk factors being obesity and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Increasing research points to transient LES relaxation and spatial separation of the diaphragm and LES (hiatal hernia in chest) being the critical mechanisms of acid reflux. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are classic symptoms of GERD, but their sensitivity is poor. Ambulatory oesophageal pH testing is the most sensitive test for GERD, while endoscopy is the most specific test. Medical treatment with PPIs has revolutionized the treatment of GERD and its complications, but long-term side effects do exist. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery and PPIs have similar efficacy in the few available long-term trials. Currently, endoscopic treatments for GERD should not be a clinical alternative outside of research trials. New drug therapies should be directed at modulating transient LES relaxation.

Complete Esophageal Stenosis Secondary to Peptic Stricture in the Cervical Esophagus: Case Report

Complete esophageal stenosis secondary to peptic stricture in the upper esophagus is rare. It is, however, a serious medical problem that may require otolaryngologic intervention because of life-threatening dysphagia and weight loss. We report the case of an elderly patient who presented with an upper esophageal stricture, without the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, that progressed to complete esophageal obstruction despite use of proton pump inhibitors and esophageal dilatation. Definitive management of this difficult problem required esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. We discuss the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management of peptic esophageal strictures. This case illustrates the difficulty in managing high peptic strictures.

Role of mitomycin in upper digestive tract stricture

BACKGROUND

Mitomycin C is an anti-fibroblast chemotherapeutic agent that has demonstrated promise in the treatment of head and neck cancer-related cervical stenosis. The present study investigates whether the application of mitomycin C at the time of dilation is both safe and effective in the treatment of head and neck cancer-related upper digestive tract stricture.

METHODS

Twelve patients with progressive dysphagia and video-fluoroscopic evidence of upper digestive tract stricture after head and neck cancer treatment were dilated by Maloney or Savory dilators followed by the application of mitomycin C (0.2 mg/0.4 mL saline) to the stenotic segment for 5 minutes. Outcome measures included complication rate, improvement in baseline dietary consistency, and improvement in swallowing-related quality of life as measured by the M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory.

RESULTS

All patients experienced improvement in their baseline dietary consistency (p = .002) and M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory composite score (p = .001) after a mean follow-up time of 19 months. No complications from mitomycin use were observed.

CONCLUSION

Mitomycin application appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for head and neck cancer-related upper digestive tract stricture. Given the small sample size and limited follow-up time, a randomized, controlled trial is needed to determine whether mitomycin application offers additional benefit over standard dilation therapy.

Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 with gastrinomas have an increased risk of severe esophageal disease including stricture and the premalignant condition, Barrett's esophagus

CONTEXT

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) patients frequently develop Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (MEN1/ZES). Although esophageal reflux symptoms are common in these patients, little is known about long-term occurrence of severe peptic esophageal disease including strictures and Barrett's esophagus (BE).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to prospectively analyze the frequency of severe peptic esophageal disease in ZES patients with and without MEN1.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a tertiary care research center.

PATIENTS

Two hundred ninety-five patients (80 = MEN1/ZES, 215 = sporadic ZES) participated in a prospective study.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Assessment of MEN1, acid hypersecretion, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy/biopsies, and tumor status were measured initially and at each follow-up. Esophageal manometry was performed in 89 patients. Frequency and type of esophageal disease were correlated with clinical/laboratory/tumoral features of ZES/MEN1.

RESULTS

In MEN1/ZES patients, esophageal stricture was 3-fold higher, BE 5-fold higher, and dysplasia 8-fold higher, and one patient died of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Esophageal symptoms were more frequent or severe in MEN1/ZES, but known risk factors for severe esophageal disease and ZES-specific features did not differ between MEN1/ZES and sporadic ZES. In MEN1/ZES, the onset of ZES was 10 yr earlier, and H2-antagonists were used longer and at lower doses. MEN1/ZES patients with esophageal disease differed from those without in that ZES diagnosis was delayed longer, esophageal symptoms were more frequent or severe, hiatal hernias were more frequent, esophagitis or pyloric scarring was more common, basal acid output was higher, and hyperparathyroidism was underdiagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that MEN1/ZES patients have a higher incidence of severe esophageal disease including the premalignant condition BE and identifies factors important for their pathogenesis that need to be incorporated into their long-term treatment.

Short Esophagus and Esophageal Stricture

Short esophagus and peptic esophageal stricture are complications of chronic severe GERD. Short esophagus is properly diagnosed by an objective,intraoperative assessment after appropriate dissection of the GEJ. A laparoscopic Collis gastroplasty combined with an antireflux procedure comprises effective therapy. Peptic stricture should be addressed with an initial course of dilator therapy and optimization of antiacid medication. Consideration is given to an antireflux procedure if conservative therapy fails. Laparoscopic techniques have proven to be safe and effective in treating short esophagus and peptic stricture.

Patient reported outcomes in gastroesophageal reflux disease: an overview of available measures

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common, chronic disorder. The main symptom of GERD is heartburn, although a diverse range of symptoms can be associated with the disease including acid regurgitation and epigastric pain. GERD is also a risk factor for Barrett's oesophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The impact of GERD symptoms on patients' lives can be profound and is unrelated to the presence or absence of esophagitis. The impact of GERD can be measured by assessing the patient perspective using Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs). There are two categories of questionnaires that can be used to measure the effect of GERD on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), namely generic and disease or treatment specific. The use of PRO instruments has become more accepted in the assessment of disease treatment. Well-designed instruments that assess physical, psychological and emotional factors can provide clinicians with the data that will promote effective management decisions for the treatment of GERD. The most frequently used instruments in GERD are reviewed here, in terms of their psychometric properties.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

GERD is ubiquitous throughout the adult population in the United States. It commonly adversely affects quality of life and occasionally causes life-threatening complications. The new and emerging medical and endoscopic therapies for GERD and the new management strategies for BE should dramatically reduce the clinical toll of this disease on society.

Therapeutic choices in reflux disease: defining the criteria for selecting a proton pump inhibitor

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is among the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, with symptoms affecting a substantial proportion of the US population on a daily basis. Heartburn and related symptoms arise from a number of pathophysiologic mechanisms, including dilated intercellular spaces, increased duration of acid reflux, greater proximal extent of reflux, and esophageal sensitivity. Chronic reflux may result in serious complications, such as esophageal erosions or ulceration, stricture, and Barrett esophagus. The goals of GERD therapy are to relieve patients' symptoms and prevent complications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) represent the most effective treatment option for GERD, relieving symptoms, healing erosions, and maintaining a healed mucosa. Differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics among the PPIs may result in differences in intragastric pH holding time as well as the onset of symptom relief. Lansoprazole and esomeprazole produce similar degrees and onset of symptom relief, with both providing greater symptom relief as compared with omeprazole. Although manufactured as capsules containing enteric-coated granules, lansoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole maintain their high level of pharmacologic efficacy when the capsule contents are emptied into soft foods or various liquids. Lansoprazole and pantoprazole also are manufactured as intravenous formulations, and lansoprazole is available as strawberry-flavored granules for oral suspension and as an orally disintegrating tablet. These alternative routes of administration are particularly beneficial in the management of acid-related disorders in infants, children, the elderly, and patients of all ages who have difficulty swallowing or are unable to swallow intact capsules or tablets and those in the critical care setting.

Proton pump inhibitors and the time trends for esophageal dilation

AIM

Little is known about the impact of widespread proton pump inhibitor use on the need for dilation of esophageal strictures. To determine the time trends for upper endoscopy and stricture dilation before and after the availability of proton pump inhibitors.

METHODS

The computerized databases of two large community hospitals were analyzed. Annual data on dilation procedures (by all methods) and upper endoscopy were obtained and analyzed in quartiles from 1986 to 2001 to determine if the relative or absolute need for dilation changed following the introduction of proton pump inhibitors in the United States. The number of prescriptions for acid suppressive agents (H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors) for the corresponding time period was obtained from the IMS health database.

RESULTS

A total of 57,496 upper GI endoscopies and 2,868 esophageal dilations were performed. The proportion of patients undergoing esophageal dilation increased from 4% in 1986-1989 to 6% in 1990-1993 (p < 0.001), remained unchanged (5.8%) in the period from 1994 to 1997 but declined significantly to 3.9% (p < 0.001) in the next quartile (1998-2001). Absolute numbers of dilation procedures declined significantly in the last quartile (1998-2001) and the proton pump inhibitor prescriptions in the United States increased markedly from 1995 onward.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for stricture dilation peaked in 1994 and has declined thereafter, corresponding to an increase in the use of proton pump inhibitors. The widespread use of proton pump inhibitors has not, however, abolished the need for esophageal dilation.

Diagnostic Tests for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

A range of tests is available to the physician pursuing the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many times, these studies are unnecessary because the history is sufficiently revealing to identify the presence of troubling reflux disease. 1 However, this may not be the case and the clinician must decide which tests to choose to arrive at a diagnosis in a reliable, timely, and cost-effective manner (Table 1). Furthermore, the various esophageal tests need to be selected carefully depending upon the information desired. For example, identifying the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease is different from proving that the patient's symptoms are caused by reflux episodes. Additionally, defining that acid reflux exists may not be enough. To tailor appropriate medical or surgical therapy requires knowing whether complications of GERD are present as well as possible mechanisms by which abnormal GER occurs. A thorough and well-devised investigation strategy requires knowledge of testing procedures ranging from radiology and pathology to physiology and endoscopy. An informed background in these areas allows the clinician and investigator to address not only the presence of reflux and its correlation to patient symptoms but also the severity of esophageal injury and even the mechanisms by which the damage is done. By using the available tests judiciously, one can increase the opportunity of making a correct diagnosis of GERD and simultaneously limit the potential inconveniences or cost to the patient.

Predictors of early recurrence of benign esophageal strictures

OBJECTIVE

In the era of liberal proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, benign esophageal strictures remain a significant management problem, with 30-40% of patients experiencing symptomatic recurrence within 1 yr of successful dilation. We therefore sought to examine predictors of early recurrence of benign esophageal strictures after endoscopic dilation.

METHODS

Predictors for stricture recurrence were examined in 87 consecutive outpatients undergoing initial dilation over a 1-yr period. Patients with symptomatic recurrence of dysphagia requiring repeat dilation within 1 yr of initial successful dilation (cases) were compared to patients who did not require redilation (controls). Predictors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis of significant predictors using time to first redilation was also performed.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 36 required repeat dilation within 1 yr, whereas 51 did not (median follow-up, 33 months). Of all strictures, 67 (77%) were peptic, with the remainder caused by radiation, drug-related injury, or congenital stenosis, among other causes. In multivariate analysis, nonpeptic strictures were significant predictors for early recurrence, as was a narrower stricture diameter. For peptic strictures, the persistence of heartburn after dilation and the presence of a hiatal hernia were significant predictors. Of all peptic strictures, 84% of patients were on PPIs after dilation, with no difference between cases and controls. Of all patients with persistent heartburn after dilation, 90% were on PPIs.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistence of heartburn after dilation is a strong predictor for early symptomatic recurrence of benign esophageal peptic strictures, despite a high rate of PPI use. This may suggest persistent acid reflux requiring optimization of acid reduction therapy. Alternatively, combined acid and alkaline reflux may account for progressive injury despite PPI therapy. Esophageal pH studies may be invaluable in making the distinction between acid and non-acidic (alkaline) reflux. Nonpeptic strictures are also more likely to have early recurrences and are therefore more difficult to manage.

The role of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal disorders

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy has revolutionized the clinical management of upper gastrointestinal diseases. Millions of EGDs are performed annually in the United States for many indications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, dysphagia, or surveillance of premalignant lesions. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is very safe, with a low risk of serious complications such as perforation, cardiopulmonary arrest, or aspiration pneumonia. It is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test, especially when combined with endoscopic biopsy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is increasingly being used therapeutically to avoid surgery. New endoscopic technology such as endosonography, endoscopic sewing, and the endoscopic videocapsule will undoubtedly extend the frontiers and increase the indications for endoscopy.

Acid peptic disease in the elderly

GERD and peptic ulcer disease are important diseases in the elderly. GERD presents similarly in the elderly and the young, although elderly patients may have less severe symptoms yet more severe mucosal disease and a higher prevalence of BE. Although the prevalence of H. pylori is falling, the elderly remain at risk for peptic ulcer because of the widespread use of NSAIDS. The presentation of peptic ulcer disease in the elderly can be subtle and atypical when compared with younger patients, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Because of comorbidity in the aged, peptic ulcer disease and its complications result in increased morbidity and mortality rates.

Lansoprazole in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in childhood

BACKGROUND

Acid suppressive therapy is the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Use of proton pump inhibitors in children is still limited and has only included omeprazole in a few controlled studies.

AIM

To determine efficacy of lansoprazole, a relatively new proton pump inhibitor, on symptoms and oesophagitis in a group of children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease refractory to H2 receptor antagonists. The required dose of the drug for inhibiting gastric acidity was also determined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 35 children (median age: 7.6 years, range: 3-15) with oesophagitis refractory to H2 receptor antagonists received a 12-week therapeutic course with lansoprazole. Prior to the study children underwent symptomatic and endoscopic assessment, oesophageal manometry and 24-hour intragastric and intra-oesophageal pH test. The latter was repeated after one week of therapy while patients were on treatment in order to monitor the degree of acid suppression and adjust the dose of the drug. Symptomatic assessment and endoscopy were repeated at the end of the trial

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In 12 patients (group A), the initial dose of the drug was efficacious (1.3 to 1.5 mg/kg/day), whereas in 23 [group B) the initial dose (0.8 to 1.0 mg/kg/day) was increased by half because of insufficient inhibition of intragastric acidity (i.e., when the intra-gastric pH remained below 4.0 for more than 50% of the recording time). Nine patients in group A (75%) and 8 in group B (53.5%) healed (chi2: 3.6, p<0.05); 1 patient in group A [8.3%) and 7 in group B (30.5%) remained unchanged (chi2: 6.9, p<0.01); 2 patients in group A and 8 in group B improved and underwent a further month of therapy. The two groups did not differ as far as concerns baseline pH, endoscopic and clinical variables. In both groups, those patients failing to respond at the end of the trial showed a more impaired oesophageal motility than improved or healed patients. The drug was well tolerated and no significant laboratory abnormalities occurred. In children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease refractory to H2 receptor antagonists, a 12-week course of lansoprazole is effective both in healing oesophagitis and improving symptoms. An initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg/day of the drug is suggested. However, if during treatment, patients remain symptomatic the dose should be increased and a prolonged intra-gastric and intra-oesophageal pH test performed to evaluate the acid suppression efficacy of the adjusted dose. A short course of lansoprazole appears to be safe and well tolerated in paediatric age.