Revisiting Montreal: New Insights into Symptoms and Their Causes, and Implications for the Future of GERD

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in post-irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 31 NPC and 12 control patients completed questionnaires for GERD/LPR before esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. The DeMeester score and reflux finding score (RFS) were used to define GERD and LPR, respectively. Risk factors were identified.

RESULTS

51.6% of NPC and 8.3% of control patients, and 77.4% of NPC and 33% of control patients, were GERD-positive and LPR-positive, respectively. The GERD/LPR questionnaire failed to identify either condition in patients with NPC. No parameter differences in esophageal manometry or pneumonia incidence were noted between GERD/LPR-positive and GERD/LPR-negative patients. Post radiotherapy duration, high BMI, lack of chemotherapy, and dysphagia were positive risk factors for GERD/LPR.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of GERD/LPR in patients with post-irradiated NPC exists, but reflux symptoms are inadequate for diagnosis.

Mucosal neuroimmune mechanisms in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) pathogenesis

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic condition characterised by visceral pain in the distal oesophagus. The current first-line treatment for GORD is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), however, PPIs are ineffective in a large cohort of patients and long-term use may have adverse effects. Emerging evidence suggests that nerve fibre number and location are likely to play interrelated roles in nociception in the oesophagus of GORD patients. Simultaneously, alterations in cells of the oesophageal mucosa, namely epithelial cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and T lymphocytes, have been a focus of GORD research for several years. The oesophagus of GORD patients exhibits both macro- and micro-inflammation as a response to chronic acidic reflux at the epithelium. In other conditions of the GI tract, such as IBS and IBD, well-characterised bidirectional processes between immune cells and mucosal nerve fibres contribute to pathogenesis and symptom generation. Sensory alterations in these conditions such as nerve fibre outgrowth and hypersensitivity can be driven by inflammatory processes, which promote visceral pain signalling. This review will examine what is currently known of the molecular pathways linking inflammation and sensory perception leading to the development of GORD symptoms and explore potentially relevant mechanisms in other GI regions which may indicate new areas in GORD research.

The validity of I-Scan in diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background: The evaluation of patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently represents a diagnostic dilemma. Confirmation of the presence of the esophogeal mucosal injury is one of the roles of endoscopy in GERD diagnosis. In this context, there are limitations of white light endoscopy (WLE) because of the inadequate visualization of the minute mucosal changes and the uncertainty in describing the severity of mucosal injury. I-SCAN technology helps in revealing fine details of the GI mucosa. Aim: to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of I-SCAN technology as compared to white light endoscopy (WLE) in Egyptian patients suffering from GERD symptoms. Patients and methods: This study included adult patients with GERD questionnaire (Q) score ≥ 8 points. The distal esophagus was examined by WLE followed by I-SCAN 2 to evaluate the presence of mucosal injuries and to classify GERD severity according to the Los Angles (LA) classification & its Japanese modification, respectively. Biopsies were taken from the lower esophageal mucosa as well as from the visible mucosal breaks and subjected to histopathologic examination. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled; 32 (53.3%) were females & 28 (46.7%) were males. WLE showed erosive reflux disease (ERD) in 41 patients (68.3%); while 19 patients (31.7%) showed no mucosal breaks. As regard LA classification; 18 of the cases were classified as grade A (30%); 15 as grade B (25%); 7 as grade C (11.7%) and 1 as grade D (1.7%). Reexamination of distal esophagus by I-SCAN 2 showed minimal change esophagitis (MCE) (grade M) & ERD in 57 patients (95%); while only 3 patients (5%) showed no mucosal changes (grade N). As regard the modified LA classification; 16 cases were classified as grade M (26.6%); 12 as grade A (20%); 21 as grade B (35%); 7 as grade C (11.7%) and 1 as grade D (1.7%). There was perfect agreement of WLE with I-SCAN 2 in LA grades B, C & D. There was poor agreement of WLE with I-SCAN 2 in cases who had no mucosal breaks & LA grade A cases on WLE (weighted Kappa was 0.11); as 16 cases were reclassified as grade M on I-SCAN 2 (had no mucosal breaks on WLE) and 6 cases were reclassified as class B on I-SCAN 2(were classified as grade A on WLE). As regard the histological proven reflux esophagitis (HPRE), it was present in 41 (68.3%) of the studied cases with statistically significant higher proportion of male gender. It was present in 28 (68.3%) of the patients who had ERD on WLE; 13(68.4%) of the patients who had no mucosal breaks on WLE; 38 (66.6%) of the cases who had grade M or ERD on I-SCAN 2 & the three patients who had grade N on I-SCAN 2.GERD Q score ranged from 10 to 12 points with median of 11 points. It was significantly higher in patients with HPRE (11.4 ± 1.8 points) than those without (10.3 ± 1.3 points) (p= 0.026). GERD Q score strongly correlated with both the modified LA grade by I-SCAN 2 (p=0.03) and the histological severity score (p=0,016). On univariate & multivariate analysis, male gender and GERD Q score > 11points were significant predictors of HPRE (p < .001). ROC analysis curve showed that GERD Q score at a cut-off > 11points was a significant predictor of HPRE with a sensitivity of 47%, specificity of 85%, AUC of 66.7% and p = 0.015. Conclusion: I-SCAN technology may improve the diagnosis of the esophogeal mucosal injury in GERD patients. There was poor agreement of WLE with I-SCAN 2 in patients who had no mucosal breaks & those with LA grade A on WLE. However, there was perfect agreement of WLE with I-SCAN 2 in patients with LA grades B, C& D. GERD Q score had positive correlation with both the modified LA grade on I-SCAN 2 and the histological severity score. Male gender and GERD Q score > 11points were significant predictors of histological proven reflux esophagitis.

Gastrointestinal conditions related to tooth wear

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a relatively common condition that occurs in adults and less commonly in children. It develops when the reflux of stomach contents into the oesophagus causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Signs and symptoms include heartburn, retrosternal discomfort, epigastric pain and hoarseness, dental erosion, chronic cough, burning mouth syndrome, halitosis and laryngitis. A proportion of patients will, however, have silent reflux. Strongly associated risk factors include family history, age, hiatus hernia, obesity and neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy. There are different treatment options which may be considered for GORD, consisting of conservative, medical and surgical therapy. Dentists should be aware of the symptoms of GORD and dental signs of intrinsic erosion indicative of possible GORD so that they can question patients about this and, if appropriate, initiate a referral to a general medical practitioner.

Review article: rethinking the "ladder" approach to reflux-like symptom management in the era of PPI "resistance" - a multidisciplinary perspective

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread adoption of potent acid suppression treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for reflux-like symptoms, persistent symptoms are commonly reported in primary care and community studies.

AIMS

This multidisciplinary review critically evaluates how the management of reflux-like symptoms could better reflect their multifactorial pathophysiology.

METHODS

A panel of experts (from general practice, gastroenterology and gastropsychology) attended a series of workshops to review current management and propose a framework for the provision of more individualised care.

RESULTS

It was agreed that the perceptual (as well as the physiological) causes of reflux-like symptoms should be considered at the start of management, not as a last resort when all else has failed. A short course of PPI is a pragmatic approach to address reflux-like symptoms, but equally important is counselling about the gut-brain axis and provision of symptom-specific behavioural interventions for those who show signs of somatisation, hypervigilance or co-existing disorders of gut-brain interaction. Other low-harm interventions such as lifestyle and dietary advice, should also be better integrated into care at an early stage. Multidisciplinary care management programmes (including dietary, weight loss, exercise and behavioural intervention) should be developed to promote greater self-management and take advantage of the general shift toward the use of remotely accessed health care resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of reflux-like symptoms should be adapted to reflect the advances in knowledge about the multifactorial aetiology of these symptoms, addressing both acid-related and behavioural components early in management. The time has come to treat the patient, not the "disease".

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and oral health: A narrative review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition in which stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus. It affects millions of people worldwide and has a detrimental effect on quality of life. Heartburn and acid regurgitation are typical GERD symptoms, while atypical manifestations include noncardiac chest pain, cough and laryngitis. The oral and maxillofacial manifestations of GERD may include dental erosion, xerostomia, mucositis, aphthous like ulcerations, sour taste, burning mouth, hyperesthesia, bruxism, and/or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This narrative review provides oral health care professionals with an update to medical aspects of GERD, recognition and management of oral and maxillofacial manifestations of the condition and provision of appropriate dental care for this patient population.

Thailand guideline 2020 for medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent and bothersome functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, including in Thailand. After a decade of the first Thailand GERD guideline, physician and gastroenterologist encountered substantially increase of patients with GERD. Many of them are complicated case and refractory to standard treatment. Concurrently, the evolution of clinical characteristics as well as the progression of investigations and treatment have developed and changed tremendously. As a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which are developing countries, we considered that the counterbalance between advancement and sufficient economy is essential in taking care of patients with GERD. We gather physicians from university hospitals, as well as internist and general practitioners who served in rural area, to make a consensus in this updated version of GERD guideline focusing in medical management of GERD. This clinical practice guideline was constructed adhering with standard procedure. We categorized the guideline in to four parts including definition, investigation, treatment, and long-term follow up. We anticipate that this guideline would improve physicians' proficiency and help direct readers to choose investigations and treatments in patients with GERD wisely. Moreover, we wish that this guideline would be applicable in countries with limited resources as well.

Sex and Gender Differences in Overlap Syndrome of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder and Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms in South Korea: A Long-term Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Overlap functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) is associated with more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and lower quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical features of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, their overlap in terms of sex and gender, and to assess the risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms.

METHODS

A total of 494 FGIDs and 239 controls were prospectively enrolled between 2004 and 2020. FGIDs were diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria and symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires were conducted to determine the change of symptoms during the 75.8-month mean observation period. Risk factors including genetic polymorphisms in neurotransmitter receptor (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, GNB3, ADRA2A, CCKAR, and TRPV1) and cytokine (TNFA and IL10) genes.

RESULTS

NERD was more prevalent in men, and functional dyspepsia in women. Overlap FGIDs (n = 239) were more prevalent than nonoverlap FGIDs (n = 255) in women (P = 0.019). Anxiety and depression scores were higher in the overlaps (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). Symptoms were more frequent and severe in the overlap FGIDs than in the non-overlaps (P < 0.001). During followup, symptoms progressed more frequently in the overlap FGIDs, especially in patients with the L/S genotype of SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR and anxiety/depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Overlap FGID patients need attention given their association with anxiety/depression and more severe symptoms, especially in women. Genetic polymorphisms also may be associated with certain symptoms of overlap FGIDs.

Sex and Gender Differences in Overlap Syndrome of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder and Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms in South Korea: A Long-term Follow-up Study

Background/Aims

Overlap functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) is associated with more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and lower quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical features of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, their overlap in terms of sex and gender, and to assess the risk factors, including genetic polymorphisms.

Methods

A total of 494 FGIDs and 239 controls were prospectively enrolled between 2004 and 2020. FGIDs were diagnosed based on the Rome III criteria and symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire. Follow-up questionnaires were conducted to determine the change of symptoms during the 75.8-month mean observation period. Risk factors including genetic polymorphisms in neurotransmitter receptor (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, GNB3, ADRA2A, CCKAR, and TRPV1) and cytokine (TNFA and IL10) genes.

Results

NERD was more prevalent in men, and functional dyspepsia in women. Overlap FGIDs (n = 239) were more prevalent than non-overlap FGIDs (n = 255) in women (P = 0.019). Anxiety and depression scores were higher in the overlaps (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). Symptoms were more frequent and severe in the overlap FGIDs than in the non-overlaps (P < 0.001). During follow-up, symptoms progressed more frequently in the overlap FGIDs, especially in patients with the L/S genotype of SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR and anxiety/depression.

Conclusions

Overlap FGID patients need attention given their association with anxiety/depression and more severe symptoms, especially in women. Genetic polymorphisms also may be associated with certain symptoms of overlap FGIDs.

The Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Morbid Obesity

INTRODUCTION

The impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been widely quantified, and the data in the literature remain controversial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Candidates for LSG underwent barium swallow, esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring (APM), and gastric emptying scintigraphy before and after surgery (1 and 18 months). Symptoms were evaluated using a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDq). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed preoperatively in all patients and at 18 months postoperatively in patients who had suffered from preoperative esophagitis.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients were included in the study (64.4% women and 34.6% men) with a median age of 46 years (25-63 years) and BMI of 45.0 ± 5.6 kg/m². The follow-up rates at 1 and 18 months were 82.7% and 80.8%. At 18 months, the percentage of weight loss (%TWL) was 33.6 ± 10.4% and the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) was 77.6 ± 25%. Postoperatively, a significant increase in accelerated gastric emptying and impaired esophageal body motility occurred at 1 and 18 months. A significant worsening of all the values obtained at both 1 and 18 months postoperatively becomes evident when comparing the results of the APM. After surgery, 76.4% of patients had developed "de novo" GERD at 1 month and 41% at 18 months. No improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, LSG led to a considerable rate of postoperative "de novo" GERD. In addition, no improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD.

Identification of Unique Transcriptomic Signatures and Hub Genes Through RNA Sequencing and Integrated WGCNA and PPI Network Analysis in Nonerosive Reflux Disease

Purpose

Transcriptomic studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease are scarce, and gene expression signatures in nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) remain elusive. The aim of the study was to identify gene expression profiles and potential hub genes in NERD.

Patients and Methods

We performed RNA sequencing on biopsy samples from nine consecutive patients with NERD and six healthy controls. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed with the DESeq2 R package. A DEG-based protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to filter hub genes using Cytoscape. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to identify the coexpression relationships of all modules and explore the relationship between gene sets and clinical traits.

Results

In total, 1195 DEGs were identified, including 649 upregulated and 546 downregulated genes involved in regulating the inflammatory response and epithelial cell differentiation. Overlap of the PPI and WGCNA networks identified five shared genes, namely, THY1, BMP2, LOX, KDR and MMP9, as candidate hub genes in NERD. Quantitative PCR analysis of the expression of these five genes confirmed the sequencing results. Receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated that these hub genes had diagnostic potential for NERD patients. Gene set enrichment analysis confirmed that each hub gene was closely associated with the pathophysiological processes of NERD. In addition, a regulatory network comprising 42 transcription factors (TFs), 28 miRNAs and 5 hub genes was established.

Conclusion

The five core genes may be promising biomarkers of NERD. The TF/miRNA/hub gene network can improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease progression.

Assessing the Frequency and Risk Factors Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Purpose

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with modifiable risk factors and it is associated with considerable health and economic burden. The current study was conducted to assess the frequency and risk factors related to GERD in the previously unstudied population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted for assessing the frequency and risk factors of GERD by using a self-administered questionnaire. The gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was utilized to detect the presence of the disease.

Results

The study included 308 participants; among them, 55.2% were female and 44.8% were male. The participants diagnosed with GERD (GerdQ score ≥8) were 26.6%. The various risk factors like higher BMI, past disease and smoking history, frequent use of NSAIDs, soft drinks, pickles, and spicy foods were significantly associated with GERD.

Conclusion

The present study showed that GERD is prevalent in Southern Punjab and is associated with various modifiable risk factors. The ascendance of GERD can be prevented by public health education and awareness campaigns.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in healing lesions and improving symptoms in most cases, although up to 40% of GERD patients do not respond adequately to PPI therapy. Refractory GERD (rGERD) is one of the most challenging problems, given its impact on the quality of life and consumption of health care resources. The definition of rGERD is a controversial topic as it has not been unequivocally established. Indeed, some patients unresponsive to PPIs who experience symptoms potentially related to GERD may not have GERD; in this case the definition could be replaced with “reflux-like PPI-refractory symptoms.” Patients with persistent reflux-like symptoms should undergo a diagnostic workup aimed at finding objective evidence of GERD through endoscopic and pH-impedance investigations. The management strategies regarding rGERD, apart from a careful check of patient's compliance with PPIs, a possible change in the timing of their administration and the choice of a PPI with a different metabolic pathway, include other pharmacologic treatments. These include histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), alginates, antacids and mucosal protective agents, potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs), prokinetics, gamma aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) antagonists, and pain modulators. If there is no benefit from medical therapy, but there is objective evidence of GERD, invasive antireflux options should be evaluated after having carefully explained the risks and benefits to the patient. The most widely performed invasive antireflux option remains laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), even if other, less invasive, interventions have been suggested in the last few decades, including endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) or radiofrequency therapy (Stretta). Due to the different mechanisms underlying rGERD, the most effective strategy can vary, and it should be tailored to each patient. The aim of this paper is to review the different management options available to successfully deal with rGERD.

Application of potassium competitive acid blockers in acid-related diseases

Acid-related diseases (ARDs) are common chronic diseases of the digestive system. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become the first-line drugs for the treatment of acid-related diseases. However, PPIs display some limitations in clinical application, such as short half-life, slow action, insufficient acid inhibition, pharmacological effects affected by CYP2C19 gene polymorphism, and nocturnal acid breakthrough, which lead to insufficient symptom remission of ARDs, as well as refractoriness, relapse, and even direct decline in health-related quality of life and increased economic burden. Potassium competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) are a class of novel anti-secretory drugs, which can overcome the limitations of traditional PPIs and show satisfactory acid inhibition effect and safety in clinical application. They may become a new strategy to solve the unsatisfied medical needs in the treatment of ARDs, but their potential adverse reactions remain to be monitored. In this article, we review the challenges in the treatment of acid-related diseases, and the advantages and prospects of P-CABs in the prevention and treatment of ARDs.

Efficacy of different endoscopic treatments in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Both transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and radiofrequency ablation (Stretta) are representative endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but they have not been directly compared. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) evaluated the comparative effects of Stretta, TIF, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of either the Stretta, TIF, or PPIs/sham procedure for GERD treatment. The NMA was conducted using frequentist methods.

RESULTS

A total of 516 participants from 10 RCTs were included in this NMA. Both Stretta (mean difference, MD - 9.77, 95% confidence interval, CI - 12.85 to - 6.70) and TIF (MD - 12.22, 95% CI - 15.93 to - 8.52) were significantly superior to PPIs at improving health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores and heartburn scores (Stretta: MD - 1.53, 95% CI - 2.98 to - 0.08; TIF: MD - 9.60, 95% CI - 17.79 to - 1.41). Stretta (MD - 3.77, 95% CI - 6.88 to - 0.65) was less effective at increasing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure than TIF. Stretta was significantly superior to TIF (MD - 3.25, 95% CI - 5.95 to - 0.56) at improving esophageal acid exposure. Regarding the decrease in PPIs utility and esophagitis incidence, no significant differences were found between TIF and Stretta.

CONCLUSION

In terms of short-term reduction of the HRQL score and heartburn score in patients with GERD, TIF and Stretta may be comparable to each other, and both may be more effective than PPIs. TIF may increase the LES pressure in comparison with Stretta and PPIs. PPIs may reduce the percentage of time pH < 4.0 when compared with TIF. This evidence should be interpreted with caution given the small number of included studies and inherent heterogeneity. Registration No. CRD42020188345.

Role of Multimodality Imaging in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Complications, with Clinical and Pathologic Correlation

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition and impairs the quality of life for millions of patients, accounts for considerable health care spending, and is a primary risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. There have been substantial advances in understanding the pathogenesis of GERD and its complications and much progress in diagnosis and management of GERD; however, these have not been comprehensively discussed in the recent radiology literature. Understanding the role of imaging in GERD and its complications is important to aid in multidisciplinary treatment of GERD. GERD results from prolonged or recurrent reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Common symptoms include heartburn or regurgitation. Prolonged reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus can cause erosive esophagitis. Over time, the inflammatory response related to esophagitis can lead to deposition of fibrous tissue and development of strictures. Alternatively, the esophageal mucosa can undergo metaplasia (Barrett esophagus), a precursor to dysplasia (which can lead to adenocarcinoma). Conventional barium esophagography has long been considered the primary imaging modality for the esophagus, and the fluoroscopic findings for diagnosis of GERD have been well established. Multimodality imaging has a clear role in detection and assessment of the complications of GERD, specifically reflux esophagitis and Barrett esophagus; differentiation of benign and malignant strictures; and detection, staging, and posttreatment surveillance of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Given the dramatic changes in utilization of abdominal imaging during the past 2 decades, with significantly declining volume of fluoroscopic procedures and concomitant increase in CT and MRI studies, it is crucial that modern radiologists appreciate the value of barium esophagography in the workup of GERD and recognize the key imaging features of GERD and its complications at CT and MRI.

Esophageal symptoms versus epigastric symptoms: Relevance for diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

Although pathological acid reflux in patients with reflux symptoms is uncommon, it affects one-third of patients with epigastric symptoms in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the relevance of esophageal and epigastric symptoms in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China.

METHODS

Consecutive outpatients with predominantly esophageal symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, dysphagia) or predominantly epigastric symptoms (epigastric pain, epigastric burning, early satiety, postprandial fullness) were enrolled. Patients underwent upper endoscopy and esophageal function tests, and took proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. The prevalence of GERD and PPI efficacy was assessed and compared among patients with different dominant symptoms.

RESULTS

Altogether 374 patients (244 with predominantly esophageal symptoms and 130 with predominantly epigastric symptoms) were enrolled. Patients with predominantly epigastric symptoms had a slightly lower prevalence of reflux esophagitis and pathological acid reflux but a significantly lower PPI response rate than those with predominantly esophageal symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the predominant symptom was independently associated with PPI efficacy but could not predict the objective existence of GERD. GERD was objectively found in 136 patients, 30% of whom complained of predominantly epigastric symptoms and had similar reflux profiles and symptom outcomes as patients with predominantly esophageal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 30% of patients with GERD complain of predominantly epigastric symptoms and have comparable reflux profiles and symptom outcomes as those with predominantly esophageal symptoms. Epigastric symptoms may be part of the diagnosis for GERD in a Chinese population. The study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02506634).

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Functional Heartburn: Expert Review

BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: A diagnosis of functional heartburn should be considered when retrosternal burning pain or discomfort persists despite maximal (double-dose) proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy taken appropriately before meals during a 3-month period. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: A diagnosis of functional heartburn requires upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsies to rule out anatomic and mucosal abnormalities, esophageal high-resolution manometry to rule out major motor disorders, and pH monitoring off PPI therapy (or pH-impedance monitoring on therapy in patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), to document physiologic levels of esophageal acid exposure in the distal esophagus with absence of reflux-symptom association (ie, negative symptom index and symptom association probability). BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Overlap of functional heartburn with proven GERD is diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria when heartburn persists despite maximal PPI therapy in patients with history of proven GERD (ie, positive pH study, erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, or esophageal ulcer), and pH impedance testing on PPI therapy demonstrates physiologic acid exposure without reflux-symptom association (ie, negative symptom index and symptom association probability). BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: PPIs have no therapeutic value in functional heartburn, the exception being proven GERD that overlaps with functional heartburn. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Neuromodulators, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tegaserod, and histamine-2 receptor antagonists have benefit as either primary therapy in functional heartburn or as add-on therapy in functional heartburn that overlaps with proven GERD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: Based on available evidence, acupuncture and hypnotherapy may have benefit as monotherapy in functional heartburn, or as adjunctive therapy combined with other therapeutic modalities. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Based on available evidence, anti-reflux surgery and endoscopic GERD treatment modalities have no therapeutic benefit in functional heartburn and should not be recommended.

Mechanism and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) describes a process in which gastric contents travel retrograde into the esophagus. GER can be either a physiologic phenomenon that occurs in asymptomatic individuals or can potentially cause symptoms. When the latter occurs, this represents GER disease (GERD). The process by which GER transforms into GERD begins at the esophagogastric junction. Impaired clearance of the refluxate also contributes to GERD. Reflux causes degradation of esophageal mucosal defense. The refluxate triggers sensory afferents leading to symptom generation.

Salivary Pepsin as an Intrinsic Marker for Diagnosis of Sub-types of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-related Disorders

Background/Aims

To determine the value of salivary pepsin in discriminating sub-types of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and GERD-related disorders.

Methods

Overall, 322 patients with different sub-types of GERD and 45 healthy controls (HC) were studied. All patients took Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) and underwent endoscopy and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and manometry. Salivary pepsin concentration (SPC) was detected by using colloidal gold double-antibody immunological sandwich assay. Oral esomeprazole treatment was administrated in the patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and extra-esophageal symptoms (EES).

Results

Compared to HC, patients with erosive esophagitis, NERD, EES, EES plus typical GERD symptoms, or Barrett’s esophagus had a higher prevalence of saliva and SPC (all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the positive rate for pepsin in patients with functional heartburn or GERD with anxiety and depression, compared to HC. After esomeprazole treatment, the positive rate and SPC were significantly reduced in NERD (both P < 0.001) and in EES (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Of the 64 NERD patients, 71.9% (n = 46) were positive for salivary pepsin, which was significantly higher than the rate (43.8%, n = 28) of pathological acid reflux as detected by 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Salivary pepsin has an important significance for the diagnosis of GERD and GERD-related disorders. Salivary pepsin and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring may complement with each other to improve the diagnostic efficiency.

The Spectrum of Reflux Phenotypes

The focus on a symptom-based definition for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children has contributed to widespread use of acid suppression medications in patients with so-called typical reflux symptoms to treat the possibility of acid-mediated disease. Diagnostic testing with upper endoscopy, esophageal biopsies, ambulatory reflux monitoring, and/or esophageal manometry is often pursued when patients do not respond optimally to these medications. By using information from this diagnostic testing, GERD has shifted from a single diagnosis to a phenotypic spectrum, and each phenotype has unique pathophysiologic mechanisms driving symptom perception. Understanding these mechanisms is important to tailor individualized treatment plans and guide therapeutic interventions. The aim of this article is to discuss the different reflux phenotypes, the utility of esophageal reflux testing, the mechanisms underlying symptoms, and the management strategies for each phenotype.

Perspectives on the interlinked nature of systemic sclerosis and reflux disease

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and vascular changes that result in esophageal smooth muscle atrophy and fibrosis. Subsequent progressive loss of peristalsis in the distal esophagus and loss of lower esophageal sphincter function lead to problems with the protective barrier and exposure of sensitive tissues to the gastroduodenal contents, a disorder called reflux disease. Areas covered: Depending on the range, nature and symptoms of the disease, the term 'reflux disease' may refer to gastroesophageal reflux, laryngopharyngeal reflux, microaspiration into the airways and silent reflux. Despite the links between these visceral complications, this connection remains controversial. This is due to a lack of complete understanding, the asymptomatic nature of the disease and the limited diagnostic accuracy of tests, which can delay diagnosis. Such delays are problematic, given that the early detection of GERD in SSc patients, the timing of assessment, the treatment of the organs involved are critical aspects of patient prognosis and disease outcome. Expert commentary: This review summarizes the most recent knowledge about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prospective treatment of GERD in SSc patients and highlights how innovative technologies applied through an integrative, interdisciplinary approach may soon lead to effective treatment strategies.

Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 2018

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Korea, and physicians, including surgeons, have been focusing on its treatment. Indeed, in Korea, medical treatment using a proton pump inhibitor is the mainstream treatment for GERD, while awareness of surgical treatment is limited. Accordingly, to promote the understanding of surgical treatment for GERD, the Korean Anti-Reflux Surgery Study Group published the Evidence-Based Practice Guideline for the Surgical Treatment of GERD. The guideline consists of 2 sections: fundamental information such as the definition, symptoms, and diagnostic tools of GERD and a recommendation statement about its surgical treatment. The recommendations presented 5 debates regarding fundoplication: 1) comparison of the effectiveness of medical and surgical treatments, 2) effectiveness of surgical treatment in cases of refractory GERD, 3) effectiveness of surgical treatment of extraesophageal symptoms, 4) comparison of effectiveness between total and partial fundoplication, and 5) effectiveness of fundoplication in cases of hiatal hernia. The present guideline is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of the surgical treatment GERD in Korea.