Proximal esophageal impedance baseline increases the yield of impedance-pH and is associated with response to PPIs in chronic cough patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic cough significantly impairs the quality of life. Although various studies focused on MNBI as assessed in the distal esophagus, scarce data are available on the clinical value of proximal measurements.

AIM

To investigate the role of proximal MNBI in the workup of patients with chronic cough and its ability to predict PPI response.

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, endoscopy findings, impedance-pH and HRM tracings from consecutive cough patients were evaluated. MNBI was calculated at proximal and distal esophagus.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty four patients were included. In addition to traditional variables, when considering also the PSPW index or MNBI at 3 cm or 15 cm, the proportion of patients with pathological impedance-pH monitoring significantly increased. 70/164 patients were responders, while 94 (57.3%) were non-responder to double PPI dose (p < 0.05). Patients with pathologic MNBI at 3 cm and/or 15 cm as well as those with pathologic PSPW index were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of responders than that observed among patients with normal impedance-pH variables (p < 0.001). The proportion of responders with pathological MNBI at 15 cm was significantly higher than the proportion of responders with pathological MNBI at 3 cm (82.8% vs. 64.3%, p < 0.05). At multivariable model, pathological MNBI at both 3 cm and 15 cm as well as PSPW index were associated with PPI responsiveness. The strongest association with PPI response was observed for MNBI at 15 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The assessment of MNBI at proximal esophagus increases the diagnostic yield of impedance-pH monitoring and may represent a useful predictor of PPI responsiveness in the cumbersome clinical setting of suspected reflux-related cough.

A multidisciplinary approach to identifying and managing heterotopic gastric inlet patches

INTRODUCTION

Gastric inlet patches are often incidental, but can also be a treatable cause of laryngo-esophageal symptoms.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients whose gastric inlet patches were diagnosed following assessment for laryngopharyngeal and swallowing symptoms. Improvement following Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) was assessed using Minimum Clinically-Important Difference methodology combining voice, throat, and swallowing domains. Correlations between APC response and measures of reflux and mucosal barrier integrity, measured during 24-h pH-impedance manometry, were obtained. Proximal and Distal Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance (MNBI) values were separately calculated and the novel variable of Mucosal Impedance Gradient was derived as [((Distal MNBI-Proximal MNBI)/((Distal MNBI + Proximal MMBI)/2)) x 100].

KEY RESULTS

Inlet patches were detected in 57 of 651 patients who had Transnasal Panendoscopy (8.7 ± 2.2%). There were 34 males. Mean age was 58 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 2 years. The commonest symptoms were hoarseness (n = 33), throat symptoms (n = 24), and dysphagia (n = 21), respectively. APC was used to ablate patches in 34 patients. Treatment response was 71% at a mean followup of 5.5 months. MIG > - 25% predicted response to APC, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.875 (Sensitivity = 81%; Specificity = 100%; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric inlet patches are common and under-recognized. They can cause protracted pharyngo-esophageal symptoms. Patch ablation is an effective treatment for carefully selected patients. Optimal patient selection requires multidisciplinary teamwork. Mucosal Impedance Gradient could further refine patient selection.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using 24-hour Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance With pH Testing According to Current Consensus

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a popular weight loss procedure with potential effects on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, research on the association between LSG and GERD using objective evaluation criteria, such as multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH testing (MII-pH), is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of LSG on GERD using MII-pH and current consensus guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was conducted as a prospective clinical study on 33 patients who underwent LSG between January 2022 and August 2022. MII-pH and high-resolution manometry were performed preoperatively and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. GERD diagnosis was based on MII-pH results using the Lyon and Update Porto consensus guidelines.

RESULTS

Postoperative MII-pH analysis revealed a significant increase in acid reflux time, acid exposure time, reflux index, esophageal clearance, total reflux time, and longest reflux period. Weak acid reflux episodes decreased, while Demeester score and alkaline reflux showed nonsignificant increases. Pathologic reflux significantly increased postoperatively based on MII-pH diagnosis. High-resolution manometry showed a significant increase in unsuccessful motility.

CONCLUSION

Although the Demeester score calculation consists of 6 metrics, including acid exposure time, the acid exposure time is more specific in detecting pathologic reflux. Pathologic GERD increases significantly with LSG in the early period. Therefore, preoperative and postoperative endoscopy and MII-pH can provide valuable information regarding the need for closer follow-up after LSG.

[Risk factors for the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged and the clinical characteristics of patients complicated with pneumonia]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged, and to analyze the characteristics of patients with pneumonia. Methods: Patients who underwent 24-hour laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring from June 2020 to July 2022 and the positive patients of those who underwent 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring from March 2017 to July 2022 at the Second Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Positive results of 24-hour laryngopharyngeal reflux monitoring were in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group, and the negative results were in the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group. Patients with pneumonia and simple gastroesophageal reflux disease were in the esophageal reflux pneumonia group, and patients with pneumonia and simple laryngopharyngeal reflux disease were in the laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group. Patients' basic data, co-morbidities, drug use and relevant examination and test results were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged and its relationship with pneumonia. Results: A total of 80 patients with 24-hour laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring were enrolled finally, including 34 cases, all male, aged (73±12) years, in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group, and 46 cases [44 males, 2 females, aged (78±11) years] in the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included age ≤70 years (OR=13.07, 95%CI: 2.53-67.68), body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.37, each additional 1 kg/m2, 95%CI: 1.03-1.83), use of antipsychotic drugs (OR=8.00, 95%CI: 1.40-45.73) and calcium channel blockers (OR=5.27, 95%CI: 1.13-24.53) (all P<0.05). The protective factors of the laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included antacids (OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.04-0.90, P=0.035). The incidence of pneumonia was higher in the laryngopharyngeal reflux group compared with the non-laryngopharyngeal reflux group [44.1% (15/34) vs 21.7% (10/46), P=0.033]. The esophageal reflux pneumonia group included 32 cases [31 males and 1 females, aged (84±12) years]. The laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group included 15 cases [ 15 males, aged (79±11) years]. Compared to the patients in the laryngopharyngeal reflux pneumonia group, the patients in the esophageal reflux pneumonia group had a longer course of antibiotics [(27.7±27.0) vs (14.6±13.9) days, P=0.034], a higher frequency of seizure frequency [(4.3±3.0) vs (1.8±1.5) times/year, P<0.001] and a higher maximal body temperature [(38.2±0.9) vs (37.6±1.1) ℃, P=0.037]. Conclusions: The risk factors of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease in the aged included age ≤70 years, higher BMI, use of antipsychotic drugs and calcium channel blockers. The incidence of pneumonia in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is higher, but the condition of pneumonia is milder.

Functional lumen imaging probe topography identifies patients with normal acid exposure and esophageal hypervigilance amongst proton-pump inhibitor non-responders

BACKGROUND

Multiple factors contribute to symptom generation and treatment response in proton-pump inhibitor non-responders (PPI-NRs). We aimed to test whether PPI-NRs with normal acid exposure have a higher degree of esophageal hypersensitivity and hypervigilance and can be identified using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) topography at the time of endoscopy.

METHODS

Data from PPI-NRs whom underwent endoscopy, FLIP and wireless 96-h pH-metry were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to acid exposure time (AET) as (a) 0 days abnormal (AET > 6%), (b) 1-2 days abnormal, or (c) 3-4 days abnormal. The esophageal hypervigilance and anxiety scale (EHAS) score and other symptom scores were compared between groups. The discriminatory ability of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility index (DI) and max EGJ diameter in identifying patients with 0 days abnormal AET was tested via receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

EHAS score was 38.6 in the 0 days abnormal AET group, 30.4 in the 1-2 days abnormal AET group (p = 0.073 when compared to 0 days abnormal) and 28.2 in the 3-4 days abnormal AET group (p = 0.031 when compared to 0 days abnormal). Area-under-the-curve (AUC) for the DI in association with 0 days AET > 6% was 0.629. A DI of < 2.8 mm2/mmHg had a sensitivity of 83.3%, and negative predictive value of 88% in classifying patients with 0 days abnormal acid exposure (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

FLIP complements prolonged wireless pH-metry in distinguishing the subset of PPI-NRs with completely normal acid exposure and a higher burden of esophageal hypervigilance. Proper identification of patients along the functional heartburn spectrum can improve overall surgical outcomes.

Manual censoring of impedance tracings by the Wingate consensus reduces the number of impedance episodes, impacting on reflux categorization

BACKGROUND

The Lyon consensus classifies the evidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) based on endoscopic features and results of pH/impedance monitoring (pH-MII) including the post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index (PSPWI) and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI). The Wingate consensus established criteria to reduce inter-reviewer variability when assessing reflux episodes and PSPWI by impedance. This study aims to assess the influence of the Wingate criteria on the different pH-MII parameters obtained by automated analysis.

METHODS

Thirty consecutive pH-MII off PPI were reviewed according to Wingate criteria. Number of impedance episodes and PSPWI were compared before and after censoring from automatic analysis. Reflux categorization according to Lyon consensus between censored and uncensored data was compared. Pearson correlations between impedance parameters and censored episodes were calculated.

KEY RESULTS

Censoring the tracings significantly reduced the number of reflux episodes (66 [42-90.25] vs. 44.5 [21.5-61.5], p = 0.0105). Reasons for censoring were as follows: 1/ anterograde episode: 9.5 [6-13], 2/ impedance drop <50%: 1 [0-3], 3/ duration <4 s: 1 [0-2], 4/ <2 distal channels: 2.5 [1-4], and 5/ artifacts: 2 [1-5]. Censored episodes were in majority non-acid (16.5 [13-26.5] vs. 2 [0-4], p < 0.00001). Censoring altered the categorization of impedance episodes (<40 episodes, 6 vs. 13 for resp. uncensored vs. censored tracings, 40-80 episodes: 13 vs. 13, and >80 episodes: 11 vs. 4, p = 0.0264), but not the symptom index, the symptom association probability, or the categorization according to the Lyon consensus. Nevertheless, individual tracings were affected. The percentage of censored episodes was inversely correlated with the number of acidic impedance episodes (r = -0.62, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES

Manual interpretation of impedance tracings based on the Wingate consensus reduces the number of impedance episodes, impacting on reflux categorization. Acidic reflux episodes are less likely to be censored, harboring a potential at improving automatic pH-MII analysis.

Psychological Processes, Not Physiological Parameters, Are Most Important Contributors to Symptom Severity in Patients With Refractory Heartburn/Regurgitation Symptoms

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Physiological and psychological factors have been found to influence esophageal symptom reporting. We aimed to evaluate which of these factors are associated with 3 reflux symptom severity outcomes (ie, Total Reflux, Heartburn, and Sleep Disturbance) through a traditional statistical and a complementary machine-learning approach.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients with refractory heartburn/regurgitation symptoms underwent standard 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring and completed questionnaires assessing past and current gastrointestinal and psychological health. In the traditional statistical approach, hierarchical general linear models assessed relationships of psychological and physiological variables (eg, total number of reflux episodes) with reflux severity scores. Mediation analyses further assessed pathways between relevant variables. In the machine-learning approach, all psychological and physiological variables were entered into 11 different models and cross-validated model performance was compared among the different models to select the best model.

RESULTS

Three hundred ninety-three participants (mean [SD] age, 48.5 [14.1] years; 60% were female) were included. General psychological functioning emerged as an important variable in the traditional statistical approach, as it was significantly associated with all 3 outcomes and mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and both Total Reflux and Heartburn Severity. In the machine-learning analyses, general psychological variables (eg, depressive symptoms) were most important for Total Reflux and Sleep Disturbance outcomes, and symptom-specific variables, like visceral anxiety, were more influential for Heartburn Severity. Physiological variables were not significant contributors to reflux symptom severity outcomes in our sample across reflux classifications and statistical methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological processes, both general and symptom-specific, should be considered as another important factor within the multifactorial processes that impact reflux symptom severity reporting across the reflux spectrum.

The Role of Distal Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance in Differentiating GERD Phenotypes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent digestive pathologies. The current diagnosis of GERD either by trial of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), endoscopy or by multichannel impedance pH study (MII/pH) has limitations. Our study aims to show if mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) can differentiate between the GERD phenotypes.

METHODS

We recruited 62 patients who underwent upper digestive endoscopy and MII/pH, with some patients undergoing esophageal manometry to exclude motility disorders. Patients were separated into 4 GERD phenotypes: erosive reflux disease (ERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity (RH) and functional heartburn (FH). Proximal MNBI was calculated as the mean value of the proximal 2 channels (Z1 and Z2), and distal MNBI was calculated as the mean value of the distal 4 channels (Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6).

RESULTS

Distal MNBI can help distinguish the abnormal acid exposure time (AET) phenotypes (ERD, NERD) from normal AET phenotypes (RH, FH) with a decent performance (AUROC 0.857). Distal MNBI has good accuracy in separating ERD from other phenotypes (AUROC 0.872). Furthermore, distal MNBI can differentiate FH from ERD, NERD, RH with good accuracy (AUROC 0.879), and on top of that is able to separate FH from RH (AUROC 0.817).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that distal MNBI is a good method of differentiating GERD phenotypes and should be taken into consideration in future studies to assess its validity in helping physicians make the correct diagnosis.

Diagnosing Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Comparison between 24-hour pH-Impedance Testing and Pharyngeal Probe (Restech) Testing, with Introduction of the Sataloff Score

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of pH monitoring using 24-hour esophageal pH-Impedance (HEMII-pH) testing versus pharyngeal pH (Restech) testing (Respiratory Technology Corporation, Houston, Texas) for diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

METHODS

Retrospectively, patients were reviewed who had completed a Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) survey and stroboscopy within 60 days before or after undergoing simultaneous esophageal pH-Impedance monitoring and Restech testing. Reflux Finding Score (RFS) was determined by 4 blinded observers. 80.45% of patients were on anti-reflux medications at the time of study and had incomplete response to treatment for reflux. Improvement on reflux treatment was determined by evaluating presenting pre-pH monitoring RFS, post treatment RFS, and improvement of symptoms. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships among RSI, RFS, and test results from HEMII-pH and Restech tests.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were included in the analysis. The inter-rater reliability of the RFS determination was 74.57%, and the intra-rater reliability was 67.00%. Subjects who had a positive RYAN Score had a significant correlation with RFS (r of 0.222 and p-value of 0.0492). There was no correlation between RFS and number or percent time of reflux events, longest event, total number of events, or percent of time at alkaline pH for either HEMII-PH or Restech test. RSI correlated better with HEMII-pH test than with Restech for percent time spent in both upright (r of 0.226 and p-value of 0.029) and supine position (r of 0.261 and a p-value of 0.032). Restech correlated better with total patient symptom Scores including cough, heartburn, burping, and throat clearing, with a r of 0.242 and a p-value of 0.048. Restech detected more percent time in reflux for total reflux, supine reflux, and upright reflux (p-value less than 0.0001). Restech also detected longer event times than Impedance (p-value of less than 0.0001). When diagnosis of LPR is based on the definition of CRC, the Sataloff Score test had 70.45% sensitivity and 80.95% specificity. The RYAN Score had a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 56.45%, and the Wu Score had a sensitivity of 62.16%, and specificity of 54.05%. When the Sataloff and Wu Score were used together, the sensitivity was 71.45%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 59.46%.

CONCLUSION

The amount of time of reflux events correlates with symptoms better than the number of events. The HEMII-pH test was able to detect more events of pH<4 than Restech, possibly because there might have been more acid events below than above the upper esophageal sphincter, while Restech detected more total events. Restech recorded longer event times than HEMII-pH test. Since length of time correlates with RFS (probably reflecting laryngeal inflammation), and since laryngeal clearance of acid is more similar to pharyngeal than esophageal clearance, this finding might prove valuable clinically. The Sataloff Score has a sensitivity of 70.45%, and a specificity of 80.95% and appears useful clinically to detect mild to moderate that is missed by the RYAN Score. A combination of Sataloff Score and Wu Score may be clinically valuable to identify LPR with an increased sensitivity of 71.45% and increased specificity of 100%. The Wu Score is not yet available for the general clinical use, but the Sataloff Score is.

How Best to Estimate Insertion Length of Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance pH Probes in Children

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability of the KidZ Health Castle formula (KHC-F) to determine the correct probe position of a multichannel intraluminal impedance pH.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed on 222 children between 1 month and 18 years of age undergoing multichannel intraluminal impedance pH. The primary outcome was the comparison of the pH sensor location determined by the KHC-F with the radiological target position. The margin of error was defined as 1 cm from the target position. Performance of the KHC-F and existing formulas was determined via the percentage with a correct position, mean error, 95% limits of agreement (Bland-Altman plots), and Spearman correlation. A post hoc analysis was performed with an updated KHC-F v2, subtracting -0.5 cm from the KHC-F.

RESULTS

Positioning with KHC-F was correct in two-thirds of the participants, with a very strong correlation (ρ = 0.91) with the target position. Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between KHC-F and target position (mean error of -0.44 cm, lower limit -3.2 cm, upper limit 2.3 cm). A post hoc analysis with the KHC-F v2 showed a correct positioning in 74% of patients. Comparison with other formulas showed a stronger performance of KHC-F and KHC-F v2 on correct positioning, mean error, and 95% limits of agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

The KHC-F leads to reliable results. KHC-F v2 outperforms all other existing formulas in children, thereby reducing the need for repositioning and the amount of x-ray exposure. The age distribution of the sample may be a limitation, as well as the retrospective nature of the study.

Ineffective esophageal motility is associated with acute rejection after lung transplantation independent of gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux is associated with poorer outcomes after lung transplant, likely through recurrent aspiration and allograft injury. Although prior studies have demonstrated a relationship between impedance-pH results and transplant outcomes, the role of esophageal manometry in the assessment of lung transplant patients remains debated, and the impact of esophageal dysmotility on transplant outcomes is unclear. Of particular interest is ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and its associated impact on esophageal clearance.

AIM

To assess the relationship between pre-transplant IEM diagnosis and acute rejection after lung transplantation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of lung transplant recipients at a tertiary care center between 2007 and 2018. Patients with pre-transplant anti-reflux surgery were excluded. Manometric and reflux diagnoses were recorded from pre-transplant esophageal function testing. Time-to-event analysis using Cox proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate outcome of first episode of acute cellular rejection, defined histologically per International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines. Subjects not meeting this endpoint were censored at time of post-transplant anti-reflux surgery, last clinic visit, or death. Fisher’s exact test for binary variables and student’s t-test for continuous variables were performed to assess for differences between groups.

RESULTS

Of 184 subjects (54% men, mean age: 58, follow-up: 443 person-years) met criteria for inclusion. Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis represented the predominant pulmonary diagnosis (41%). During the follow-up period, 60 subjects (33.5%) developed acute rejection. The all-cause mortality was 16.3%. Time-to-event univariate analyses demonstrated significant association between IEM and acute rejection [hazard ratio (HR): 1.984, 95%CI: 1.03-3.30, P = 0.04], confirmed on Kaplan-Meier curve. On multivariable analysis, IEM remained independently associated with acute rejection, even after controlling for potential confounders such as the presence of acid and nonacid reflux (HR: 2.20, 95%CI: 1.18-4.11, P = 0.01). Nonacid reflux was also independently associated with acute rejection on both univariate (HR: 2.16, 95%CI: 1.26-3.72, P = 0.005) and multivariable analyses (HR: 2.10, 95%CI: 1.21-3.64, P = 0.009), adjusting for the presence of IEM.

CONCLUSION

Pre-transplant IEM was associated with acute rejection after transplantation, even after controlling for acid and nonacid reflux. Esophageal motility testing may be considered in lung transplant to predict outcomes.

Prediction of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in young children

BACKGROUND

Many children respond to medical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, some may require invasive intervention for refractory disease. Due to the lack of prognostic tools in children, this study aimed to develop a predictive model for refractory GERD.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in children with symptoms of GERD at a university hospital. Refractory GERD was defined as an unresponsive disease after optimal treatment with medication for >8 weeks. The predictive model was constructed based on clinical features and 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) monitoring results.

RESULTS

A total of 205 children were included with a median (IQR) age of 0.6 (0.3, 2.0) years. Over half of the patients (59.5%) had motor disabilities. Forty-four children (21.5%) were diagnosed with refractory GERD and subsequently underwent fundoplication. Multivariable analysis suggested that the refractory disease was associated with motor disabilities (OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 2.06-13.91), recurrent aspiration pneumonia (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24-6.26), prematurity with an onset of GERD at a post-conceptual age <40 weeks (OR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.96-23.33), and abnormal total reflux episodes according to age (OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.24-6.19), but not the acid exposure time or symptom association analysis. The predictive model for refractory GERD based on associated factors revealed an area under the ROC curve of 76.8% (95% CI: 69.2%-84.3%) with a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 64% when applying a cutoff score of ≥2.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The predictive model, using clinical features and MII-pH, may be an additional tool to predict refractory GERD in young children.

Recent insights on functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rome IV experts have proposed that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be diagnosed only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure, and that reflux hypersensitivity (RH) and functional heartburn (FH) both should be considered functional conditions separate from GERD. Although past and recent evidence support that FH can be completely distinguished from GERD, the concept that RH is not GERD is highly questionable. This review attempts to provide current data on these issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many recent investigations have provided new data on the different pathophysiological features characterizing RH and FH. Major differences have emerged from analyses of impedance-pH monitoring studies using the novel impedance metrics of baseline impedance (an index of mucosal integrity) and the rate of postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic waves (a reflection of the integrity of esophageal chemical clearance).

SUMMARY

The better ability to interpret impedance-pH tracings together with earlier data on the different prevalence of microscopic esophagitis in RH and FH patients, and recent studies documenting poor therapeutic efficacy of pain modulators and good results of antireflux surgery for RH support recategorization of RH within the GERD world. Further research is needed to correctly phenotype patients who have heartburn without mucosal breaks, and to guide their effective management.

[Diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal Reflux by Impedance with esophageal pHmetry in children with chronic dysphonia]

INTRODUCTION

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is the retrograde flow of gastric or duodenal contents into the pharynx and larynx, causing inflammation in the upper aerodigestive tract. Traditionally, a pH monitoring study with an acid reflux index was used. The use of multichannel intraluminal impedance testing with pH monitoring (MII-pH) confirms a causal relationship between suspicious symptoms and LPR.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate LPR diagnosed by MII-pH in the pediatric population consulting due to chronic dysphonia and laryngoscopic findings suggestive of LPR, in addition, to measure the concordance between MII-pH and traditional pH monitoring.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Descriptive, prospective study of patients consulting at the Gastroenterology or Otorhinolaryngology polyclinic due to chronic dysphonia, whose nasofibrolaryngoscopy (NFL) was suggestive of LPR. The patients were hospitalized for a 24-hour MII-pH. Patients with a congenital or acquired morbid history were excluded. Pathological LPR was considered if there were 3 or more acid reflux episodes at the pro ximal level in MII-pH. The frequency of traditional pH monitoring and altered MII-pH and the concordance between both methods were evaluated.

RESULTS

12 patients were recruited, 10 men, 6 to 15 years old. On 9/12, pathological LPR was confirmed by MII-pH, of which 2/9 had traditional pH measurements in normal ranges and 7/9 altered pH measurements. In 3 patients, LPR was ruled out by normal proximal MII-pH. The concordance between MII-pH and traditional pH monitoring was acceptable (kappa 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

75% of the patients with dysphonia and suggestive NFL showed objective evidence of pathological LPR. Since only with the clinical evaluation, NFL and conventional pH monitoring it is not possible to diagnose LPR, we recommend perform MII-pH for greater diag nostic certainty, avoiding unnecessary treatment, and with unwanted effects in 25% of cases.

Plasma dosage of ghrelin, IGF-1, GLP- 1 and leptin related to gastric emptying and esophageal pH-impedance in children with obesity

PURPOSE

The main aim of the study was to assess the relationship between leptin, ghrelin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) blood levels and gastric motility in children with obesity compared to healthy children. Secondary aims were to assess the possible association between these hormones and obesity, reflux impedance parameters, reflux symptoms, other GI disorders, and quality-of-life scores within the same groups.

METHODS

Children with obesity plus GERD symptoms and 2 control groups of children with obesity without GERD and healthy lean children aged 4-17 years underwent an auxological evaluation, an assessment of gastro-intestinal symptoms and quality of life, hormonal dosages, and an evaluation of gastric emptying time (GET) through 13C-octanoic acid breath test.

RESULTS

No significant association was found between hormones and gastric motility. Leptin and ghrelin levels were significantly associated with obesity parameters. No significant differences were found between GET and hormones of the patients with obesity, either with or without GERD.

CONCLUSION

Although we found an association between auxological parameters and both leptin and ghrelin levels, this association did not imply an effect on the upper GI motility. Therefore, our hypothesis that alterations of these hormones in children with obesity could affect gastric emptying, triggering GERD, was not supported by our data.

The mechanisms associated with reflux episodes in ambulant subjects with gastro-esophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms associated with gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) episodes were studied using combined High-resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM) and pH monitoring in ambulant subjects with different patterns of GERD.

METHODS

Sixteen subjects with mild-moderate esophagitis (Los Angeles (LA) grade A&B) (group A) and 11 subjects with severe esophagitis (LA grade C&D) or Barrett's esophagus (BE) were studied before and after a meal, resting, while walking, and during standardized exercise, using a HRIM and a pH probe.

KEY RESULTS

Post-prandial acid GER episodes were more common in group B (median 10 range (3-18) vs A (6.5 (0-18), p = 0.048). Postprandial acid clearance time was much longer in group B (median 0.71( 0.07-2.66 min) vs A (0.17 (0.04-2.44 min), p = 0.02). Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most frequent mechanism associated with GER episodes in both groups. Post-prandial TLESRs with GER were more common in group B (median 17 (9-24) vs A 13.5 (7-34), p = 0.014), particularly during exercise (B 8 (6-9) vs A 6 (5-6.8), p = 0.007). Post-prandially TLESR with acid reflux increased during exercise in both groups (A rest median 2.4 (0-6.4) per hour vs exercise 4.7 (0-17.3), p = 0.005 and B 4 (0.8-9.6) vs 5.3 (2.7-13.3) per hour, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

TLESR was the most common mechanism associated with reflux episodes in all subjects. Acid reflux episodes were more common in subjects with severe esophagitis or BE and esophageal acid clearance was much slower. Post-prandial exercise increased TLESR with acid reflux and GERD patients should be encouraged to avoid exercise immediately after a meal.

Impact of ineffective esophageal motility on secondary peristalsis: Studies with high-resolution manometry

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in secondary peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM) among gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with and without ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), and healthy individuals.

METHODS

Twenty-eight GERD patients and seventeen healthy controls were included. Secondary peristalsis was stimulated by a rapid injection of 20 ml air in mid-esophagus. We compared HRM metrics and the response and effective rate of triggering secondary peristalsis between patients with and without IEM and healthy controls.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients had IEM, and the remaining 12 had normal manometry. By triggering of secondary peristalsis, patients without IEM and healthy controls had significantly higher distal contractile integral (DCI) values than IEM patients (p = 0.006). A successful secondary peristalsis was triggered more frequently in healthy controls than in GERD patients with normal peristalsis or IEM (56.9% vs. 20.2% vs. 9.1%, all p < 0.001). The effective rate which determined as DCI > 450 mm Hg.cm.s was higher in healthy controls compared to patients with normal peristalsis (36.5% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001) and IEM (36.5% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001). Patients with IEM had lower successful triggering response (9.1% vs. 20.2%) and effective secondary peristalsis (6.3% vs. 19.4%) compared with patients without IEM (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our work has demonstrated that GERD patients, in particular those with IEM, have significant defects in the triggering of secondary peristalsis on HRM. HRM helps characterize esophageal secondary peristalsis which exhibits differently in patients with and without IEM.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 1 Year after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Paradigms Lost from a Single Snapshot?

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the findings of both multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (MII-pH) and endoscopy/histopathology in children with esophageal atresia at age 1 year, according to current recommendations for the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in esophageal atresia.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed both MII-pH and endoscopy/histopathology performed in 1-year-old children with esophageal atresia who were followed up in accordance with international recommendations. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were also reviewed to investigate factors associated with abnormal GERD investigations.

RESULTS

In our study cohort of 48 children with esophageal atresia, microscopic esophagitis was found in 33 (69%) and pathological esophageal acid exposure on MII-pH was detected in 12 (25%). Among baseline variables, only the presence of long-gap esophageal atresia was associated with abnormal MII-pH. Distal baseline impedance was significantly lower in patients with microscopic esophagitis, and it showed a very good diagnostic performance in predicting histological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Histological esophagitis is highly prevalent at 1 year after esophageal atresia repair, but our results do not support a definitive causative role of acid-induced GERD. Instead, they support the hypothesis that chronic stasis in the dysmotile esophagus might lead to histological changes. MII-pH may be a helpful tool in selecting patients who need closer endoscopic surveillance and/or benefit from acid suppression.

A SIGE-SINGEM-AIGO technical review on the clinical use of esophageal reflux monitoring

Patients with esophageal symptoms potentially associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or cough represent one of the most frequent reasons for referral to gastroenterological evaluation. The utility of esophageal reflux monitoring in clinical practice is: (1) to accurately define reflux burden, (2) to segregate patients according to reflux monitoring results as true GERD, reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn, and (3) to establish a treatment plan. With this in mind, in the last decade, investigations and technical advances, with the introduction of impedance-pH monitoring and wireless pH capsule, have enhanced our understanding and management of GERD. The following recommendations were discussed and approved after a comprehensive review of the medical literature pertaining to reflux testing techniques and their recent application. This review created under the auspices of the Società Italiana di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva (SIGE), Società Italiana di Neuro-Gastro-Enterologia e Motilità (SINGEM) and Associazione Italiana Gastroenterologi ed Endoscopisti Digestivi Ospedalieri (AIGO) is intended to help clinicians in applying reflux studies in the most fruitful manner within the context of their patients with esophageal symptoms.

Predictors of reflux aspiration and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux

BACKGROUND

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) can present with typical or atypical or laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms. Pulmonary aspiration of gastric refluxate is one of the most serious variants of reflux disease as its complications are difficult to diagnose and treat. The aim of this study was to establish predictors of pulmonary aspiration and LPR symptoms.

METHODS

Records of 361 consecutive patient from a prospectively populated database were analyzed. Patients were categorized by symptom profile as predominantly LPR or GERD (98 GER and 263 LPR). Presenting symptom profile, pH studies, esophageal manometry and scintigraphy and the relationships were analyzed.

RESULTS

Severe esophageal dysmotility was significantly more common in the LPR group (p = 0.037). Severe esophageal dysmotility was strongly associated with isotope aspiration in all patients (p = 0.001). Pulmonary aspiration on scintigraphy was present in 24% of patients. Significant correlation was established between total proximal acid on 24-h pH monitoring and isotope aspiration in both groups (p < 0.01). Rising pharyngeal curves on scintigraphy were the strongest predictors of isotope aspiration (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe esophageal dysmotility correlates with LPR symptoms and reflux aspiration in LPR and GERD. Abnormal proximal acid score on 24-h pH monitoring associated with pulmonary aspiration in reflux patients. Pharyngeal contamination on scintigraphy was the strongest predictor of pulmonary aspiration.

Relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease based on synchronous esophageal and oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring

PURPOSE

To use the synchronous esophageal and oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring analysis to investigate the relationship between LPRD and GERD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Synchronous esophageal and oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring, electronic gastroscopy, reflux symptom index (RSI) and gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire (Gerd-Q) were collected from 514 consecutive patients and comparative analysis was done.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients had positive Ryan score and 251 cases had positive DeMeester or acid exposure time percent (AET) ≥4.2%. Moreover, 61.2% (52/85) of all LPRD cases were pure LPRD without GERD. There was no statistical difference in the acid exposure to oropharynx between pure LPRD group and LPRD+GERD group (U test, P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistical differences in the other esophageal reflux data between pure GERD without LPRD group and LPRD+GERD group (U test, P > 0.05) apart from the number of episodes, which was higher in the pure GERD group than in LPRD+GERD group (U test, P = 0.027). Additionally, 149 patients were diagnosed with reflux esophagitis by electronic gastroscopy. No significant difference in the acid exposure to oropharynx was seen between different grades of reflux esophagitis (U test, P > 0.05). Among the LPRD patients, 32 cases (37.6%) were negative for Gerd-Q, Dx-pH esophageal probe and gastroscopy.

CONCLUSION

The results of synchronous esophageal and oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring demonstrated that LPRD and GERD could co-exist as separate medical conditions. Our data suggest that some LPRD are not accompanied by GERD, and that LPRD is not secondary to severe GERD.

Personalized Approach in the Work-up and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) present with heterogeneous symptoms, response to treatment, and physiologic profiles, requiring distinct and personalized management. This article provides a stepwise framework to phenotype GERD beginning with (1) characterization of symptom profile and response to acid suppression; (2) endoscopic evaluation of mucosal and anatomic integrity; (3) ambulatory reflux monitoring to characterize reflux burden and sensitivity; and (4) esophageal physiologic testing to assess gastroesophageal reflux mechanism and effectors of reflux clearance, and evaluate for alternate causes.

Endoscopic measurement of gastric pH associates with persistent acid reflux in patients treated with proton-pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment, however, up to 30% of patients have a poor symptomatic response. PH-impedance is the gold standard to assess whether this is due to persistent acid reflux. We aimed to characterize clinical predictors of persistent esophageal acid reflux on PPIs including gastric pH measured during endoscopy.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients with GERD and/or Barrett's esophagus (BE) on PPIs. All patients completed a symptom questionnaire (RDQ) and underwent gastroscopy with gastric pH analysis, immediately followed by ambulatory 24-hour pH-impedance. We used a modified cut-off of 1.3% for pathological esophageal acid exposure time (AET). Multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the correlation between AET and predictive variables.

Results

We recruited 122 patients, of which 92 (75.4%) were included in the final analysis [44 male (47.8%), median age 53 years (IQR: 43-66)]. Forty-four patients (47.8%) had persistent acid reflux with a median total AET of 2.2 (IQR1.2-5.0), as compared to 0.1 (IQR 0.0-0.2) in patients without persistent reflux (n=48; P<.001). There was no difference in age, gender, BMI, PPI-regimen, diagnosis of hiatus hernia or BE, and severity of symptoms between patients with normal and abnormal AET. Median gastric pH was significantly lower in patients with abnormal AET (5.8 vs 6.6, P=0.032) and it correlated with the total AET (P=.045; R2=12.0%). With a pH cut-off of 5.05, single point endoscopic gastric pH analysis had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 63.0% (95%CI 51.3-74.7) for prediction of pathological esophageal AET.

Conclusions

Symptoms and clinical characteristics are not useful to predict persistent acid reflux in patients on PPIs. One-point gastric pH correlates with 24-hour esophageal AET and could guide clinicians to assess response to PPIs, however, its utility needs validation in larger studies.

Pepsin and oropharyngeal pH monitoring to diagnose patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of salivary pepsin with oropharyngeal pH monitoring using the Restech measurement system (Dx‐pH) for the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Seventy patients with primary symptoms related to LPR underwent gastroscopy, high‐resolution manometry, pH throughout 24‐hour monitoring (MII‐pH), and barium esophagography between October 2015 and May 2018. In addition, an ear, nose, and throat examination was performed, including assessment of Belafsky Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Belafsky Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Simultaneous to MII‐pH, pepsin determination and Dx‐pH were performed.

Results

Of 70 patients, 41 (58.6%) subjects with a pathological DeMeester score showed higher mean values of pepsin (mean value: 216 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 172 to 260), compared to patients with a normal DeMeester score (mean value: 161 ng/mL, 95% CI: 115 to 207). Salivary pepsin showed a specificity of 86.2% and sensitivity of 41.5% for diagnosing LPR using the optimal cutoff value of 216 ng/mL. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the values of salivary pepsin and the RSI score was seen in patients with pathological results in MII‐pH (r = 0.344; P = 0.046).

However, elevated Dx‐pH measurements showed no significant correlation with either MII‐pH, RSI score, RFS score, or GIQLI score, or with the results of pepsin measurement.

Conclusion

Pepsin measurement in saliva could be an alternative tool to assist office‐based diagnosis of LPR, whereas Dx‐pH does not seem to be an adequate test.

Level of Evidence

2B Laryngoscope, 130:1780–1786, 2020

Peroral endoscopic cardial constriction in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a major digestive health problem with a high and increasing incidence worldwide. Peroral endoscopic cardial constriction (PECC) was developed by our group to provide a less invasive treatment for GERD.In this preliminary follow-up study, 16 patients were enrolled and 13 patients with GERD were targeted for analysis according to the Los Angeles classification of reflux esophagitis. The GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) scale and esophageal pH monitoring were applied to assess clinical efficiency at 3 and 6 months after PECC treatment, respectively.All GERD patients successively received PECC, and no severe treatment-related complication was reported. Before PECC treatment, the GERD-HRQL scale was 19.92 ± 7.89. At 3 and 6 months after treatment, the GERD-HRQL scale was 4.46 ± 4.31 and 5.69 ± 5.07, respectively. DeMeester score was 125.50 ± 89.64 before PECC treatment, and 16.97 ± 12.76 and 20.32 ± 15.22 at 3 and 6 months after PECC treatment. Furthermore, the fraction time of a pH below 4 significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months after PECC treatment. Fraction time at pH <4 was 35.55 ± 26.20 before PECC treatment and 7.96 ± 13.03 and 4.72 ± 3.78 at 3 and 6 months after PECC treatment, respectively. These results suggest that PECC treatment could significantly reduce the GERD-HRQL scale and DeMeester score (P < .01).PECC is a feasible, safe, and effective method to treatment GERD through narrowing the diameter of the cardia and preventing the reflux of stomach contents.

24-h Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance PH-metry 1 Year After Laparocopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: an Objective Assessment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTION

It is not yet clear if laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) causes newly onset gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or worsens already existing GERD. This is due to the absence of prospective studies using objective assessment measures of GERD such as pH monitoring. Our study aims at assessing GERD 1-year post-LSG procedure for obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve asymptomatic obese patients were studied prospectively by using 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pHmetry (MIIpH) pre- and 12 months post-LSG.

RESULTS

Of patients' 1-year post-LSG, 83.33 % of patients' suffer from GERD (either newly onset or worsening of already existing) as indicated by abnormal DeMeester score. Mean DeMeester score 1-year post LSG was 47, almost 2.5 times higher than the preoperative score (p = 0.072). The percentage of total time with pH lower than four was statistically significant higher postoperatively (13.27 % vs 3.87 %, p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

This study is one of the few assessing GERD post-LSG by using 24-h MIIpH. The majority of patients suffer from GERD 12 months postoperatively, implying that close postoperative monitor for GERD with the use of pH testing and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in order to early diagnose GERD and identify possible mucosal injury and also a prophylactic proton pump inhibitor use may be of great importance.

High Resolution Manometry and pH step-up method on the localisation of the lower esophageal sphincter

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Long-term wireless pH monitoring of the distal esophagus: prolonging the test beyond 48 hours is unnecessary and may be misleading

Wireless pH monitoring of the esophagus has been widely used to detect GERD for more than a decade. It is generally well tolerated and accepted by patients, but it is still unclear whether prolonging a recording beyond the usual 48 hours can improve the test's diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic yield of 96-hour pH monitoring vis-à-vis 24- and 48-hour tests, and to ascertain whether any gain in diagnostic terms was of genuine clinical utility. Patients with suspected GERD underwent 4-day PPI-off wireless pH monitoring of the distal esophagus. The capsule was inserted under endoscopic control, 6 cm above the squamocolumnar junction. Average acid exposure time was calculated after 24, 48, and 96 hours of recording. Ninety-nine patients completed the 96 hour test, and formed the study sample. The wireless test method was used in 42 patients (42.4%) unable to tolerate the traditional pH-monitoring catheter, and in 57 (57.6%) with a previous negative pH study despite symptoms suggestive of GERD. On complete analysis, 47 patients (47.5%) had a pathological test result: 19 patients within the first 24 hours (19.2%, 24 hour group); another 16 after 48 hours (+16.2%, 48 hour group), and a further 12 (+12.1%, 96 hour group) only after 96 hours of monitoring. All 47 patients with an abnormal acid exposure were offered and accepted surgery (10 patients) or medical therapy (37 patients). Clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients with a positive Bravo test result after a median 67 months (IQR: 38-98) using a validated symptom questionnaire. A good outcome after fundoplication or medical therapy was achieved in 73.7% of patients in the 24 hour group, in 62.5% of those in the 48 hour group, and in only 25% of those in the 96 hour group, P = 0.02. Long-term wireless pH monitoring enables an increase in the diagnostic yield over traditional 24- and 48-hour pH studies, but prolonging the test may constitute an unwanted bias and prompt the recruitment of more complex patients, in whom the outcome of surgical or medical therapy may prove less than satisfactory. These findings should be taken into account when establishing the guidelines for assessing GERD with such long-term pH monitoring methods.

The Prevalence of Rome IV Nonerosive Esophageal Phenotypes in Children

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence of Rome IV nonerosive esophageal phenotypes in children using multichannel intraluminal impedance testing and to describe the rates of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responsiveness and the frequency of microscopic esophagitis in these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective review of all children ≥5 years of age who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and multichannel intraluminal impedance testing off PPI therapy for evaluation of typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Only children with symptoms during the multichannel intraluminal impedance testing were included. Children were categorized into the following nonerosive esophageal phenotypes using Rome IV criteria: nonerosive reflux disease, reflux hypersensitivity, and functional heartburn. Rates of esophagitis and responsiveness to acid suppression therapy were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-five children were included: 27% were categorized as having nonerosive reflux disease, 29% with reflux hypersensitivity (27% acid and 2% nonacid), and 44% with functional heartburn. Older children reported significantly more heartburn (P < .001) than younger children, whereas younger children were more likely to report nonspecific pain (P = .047). There were no differences between groups in other reflux symptoms, rates of responsiveness to PPIs, or the presence of microscopic esophagitis on biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional heartburn is the most common Rome IV nonerosive esophageal phenotype in children. Neither microscopic esophagitis nor PPI responsiveness can predict phenotype in pediatric patients.

Rethinking the laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment algorithm: Evaluating an alternate empiric dosing regimen and considering up-front, pH-impedance, and manometry testing to minimize cost in treating suspect laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trials for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are common. A majority of the patients respond to acid suppression. This work intends to evaluate once-daily, 40 mg omeprazole and once-nightly, 300 mg ranitidine (QD/QHS) dosing as an alternative regimen, and use this study's cohort to evaluate empiric regimens prescribed for LPR as compared to up-front testing with pH impedance multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) with dual pH probes and high-resolution manometry (HRM) for potential cost minimization.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort review and cost minimization study.

METHODS

A chart review identified patients diagnosed with LPR. All subjects were treated sequentially and outcomes recorded. Initial QD/QHS dosing increased after 3 months to BID if no improvement and ultimately prescribed MII and HRM if they failed BID dosing. Decision tree diagrams were constructed to determine costs of two empiric regimens and up-front MII and HRM.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven subjects met the criteria. Responders and nonresponders to empiric therapy were identified. Seventy-two subjects (74%) responded. Forty-eight (67% of responders and 49% of all) improved with QD/QHS dosing. Forty-nine (51%) subjects escalated to BID dosing. Twenty-four subjects (33% of responders and 25% of all) improved on BID therapy. Twenty-five subjects (26%) did not respond to acid suppression. Average weighted cost was $1,897.00 per patient for up-front testing, $3,033.00 for initial BID, and $3,366.00 for initial QD/QHS.

CONCLUSIONS

An alternate QD/QHS regimen improved the majority who presented with presumed LPR. Cost estimates demonstrate that the QD/QHS regimen was more expensive than the initial BID high-dose PPI for 6 months. Overall per-patient cost appears less with up-front MII and HRM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 127:S1-S13, 2017.

Diet affects reflux in a rural African community

Reflux in this region of South Africa is known to be more frequent and less acidic than in other countries. We investigated the relationship between reflux and diet. We recruited 57 healthy participants. We carried out ambulant oesophageal pH-impedance monitoring for 24 hours. We used software and visual review to analyse data and to identify episodes of reflux and rapid alkaline rises in the stomach. A usual pattern diet questionnaire provided data on frequency of consumption of common foods. Associations between reflux, gastric pH and dietary components were sought using analysis of variance, and regression analyses. Diet was strongly based on maize. Protein was principally from milk, eggs, chicken and beans. Fat was principally from cooking oil. Fruit and vegetables were consumed moderately frequently. Milk consumption was associated with an increase in total reflux (P = .022), weakly acid reflux (P = 0.015) and supine reflux (P = 0.001), and a decrease in the time that gastric pH was higher than 4 (P = 0.030). Fat was associated with an increase in acid reflux (P = 0.046) and a decrease in time that gastric pH was higher than 4 (P = 0.005). Fruit consumption was associated with increases in liquid-only refluxes(P = 0.007), and upright refluxes (P = 0.048). Maize meal was associated with a reduction in rapid alkaline rises in the gastric lumen (P = 0.015). Diet significantly affects reflux in this community. What is normal in apparently healthy people in various parts of the world differs significantly.

Symptoms, endoscopic findings and reflux monitoring results in candidates for bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in patients with obesity. Diagnosing GERD is important as bariatric operations have different influence on GERD. We assessed reflux symptoms and objective findings prior to surgery.

METHODS

Work-up included esophageal symptoms quantification by VAS-scores, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and 24-h impedance-pH (imp-pH) monitoring off PPI therapy. Imp-pH was classified as abnormal if either %time pH<4 was abnormal, total number of reflux episodes was elevated or symptom index (SI) was positive.

RESULTS

Among 100 consecutive patients (68F, age 40±11years, BMI 44.9±6.9kg/m²) 54% reported heartburn and/or regurgitation, 71% had objective evidence of GERD (38% endoscopic lesions and 33% only abnormal imp-pH results). Imp-pH was superior to EGD in identifying GERD (sensitivity 85% vs. 54%, p<0.01). Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients had similar prevalence of esophageal lesions (37% vs. 39%) and abnormal imp-pH findings (68% vs. 50%). Sixty nine percent of patients with abnormal %time pH<4 had a normal number of reflux episodes.

CONCLUSION

Half of patients with obesity reported typical GERD symptoms and >70% had evidence of GERD. Poor acid clearance was the main mechanisms. Since typical reflux symptoms don't predict objective findings, endoscopy and reflux monitoring should be part of the surgery work-up especially before restrictive procedures.

An analysis of 342 patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms using questionnaires, high-resolution manometry, and impedance-pH monitoring

Symptoms of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the data obtained from questionnaires, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring in patients with persisting GERD symptoms and to explore the possible underlying causes for this clinical presentation. After completing the questionnaires, the selected patients underwent endoscopy, HRM, and ambulatory impedance-pH monitoring. Based on the results of these investigations, we divided the patients into 4 groups: reflux esophagitis (RE), hypersensitive esophagus (HE), functional heartburn (FH), and nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD). The data from 342 patients were analyzed. One hundred twenty-nine (37.72%) patients experienced refractory GERD symptoms related to acid reflux. The scores on some scales in the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire differed significantly among groups (all P < 0.05). Liquid reflux occurred more frequently in patients with GERD (RE and NERD), while gas reflux was more common in non-GERD patients (FH and HE; all P < 0.05). The RE and NERD groups showed more percent bolus exposure time (BET) when upright (all P < 0.05). Acid exposure time (AET) in the RE and NERD groups was longer than that in the HE and FH groups (all P < 0.05). Fewer than half of the patient symptoms were related to acid reflux. The GSRS questionnaire may be an optimal indicator for patients with refractory GERD symptoms. BET and AET are useful indices to distinguish GERD from other diseases. Gas reflux is probably related to persisting symptoms in FH and HE patients.

Comparison of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and reflux scintigraphy in pediatric patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux

AIM

To evaluate the agreement of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pHM) and gastroesophageal reflux scintigraphy (GES) for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) underwent 24-h combined MII-pHM recording and one hour radionuclide scintigraphy during the course of the MII-pHM study. Catheters with 6 impedance channels and 1 pH sensor were placed transnasally. Impedance and pH data analysis were performed automatically and manually. For impedance monitoring, reflux was defined as a retrograde 50% drop in impedance, starting distally and propagating retrogradely to at least the next two more proximal measuring channels. Reflux index (RI, percentage of the entire record that esophageal pH is < 4.0) greater than 4.2% for pHM and number of refluxes more than 50 for 24 h for MII were accepted as positive test results. At scintigraphy, 240 frames of 15 seconds duration were acquired in the supine position. Gastroesophageal reflux was defined as at least one reflux episode in the esophagus. After scintigraphic evaluation, impedance-pH recordings and scintigraphic images were evaluated together and agreement between tests were evaluated with Cohen’s kappa.

RESULTS

Sufficient data was obtained from 60 (80%) patients (34 male, 56.7%) with a mean age of 8.7 ± 3.7 years (range: 2.5-17.3 years; median: 8.5 years). Chronic cough, nausea, regurgitation and vomiting were the most frequent symptoms. The mean time for recording of MII-pHM was 22.8 ± 2.4 h (range: 16-30 h; median: 22.7 h). At least one test was positive in 57 (95%) patients. According to diagnostic criteria, GERD was diagnosed in 34 (57.7%), 44 (73.3%), 47 (78.3%) and 51 (85%) patients by means of pHM, MII, GES and MII-pHM, respectively. The observed percentage agreements/κ values for GES and pHM, GES and MII, GES and MII-pHM, and MII and pHM are 48.3%/-0.118; 61.7%/-0.042; 73.3%/0.116 and 60%/0.147, respectively. There was no or slight agreement between GES and pHM alone, MII alone or MII-pHM. pH monitoring alone missed 17 patients compared to combined MII-pHM. The addition of MII to pH monitoring increased the diagnosis rate by 50%.

CONCLUSION

No or slight agreement was found among pH monitoring, MII monitoring, MII-pH monitoring and GES for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Oropharyngeal Reflux Monitoring and Atypical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing since the 1990 s, with up to 27.8 % of people in North America affected by this disorder. The healthcare burden of patients who primarily have extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD (atypical GERD) is estimated to be 5 times that of patients with primarily heartburn and regurgitation due to lack of a gold standard diagnostic test, poor responsiveness to PPI therapy, and delay in recognition. Empiric twice daily PPI therapy for 1-2 months is currently considered the best diagnostic test, but due to poor responsiveness to PPIs in patients with atypical GERD in multiple randomized controlled trials, newer modes of diagnostic procedures such as oropharyngeal pH monitoring have gained significantly more traction. The utility of oropharyngeal pH monitoring systems such as Restech Dx-pH is currently limited due to lack of consensus on normal and abnormal cutoff values. Recent studies suggest its utility as a prognostic tool and its ability to predict responsiveness to medical and surgical therapy. However, routine use of oropharyngeal pH monitoring is still not widespread due to the lack of well-controlled prospective studies.

Distal mean nocturnal baseline impedance on pH-impedance monitoring predicts reflux burden and symptomatic outcome in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI), a novel pH-impedance metric, may be a surrogate marker of reflux burden.

AIM

To assess the predictive value of MNBI on symptomatic outcomes after anti-reflux therapy.

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort study, pH-impedance studies performed over a 5-year period were reviewed. Baseline impedance was extracted from six channels at three stable nocturnal 10-min time periods, and averaged to yield MNBI. Distal and proximal oesophageal MNBI values were calculated by averaging MNBI values at 3, 5, 7 and 9 cm, and 15 and 17 cm respectively. Symptomatic outcomes were measured as changes in global symptom severity (GSS, rated on 100-mm visual analogue scales) on prospective follow-up after medical or surgical anti-reflux therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed the predictive value of MNBI on symptomatic outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 266 patients, 135 (50.8%) were tested off proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and formed the study cohort (52.1 ± 1.1 years, 63.7% F). The 59 with elevated acid exposure time (AET) had lower composite and distal MNBI values than those with physiological AET (P < 0.0001), but similar proximal MNBI (P = 0.62). Linear AET negatively correlated with distal MNBI, both individually and collectively (Pearson's r = -0.5, P < 0.001), but not proximal MNBI (Pearson's r = 0, P = 0.72). After prospective follow-up (94 patients were followed up for 3.1 ± 0.2 years), univariate and multivariate regression models showed that distal MNBI, but not proximal MNBI, was independently predictive of linear GSS improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Distal oesophageal MNBI negatively correlates with AET and, when assessed off PPI therapy, is independently predictive of symptomatic improvement following anti-reflux therapy.

High-resolution oesophageal manometry and 24-hour impedance-pH study in systemic sclerosis patients: association with clinical features, symptoms and severity

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the associations between objectively measured gastroesophageal involvement using high-resolution manometry and 24- hour impedance-pH study, and clinical presentations in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) with 31 consecutive SSc patients recruited into this study. Clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal involvement, high-resolution impedance-manometry and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring were assessed. Their associations with serological features and other organ involvement were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-five (80.6%) patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms, mainly heartburn (45.1%), regurgitation (32.2%) and dysphagia (29%). Using manometry, oesophageal dysmotility was detected in 24 (88.9%) patients, while hypotensive lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) was observed in 17 (63%) patients. 21 (84%) patients had GORD based on pH study. Hypotensive LOS was significantly associated with presence of digital ulcers. The main gastroesophageal symptoms were absent in majority of the SSc patients including in those with severe gastroesophageal manifestations demonstrating failed peristalsis >75%, hypotensive LOS, Demeester score >200 and acid reflux >200 per day. Demeester score >200 is associated with severity of GORD symptoms. Demeester score >200 was also associated with restrictive lung pattern (p=0.001). Significant association between GORD severity (daily number of acid reflux episodes >200) and pulmonary fibrosis was seen (p=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence and severity of gastroesophageal symptoms may not accurately reflect the seriousness of oesophageal involvement. GORD severity is associated with presence of restrictive lung pattern and pulmonary fibrosis. Oesophageal manometry and 24-hour pH study should be considered more frequently in the assessment of SSc patients.

How to Approach Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: An Otolaryngology Perspective

In the otolaryngology practice, there is a rising concern with the current diagnosis and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The implication of LPR in many common head and neck symptoms, along with the rising cost of empiric therapy and no overall improvement in patient symptoms, has established a need to review what are indeed laryngopharyngeal complaints secondary to reflux and what are not. This article reviews the otolaryngologist's approach to LPR, the various ways diagnosis is made, and the guidelines that inform the current trends in otolaryngology management of LPR. The goal of this article is to recognize that reflux can be the cause of a variety of laryngopharyngeal complaints seen within an otolaryngology practice, but when empiric therapy does not improve symptoms, consideration should be given to other non-reflux causes.

Does gastroesophageal reflux increase chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations?

BACKGROUND

The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been investigated less than asthma-GER. We aimed to evaluate the presence of GER in patients with COPD and its impact on exacerbations.

METHODS

We included 24 patients with stable mild-moderate stage COPD and 19 volunteers as the control group. We conducted a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom questionnaire, gastroscopy, manometry, and an ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance study.

RESULTS

According to the GERD questionnaire, only 5 (20.8%) patients with COPD had typical GER symptoms. According to the 24-h pH-impedance study, the mean DeMeester score (DMS) was 38.1 ± 34.6 in the COPD group and 13.3 ± 16.8 in the control group (p = 0.01). The acid reflux (DMS > 14.7) rate was higher in patients with COPD than in controls (73.9% vs 26.3%, p = 0.01). The symptom association probability positivity rate was 17.4% (n = 4) in the COPD group, which was similar to the controls (p = 0.11). The mean proximal extension rate of reflux (Z 17 cm) was 26.4 ± 12.9% in the COPD group. The proximal extent of reflux was positively correlated with the number of COPD exacerbations per year (p = 0.03, r = 0.448). In the motility results, only 2 (20%) patients in the control group had a minor motility disorder. Seventeen (70.8%) patients in the COPD group had a minor motility disorder, and 4 (16.7%) had major motility disorders (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our study, gastroesophageal reflux was frequent in patients with COPD, but only a quarter had typical reflux symptoms. The proximal extent of reflux may trigger frequent exacerbations of COPD.

[METHODOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE pH-METRY IN PATIENTS WITH A COMBINATION OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND BRONCHIAL ASTHMA]

Conducting daily pH monitoring in patients with asthma has a number of features. Due to the fact that the introduction of the pH probe in such patients may provoke an asthma attack, necessary pre-treatment of the patients to the study. It is necessary to perform the procedure for achieving remission of asthma medication. Utility of the modified pH measuring techniques (prolonged, 48-hour) is the need to identify pathological gastroesophageal reflux in patients with asthma and evaluate the effectiveness of antisecretory drugs, allowing for improved asthma, increasing the period of remission, and to improve the quality of life of patients.

[Pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a prevalent, yet incompletely understood, ENT disorder accounting for 8 to 10% of patients consulting ENT. This clinical entity, increasingly considered as different from gastroesophageal reflux disease, may greatly affect the quality of life of patients through vocal and digestive symptoms. Debate persists concerning pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The aim of this review is to study the current literature about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and the outcomes in the follow-up.