Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have previously been shown to be of importance in patients with asthma. Limited data, however, exist on the prevalence of GERD in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and information about the occurrence of the total burden of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in these patients is lacking. METHODS: A total of 113 patients with COPD completed four self-administered questionnaires: the Gastrointestinal Symptom-Rating Scale (GSRS), ROME II modular questionnaires (criteria for irritable bowel syndrome), the Psychological General Well-Being index (PGWB), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Eighty-two patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and 2000 healthy individuals from the general Swedish population served as controls. RESULTS: The total GSRS score in patients with COPD was 2.12 (1.92-2.28) which was significantly higher than the score from the general population of 1.96 (1.81-2.12). No significant difference between COPD and CRF patients was, however, observed, in any of the GSRS dimensions. Patients in the COPD group had lower total PGWB scores compared both with CRF patients 90 (78-104) vs. 98 (83-113) (P<0.05) and with the general population 103 (102-104) (P<0.001). A negative correlation between the GSRS and PGWB scores (r=-0.49; P<0.001) was observed in patients with COPD. Sixteen (14%) of the patients with COPD fulfilled the Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GI symptoms is higher in patients with COPD than in healthy individuals, but not higher than in CRF patients. The GI symptoms are associated with impairments in psychological well-being, and they require diagnostic workups to explore different treatment options in these patients.     

High prevalence of proximal and distal gastroesophageal reflux disease in advanced COPD

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in a variety of chronic respiratory diseases, but little is known about GERD in the setting of COPD. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, presentation, and predictors of GERD based on proximal and distal esophageal pH monitoring in patients with severe COPD. METHODS: Forty-one COPD patients with a mean FEV1 of 24% of predicted underwent dual-probe 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, and 1 patient underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD was 57%. Elevated distal and proximal reflux were present in 41% and 46% of patients undergoing esophageal pH studies, respectively. Fifteen percent of these patients had abnormal proximal reflux despite having normal distal probe results. Most patients with GERD were not receiving acid blockers at the time of their referral, and only one third reported heartburn and/or acid regurgitation during the pH study. Only higher body mass index was predictive of reflux on regression analysis (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.5; p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: GERD is common in advanced COPD. Patients are often asymptomatic and have a relatively high prevalence of isolated abnormal proximal reflux. Dual-probe monitoring is therefore well suited for detecting GERD in patients with advanced COPD.     

Increased gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with severe COPD.

The prevalence and clinical consequences of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not well characterised. The present study prospectively studied 42 males with COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second % predicted: 35%, range 20-49) and 16 healthy volunteers of similar age without respiratory or gastro-oesophageal symptoms. The diagnosis of GERD was confirmed using oesophageal 24 h pH monitoring. In the current study group, reflux symptoms were measured using the Vigneri score, cough and dyspnoea with the modified Medical Research Council questionnaire, and pulmonary function with bronchodilator response and health status using St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Pathological reflux was documented in 26 out of 42 patients (62%) and in three volunteers (19%). In patients with GERD, 15 patients (58%) did not report any reflux symptoms. There were no differences in symptoms, health status, bronchodilator treatment and pulmonary function test between patients with and without GERD. Oxygen desaturation coincided with episodes of increased oesophageal acidity in 40% of patients with GERD. Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a high prevalence of asymptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux. The association between this reflux and oxygen desaturation deserves further attention.     

Association of gastroesophageal reflux disease risk with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be a potential risk factor for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to explore the association of GERD risk with exacerbations of COPD. Patients with COPD were consecutively recruited, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire (RDQ) were administered. If the CAT score was 5 points higher than that taken in the stable states, the patient was considered as having exacerbations of COPD. A RDQ score of ≥12 is defined high GERD risk. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between high GERD risk and exacerbations of COPD. Among 386 patients with COPD, the mean CAT score was 18.3 ± 6.6, and 76 (19.7%) patients had exacerbations during the 1‐year follow‐up. The mean RDQ score was 10.1 ± 4.7, and 132 (34.2%) patients were identified as having high GERD risk. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the high GERD risk (odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–3.87) was an independent risk factor of COPD exacerbations. In conclusion, high GERD risk appears to be associated with higher odds for COPD exacerbations.     

胃食管反流病对哮喘患者肺功能影响的研究

目的探讨胃食管反流病对哮喘患者肺功能的影响。 方法收集2015年5月至2017年8月新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院收治并确诊哮喘226例患者的临床资料,根据是否合并有胃食管反流病(GERD)患者分为GERD组102例和非GERD组124例,比较2组患者FEV1占预计值%、FVC占预计值%及FEV1 /FVC%等肺功能指标。 结果GERD发生率45.1%(102/226),GERD组患者FEV1占预计值%、FVC占预计值%及FEV1/FVC%,明显低于非GERD组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。 结论哮喘与GERD密切相关,GERD对哮喘患者肺功能影响大,GERD与哮喘是因果还是伴随关系仍需进一步研究。     

Clinical implications of gastroesophageal reflux disease and swallowing dysfunction in COPD

The intimate anatomical and physiologic relationship between the upper airway and esophagus consists of complex interactions between various muscles and nerves with both voluntary and involuntary patterns of control. Alterations in this harmonic relationship can lead to swallowing abnormalities ranging from dysphagia to gross aspiration, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic cough. There is a paucity of data regarding pathologic alterations in the upper airway-esophageal relationship in patients with COPD. The association between GERD and respiratory symptoms is well recognized in the setting of asthma; however, the nature of this relationship remains controversial. The association of GERD and COPD is even less clear. A review of the limited data on GERD and swallowing abnormalities in patients with COPD indicate that prevalence of GERD and esophageal disorders in patients with COPD is higher than in the normal population. However, its contribution to respiratory symptoms, bronchodilator use and pulmonary function in patients with COPD remains unknown. Although dysphagia and swallowing dysfunction on videofluoroscopic swallow evaluation are common in patients with COPD, their role as exacerbators of COPD remains to be elucidated. Further clinical research is necessary to evaluate the role of GERD and swallowing dysfunction in both stable and acute exacerbation of COPD.     

Prevalence of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease in the urban Brazilian population

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological aspects of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease have been object of growing interest in the last decade because of its increasing prevalence and the complications of the disease. AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as their main characteristics in the Brazilian urban population. METHODS: A national inquire enrolling 13,959 adults was conducted in 22 Brazilian cities. The inclusion criteria were the presence of heartburn at least once a week ("heartburn group") and age greater than 16 years old. Individuals with heartburn with frequency of more than once a week were considered as having gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD group). Factors related to the complaint were asked such as predisposing factors, habits (tobacco, alcohol and coffee intake) and body mass index. In this populational study a probabilistic model was used. RESULTS: The results are presented in absolute and relative frequency, which were ponderated estimates of the respective population figures. The global prevalence of heartburn was 11.9% (1,651 persons). Heartburn once a week was present in 4.6% (637 persons) and GERD in 7.3% (1,014 persons). The average ages of both groups were similar (men: 36.9 +/- 15.0; women: 39.6 +/- 15.1 yrs). Females were more affected in both groups. The occurrence of GERD increased with age and was more prevalent after 55 years old. The body mass index was in the normal range and similar in both groups (men: 24.7 +/- 4.6; women: 25.3 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2)). In both groups the individuals related their symptoms to food intake, fatty and spicy foods (heartburn group: 64.7%, 28.5%, 17.7%; GERD group: 55.0%, 25.9%, 11.7% respectively). In GERD group, stress (24.2%), health problems (22.3%) were more related to the symptoms than in heartburn group (20.0% and 15.0% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The global prevalence of heartburn (11.9%) is relatively high in the Brazilian urban population, although lower than the reported figure to other countries. Heartburn and GERD have higher prevalence in women and both are related to food intake, fatty and spicy foods; GERD is more prevalent in individuals older than 35 years old.     

The effect of omeprazole on asthmatic adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in patients with asthma and the effect of proton pump inhibitor therapy on asthma outcome has shown variable results. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of omeprazole in the treatment of asthma and improvement of pulmonary function in adolescents with GERD. Thirty-six consecutive patients (range, 13-20 years old) with moderate persistent asthma and GERD were recruited on regular follow-up in Mashhad City. The case group included 18 patients who received oral omeprazole (20 mg twice a day for 6 weeks) and the control group included 18 patients who received placebo. A pulmonary function test was examined in two groups immediately before and 6 weeks after medication. The symptoms of GERD were significantly improved with omeprazole in the case group. After 6 weeks of study, the mean values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and peak expiratory flow rate were higher in patients treated with omeprazole (p<0.0001). Treatment by omeprazole is effective for treatment of asthmatic patients with GERD.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并外周血管疾病危险因素分析

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病(简称慢阻肺)患者合并外周血管疾病的危险因素。方法回顾性分析2013年5月至2018年5月兰州大学第一医院慢阻肺并接受外周血管检查的805例患者资料,根据检查部位及结果分组。比较患者临床资料,对差异具有统计学意义的因素行多因素Logistic回归分析危险因素。结果 (1)慢阻肺行颈动脉超声检查患者231例,其中80.95%合并颈动脉粥样硬化(CAS),慢阻肺CAS组合并高血压以及年龄、白细胞计数、中性粒细胞比例、纤维蛋白原(FIB)高于慢阻肺无CAS组,总胆固醇及高密度脂蛋白低于慢阻肺无CAS组。Logistic回归分析示合并高血压及高龄、高白细胞是慢阻肺患者合并CAS的危险因素。(2)慢阻肺行下肢动脉超声检查患者86例,其中72.09%合并下肢动脉疾病(PAD),慢阻肺PAD组合并高血压、高脂血症以及年龄高于慢阻肺无PAD组。Logistic回归分析示合并高脂血症是慢阻肺患者合并PAD的危险因素。(3)慢阻肺行下肢静脉超声检查患者419例,其中11.93%合并下肢深静脉血栓(DVT),慢阻肺DVT组白细胞计数、中性粒细胞比例、D-二聚体高于慢阻肺无DVT组。Logistic回归分析示高中性粒细胞比例是慢阻肺患者合并DVT的危险因素。(4)慢阻肺行计算机断层肺动脉造影(CTPA)检查患者69例,其中34.78%合并肺栓塞(PE),慢阻肺PE组合并DVT比例以及D-二聚体水平高于慢阻肺无PE组。Logistic回归分析示合并DVT是慢阻肺患者合并PE的危险因素。结论慢阻肺患者外周血管疾病高发,合并高血压、高脂血症、高龄、高白细胞、高中性粒细胞比例是慢阻肺患者合并外周血管疾病的危险因素。     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the relationship between respiratory disorders and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing. However, the association between GERD and pulmonary disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has not been studied in detail. We investigated the prevalence of GERD in patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form of NTM lung disease. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form of NTM lung disease underwent ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Of the 58 patients, 27 patients were identified as having Mycobacterium avium complex infection (15 with Mycobacterium intracellulare and 12 with M avium), and 31 patients had Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD in patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form of NTM lung disease was 26% (15 of 58 patients). Only 27% (4 of 15 patients) had typical GERD symptoms. No statistically significant differences were found between patients with GERD and those without GERD with regard to age, sex, body mass index, or pulmonary function test results. However, patients with GERD were more likely to have a sputum smear that was positive for acid-fast bacilli (12 of 15 patients, 80%), compared with patients without GERD (19 of 43 patients, 44%) [p = 0.033]. In addition, bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis were observed in more lobes in patients with GERD than in patients without GERD (p = 0.008 and p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the nodular bronchiectatic form of NTM lung disease have a high prevalence of increased esophageal acid exposure, usually without typical GERD symptoms.     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病合并慢性肾脏病危险因素分析

目的探讨住院COPD患者合并慢性肾脏病的患病率及危险因素。方法对2012年1月至2013年11月住院确诊的COPD患者进行慢性肾脏病的患病率及危险因素回顾性凋查。结果在资料完整的948例COPD患者人群中,慢性肾脏病总的患病率约为24．5％,COPD合并慢性肾脏病组PaCO2、吸烟指数、血尿酸水平、糖尿病及高血压病患病率较无合并慢性肾脏病组高,而PaO2、体质量指数较无合并慢性肾脏病组低,差异有统计学意义。COPD患者合并慢性肾脏病与COPD严重程度分级无明显的相关性。经多因素Logistic回归分析表明：低氧血症、高碳酸血症、糖尿病、高血压病是COPD合并慢性肾脏病的危险因素（OR值分别为2．34、3．25、2．67和1．8,9,5％（71分别为2．01～2．75、2．95～3．77、1．99～3．27、1．18～2．63,P值均〈0．05）。结论COPD合并慢性肾脏病的患病率高,低氧血症、高碳酸血症、糖尿病、高血压病是COPD合并慢性肾脏病的危险因素,应引起重视。     

消化内科门诊胃食管反流病诊断问卷诊断胃食管反流病的状况及症状特征分析

目的利用胃食管反流病诊断问卷（Reflux disease questionnaire,RDQ）分析消化专家门诊胃食管反流病（GERD）患病情况及患者症状特征。方法对就诊于我院消化专家门诊的1636例患者进行RDQ问卷调查,得分≥12分者诊断为GERD。根据RDQ内容对GERD患者症状特点进行分析。结果1636例消化专家门诊的患者中,GERD的发生率为10．8％。男女发病无差异（11．0％VS10．5％,P〉0．05）。60岁以上年龄组GERD的患病率最高（14．6％）,而15～30岁年龄组患病率最低（7．7％）。各年龄组内患病率性别间比较差异无显著性。GERD症状中,烧心与反酸为最常见的症状。症状频率积分比严重程度积分更重要（P〈0．05）。结论消化门诊就诊患者GERD患病率较高。GERD患病无性别差异。老年人的GERD患病率高于其他年龄组。烧心和反酸为GERD最常见的症状。症状发生频率比严重程度对GERD的诊断更有意义。     

Electron microscopic study of intercellular space: correlation analysis of bronchial asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background and Aims: Bronchial asthma (BA) is considered an extra‐esophageal syndrome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with poor pathophysiological background. We analyzed the correlation between GERD and BA, examining esophageal epithelium with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), along with clinical findings. Methods: BA patients of controlled and partly‐controlled levels were enrolled in the study. A pulmonary and gastrointestinal (GI) questionnaire was given. Patients with no symptoms joined the control group. Esophageal mucosal tissue was taken by esophagogastroduodenoscopy from both groups and processed for TEM. Intercellular space (IS) was measured with an image analyzing program, 100 times for each patient. Results: The control (n = 20) and BA (n = 20) groups revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics. All BA patients were using corticosteroid inhalers, with seven patients having a recent history of acute exacerbation. Patients with at least one GI symptom made up 70% (14/20) of the BA group, and heartburn and/or regurgitation were detected in 40% of patients. Endoscopic findings of GERD were mucosal breaks (n = 3). The IS of the control group was 0.389 ± 0.297 um, while the BA group was 0.806 ± 0.556 um (P = 0.001). The presence of GERD symptoms (P = 0.306) and a history of recent asthma attacks (P = 0.710) did not show significant differences. Conclusions: The BA group showed a significant difference in the dilatation of IS compared to the control group, suggesting a higher prevalence of GERD in BA patients and a close pathophysiological correlation.     

Prevalence of benign oesophageal disease in the Danish population with special reference to pulmonary disease

A population sample, selected at random after stratification for the presence of pulmonary disease, was examined for benign oesophageal disease by means of a mailed questionnaire, which has been described in a previous report. Eight hundred and nine subjects without pulmonary disease, 264 with chronic bronchitis, and 248 with bronchial asthma answered the questionnaire. Subjects answering affirmatively to a discriminating combination of questions, as well as some of the participants with single symptoms and randomly selected controls without oesophageal symptoms, were invited to a clinical examination (n = 346). One hundred and seventy-five subjects accepted an invasive investigation, 86 without pulmonary disease and 89 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract was performed in 169 subjects, while 168 underwent pressure measurements of the oesophagus, and 113 had oesophageal 12-h pH measurements taken. On the basis of accepted definitions we found 114 subjects with benign oesophageal disease. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the discriminating combination in the non-COPD and COPD groups were 73.9%/42.9% and 89.5%/47.1% respectively. The predictive accuracy of the questionnaire in the non-COPD and COPD group was 0.41 and 0.56, respectively. Prevalence rates of benign oesophageal disease in the non-COPD and the COPD groups were 34.5% (20-49%) and 44.5% (34-55%) respectively (P less than 0.001). We estimated the prevalence rate in the general population to be about 30%.     

脉冲振荡技术在COPD与支气管哮喘鉴别诊断中的价值

目的探讨脉冲振荡法(IOS)对COPD、支气管哮喘(哮喘)的鉴别诊断价值。方法 102例受试者(其中AECOPD40例,哮喘急性发作期36例,以及健康者26例)完成脉冲振荡法检查、肺通气功能(PFT)。比较三组间肺通气功能参数、脉冲振荡的全呼吸相阻抗以及吸气-呼气相阻抗的差别。结果 (1)肺通气功能结果:COPD组、哮喘组均表现为阻塞性通气功能障碍,FEV1%pred、FEV1/FVC、PEF%pred差异无统计学意义。(2)哮喘组代表中心气道阻力的指标R20高于COPD组(P<0.01)。(3)COPD组、哮喘组、健康组吸气-呼气相阻抗比较:仅COPD组的呼气相R5-20大于吸气相R5-20、呼气相X5小于吸气相X5(P值分别为0.041、0.017)。另外COPD组的吸气-呼气相的R5-20变化值(ΔR5-20)、X5变化值(ΔX5)大于哮喘组(均P<0.01)。结论脉冲振荡法有助于支气管哮喘与AECOPD的鉴别诊断。     

呼出气CO2容积曲线对肺部疾病换气功能障碍的诊断与评价

目的 评价无创肺换气功能诊断技术即呼出气CO2容积曲线(VCap)对肺部疾病慢性阻塞性肺疾病(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.COPD)、支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)和间质性肺疾病(ILD)患者换气功能障碍的诊断价值及临床意义.方法 对照组(医院对照)94人,平均年龄(61.59±8.73)岁.COPD组287例.平均年龄(64.31±11.71)岁.根据COPD肺功能分级标准分4级:COPD Ⅰ级(9例)、COPD Ⅱ级(141例)、COPD Ⅲ级(75例)、COPDⅣ级(62例).哮喘组251例,平均年龄(57.86±13.54)岁.根据气道阻塞程度分4级(分级标准同COPD):轻度阻塞(6例)、中度阻塞(113例)、重度阻塞(100例)、极重度阻塞(32例).ILD组45例,平均年龄(56.42±13.97)岁.主要分析变量:最大呼出气二氧化碳浓度、Ⅲ相斜率(dC/dV3)、呼出气最高CO2浓度的25%～50%时的容积与潮气容积的比值(Vm25-50/VT)、呼出气最高CO2浓度的50%～75%时的容积与潮气容积的比值(Vm50-75/VT).结果 ①ILD、哮喘和COPD分别与对照组比较:Vm25-50/VT、Vm50-75/VT、FeCO2max、dC/dV3,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);②轻度哮喘和轻度COPD组比较:Vm50-75/VT,dC/dV3差异无统计学意义;中、重度组比较:Vms50-75/VT,dC/dV3差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);哮喘合并肺气肿和COPD(肺气肿)组比较差异无统计学意义;③Vm50-75/VT和dC/dV3用于COPD(肺气肿)的评价敏感度分别为98.3%和96.5%.特异度分别为91.4%和86.1%.结论 ①COPD、哮喘和ILD患者VCap形态异常.dC/dV3增高并且与疾病的严重程度有关,示肺内气体分布不均,系气道阻力增高和(或)肺顺应性改变导致吸入气体分布不均和呼出气体非同步排空所致,ILD相对于COPD和哮喘则气体分布不均更为突出;②变量Vm50-75/VT间接反映肺泡死腔量,相对受生理因素及通气量的影响小,与常规肺功能指标均有较好的相关性,可作为评价肺部疾病换气功能障碍即肺泡死腔增大,通气血流/灌注失调间接指标.③Vm50-75/VT%≥10%和dC/dV3≥1.3%/L用于评价肺气肿有较高敏感度和特异度.     

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease in northwestern Tabriz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diagnosed based on the presence of frequent heartburn, in the general population in northwest area of Tabriz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study performed during May 2000. 4207 persons were chosen by systematic randomized sampling from a total population of approximately 230,000 persons. Heartburn occurring at least thrice in the recent two weeks was taken as evidence of GERD. Symptoms were correlated with the individual's diet. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD was 2.7%. In 80% of them, specific types of food aggravated heartburn. Waterbrash (42.8%) was the most common associated symptom. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GERD in Tabriz is less than that reported from Western countries but is similar to that in other Asian countries.     

Increased prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux diseases in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy

AIM： To analyze the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） related symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and to find out the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and the prevalence of GERD symptoms.
METHODS： In this prospective questionnaire study, 150 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending the endocrine clinic were enrolled. A junior physician helped the patients to understand the questions. Patients were asked about the presence of five most frequent symptoms of GERD that included heartburn （at least 1/wk）, regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness of voice and chronic cough. Patients with past medical history of angina, COPD, asthma, cough due to ACEI or preexisting GERD prior to onset of diabetes and apparent psychiatric disorders were excluded from the survey. We further divided the patients into two groups based on presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy. Out of 150 patients, 46 had neuropathy, whereas 104 patients did not have neuropathy. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, and number of patients in each category and percentage of total patients in that group. Normal distributions between groups were compared with Student t test and the prevalence rates between groups were compared with Chi-square tests for significance.
RESULTS： The average duration of diabetes were 12 ± 9.2 years and the average HbAlc level of this group was 7.7% ± 2.0%. The mean weight and BMI were 198 ± 54 Ibs. and 32 ± 7.2 kg/m^2. Forty percent （61/150） patients reported having at least one of the symptoms of GERD and thirty percent （45/150） reported having heartburn at least once a week. The prevalence of GERD symptoms is higher in patients with neuropathy than patients without neuropathy （58.7% vs 32.7%, P 〈 0.01）. The prevalence of heartburn, chest pain and chronic cough are also higher in patients with neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy （43.5% vs 24%; 10.9% vs 4.8% and 17.8% vs 6.7% respectively, P 〈 0.05）.
CONCLUSION： The prevalence     

Helicobacter pylori and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to compare it with that in a control group. 2. To study the percentage of H. pylori-positive GERD patients according to different grades of esophagitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: H. pylori prevalence by serological tests was compared among 692 patients with GERD and 200 healthy volunteer controls. Subsequently, the percentage of H. pylori was analyzed in the different grades of esophagitis, according to the Savary-Miller classification. RESULTS: no differences between the GERD group and control group were detected regarding age (50.5+/-14.7 vs 50.7+/-16.4 years, ns) and sex (63 vs 66% of men, ns); on the other hand the prevalence of H. pylori was 40% in the GERD group facing 66% in the control group, p <0.01. There were no differences in H. pylori prevalence according to the different grades of esophagitis, but logistical regression analysis showed that the absence of H. pylori infection was associated with the presence of grade IV esophagitis. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of H. pylori infection in GERD patients is lower than that of the general population, and its absence is associated with more severe grades of the disease. These results indicate that H. pylori plays a protective role against GERD.     

脂肪性肝病与胃食管反流病的相关性研究

目的评估脂肪性肝病(FLD)与胃食管反流病GERD之间的关系。方法选取2 000例受试者,采用较简便的胃食管反流病问卷(GerdQ)作为初筛GERD诊断标准,对入选者均进行腹部超声波等检查,分析FLD与GERD关系。结果对2 000例患者利用GerdQ评估GERD诊断情况,有176例(8.8%)诊断为GERD,女68人(38.64%),男108人(61.36%);脂肪肝患者760例,患病率38.0%,在脂肪肝组中,男女性GERD症状的GerdQ阳性率分别为13.77%和12.24%,两者无明显差异(P>0.05)。脂肪肝人群发生GERD症状的患病率与对照组存在统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论脂肪肝与GERD显著相关,控制脂肪肝发展可以降低GERD发病率。