Correlation between symptomatic improvement and quality of life in patients with reflux and dyspeptic symptoms

We investigated the correlation between symptomatic improvement and quality of life in Japanese gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with PPI. Eighty one patients with reflux and dyspeptic symptom were enrolled. The evaluation of the symptom was used he Frequency Scale for the Symptom of GERD in 3 categories: total score of 12 questions, score related to reflux symptoms, and score related to dyspeptic symptoms and the evaluation of the quality of life was use the 8-item Short Form Health Survey in 2 categories, the physical component summary score and mental component summary score. All patients administered rabeprazole 10 mg/day for 8 weeks. We investigated the correlation between symptomatic improvement with proton pump inhibitor and quality of life. Significant symptomatic improvement was seen in the total score of 12 questions (26.7 ± 8.8 → 17.5 ± 5.9, p<0.0001), score related to reflux symptoms (14.9 ± 5.4 → 9.6 ± 3.6, p<0.0001), and score related to dyspeptic symptoms (11.8 ± 4.3 → 8.0 ± 2.9, p<0.0001). Significant improvement in quality of life was seen in the physical component summary score (47.8 ± 6.6 → 50.0 ± 5.9, p = 0.0209) and mental component summary score (47.4 ± 8.5 → 50.4 ± 5.3, p = 0.0133) with proton pump inhibitor. With proton pump inhibitor, a significant positive correlation was seen between the improvement rates in total score of 12 questions, score related to dyspeptic symptoms and in mental component summary score at 8 weeks (total score of 12 questions: r = 0.275, p = 0.0265, score related to dyspeptic symptoms: r = 0.367, p = 0.0027). In conclusion, quality of life was associated with improvement in dyspeptic symptoms with proton pump inhibitor treatment.     

Oral cavity manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the oral cavity and the gastroesophageal zone of the patients receiving rabeprazol, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The subjects were 88 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), who had changes in the oral cavity typical of this disease. The patients were divided into four groups. Group I included patients with non-erosive reflux disease; the other three groups were formed according to the degree of the severity of reflux esophagitis in accordance with Los Angeles classification of GERD: A, B, and C. The patients were administered rabeprazol as a PPI. The study found that oral cavity changes are associated with the degree of the gastroesophageal reflux. The study demonstrated high efficacy of rabeprazol in GERD patients with oral cavity changes.     

Primary care for GEDR

Current approach for the treatment of gastroesopageal reflux disease (GERD) was reviewed. The most effective treatment of erosive esophagitis or symptomatic GERD is to reduce gastric acid secretion with either an H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The PPI lead to more rapid healing and symptom relief than H2RA. Despite treatment with PPI, some patients with GERD continue to have symptoms or endoscopic evidence of esophagitis. Nocturnal acid breakthrough may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the refractory GERD. There are two approaches to the initial medical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease ('step down' therapy or 'step up' approach). Although there are arguments in favour of both approaches, the former is considered to be preferable these days.     

Pro-inflammatory chemokine IL-8 in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Recent reports have demonstrated significantly higher expression levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) including non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). The levels of IL-8 mRNA expression were significantly decreased after proton pump inhibitor. The esophageal expression of CINCs, rat IL-8-like chemokines, was markedly enhanced in the models of acute or chronic esophagitis in rats. The production of IL-8 from esophageal mucosal cells was enhanced by the exposure to bile acid. These results suggest that IL-8 chemokine may play a major role in the pathogenesis of esophageal inflammation in GERD.     

Pathogenesis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) refers a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. The disease was subclassified into esophageal and extraesophageal syndromes in the new Montreal Definition. Hiatal hernia, decreased lower esophageal sphincter, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, esophageal acid clearance, and delayed gastric emptying might be implicated as the pathogenesis of esophageal syndrome. Although non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is included in the esophageal syndrome, it might be different from reflux esophagitis because of the lower response rates to acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors. Esophageal visceral hypersensitivity, sustained esophageal contractions, and abnormal tissue resistance are thought to be the mechanisms of NERD. Further investigations for the pathogenesis of each classification are expected.     

Pathogenesis of GERD--peculiarity of NERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be divided into two groups, reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease, according to the presence of esophageal mucosal breaks. Almost all the reflux esophagitis with mucosal breaks are caused by the pathological reflux of acidic gastric contents to esophagus. Therefore, drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion effectively control reflux symptoms. On the other hand, almost 40% of nonerosive reflux disease are not caused by the reflux of gastric acid but by acid-unrelated mechanisms. Therefore, administration of proton pump inhibitors cures reflux symptom of only 50% of cases with non-erosive reflux diseases. The multi-pathogenesis of nonerosive reflux disease should be considered for the treatment of patients with reflux symptoms.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: clinical manifestations.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is generally a lifelong illness that affects many people, but its significance is often underestimated. Chronic abnormal gastric reflux results in erosive esophagitis in up to 60% of patients with GERD. Esophageal stricture, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma are the most serious complications of GERD. Although heartburn and acid regurgitation are the most common complaints, extraesophageal symptoms such as noncardiac chest pain, laryngitis, coughing, and wheezing can be manifestations of GERD. Unfortunately, the severity of symptoms is not a reliable indicator of the severity of erosive esophagitis. Endoscopy is the preferred method to diagnose and grade erosive esophagitis, and various classification systems are used to grade disease severity. The Los Angeles Classification is a valid and widely accepted system to evaluate the severity of erosive esophagitis. The immediate goals of treatment are to provide effective symptomatic relief and to achieve healing in patients with esophageal damage. The treatment regimen often begins by prescribing a therapy to reduce gastric acid secretion. A proton pump inhibitor is the preferred agent for many patients. Because GERD is a chronic, relapsing disease, long-term maintenance therapy is usually necessary to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life in patients with GERD.     

埃索美拉唑与奥美拉唑对非糜烂性反流病的诊断效果比较

目的:比较埃索美拉唑与奥美拉唑对非糜烂性反流病的诊断效果,应用埃索美拉唑治疗非糜烂性反流病量效关系及其早期诊断价值。方法:将96例经胃镜检查食管无异常发现但有明显烧心、反酸、胸骨后疼痛等典型反流症状的患者随机分为3组:A组32例,给予埃索美拉唑40mg每日早晚各1次口服;B组32例,埃索美拉唑20mg每日早晚各1次口服;C组32例,予奥美拉唑40mg,每日早晚各1次口服。3组均连服4周。于用药后第1～7d及二周后,按标准对烧心、反酸、胸痛进行症状评分,并记录患者有无不良反应。每周结束后进行症状评分。结果:A组在5～7d的治疗试验阳性率与B组及C组相比,差异有统计学意义;C组与B组相比差异无统计学意义。所有试验患者均未发生明显不良反应。结论:埃索美拉唑可以安全地用于非糜烂性反流病诊断的质子泵抑制剂试验药物,且作用强、速度快,可更早显示诊断价值。与奥美拉唑两者的远期治疗效果差异无统计学意义。     

Arm span–height difference is correlated with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in aged Japanese subjects

Previous studies have indicated an association between the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and aging plus height. In this study we investigated whether the arm span–height difference was related to GERD symptoms with a focus on aged subjects in the general population, since the arm span reflects the height in young adulthood before decreasing due to vertebral deformities from aging. A total of 285 elderly individuals (105 females) who visited nursing homes for the elderly in Japan were enrolled in this study. The GERD symptoms were evaluated by the Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG). The body weight, height and arm span were measured, and information regarding medications and complications were reviewed in each nursing record. 50.5% of women had more than 3 cm of arm span–height difference. In contrast, only 37.3% of men had more than 3 cm of arm span–height difference. The FSSG scores indicated more than 70% of subjects complained of any GERD symptoms. There was a significant correlation between the FSSG score and the arm span–height difference in the subjects with more than 3 cm of arm span-height difference (r = 0.236; p = 0.012). The correlation between the arm span–height difference and the FSSG score was significant only in women in females in the present study. In conclusion, our findings indicate that vertebral deformity evaluated by the arm span–height difference might have some positive relationship to the pathogenesis of GERD symptoms in elderly Japanese individuals.     

Recent effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors for severe reflux esophagitis: the first multicenter prospective study in Japan

Proton pump inhibitors are the first-line treatment for reflux esophagitis. Because severe reflux esophagitis has very low prevalence in Japan, little is known about the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors in these patients. This prospective multicenter study assessed the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors for severe reflux esophagitis in Japan. Patients with modified Los Angeles grade C or D reflux esophagitis were treated with daily omeprazole (10 or 20 mg), lansoprazole (15 or 30 mg), or rabeprazole (10, 20, or 40 mg) for 8 weeks. Healing was assessed endoscopically, with questionnaires administered before and after treatment to measure the extent of reflux and dyspepsia symptoms. Factors affecting healing rates, including patient characteristics and endoscopic findings, were analyzed. Of the 115 patients enrolled, 64 with grade C and 19 with grade D reflux esophagitis completed the study. The healing rate was 67.5% (56/83), with 15 of the other 27 patients (55.6%) improving to grade A or B. No patient characteristic or endoscopic comorbidity was significantly associated with healing rate. Reflux and dyspepsia symptoms improved significantly with treatment. The low healing rate suggests the need of endoscopic examination to assess healing of reflux esophagitis at the end of therapy. (UMIN000005271)     

Lansoprazole-induced improvement of esophageal submucosal injury

The proton pumpvinhibitor, lansoprazole, is reported to have acid secretion inhibiting effect as well as anti-inflammatory effects such as inhibition of cytokine secretion from inflammatory cells. Clinically, excellent efficacy of lansoprazole is reported for not only gastric ulcer but also gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Since GERD is categorized endoscopically into erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease, it is important to make accurate assessment of any improvement in the inflammatory process when using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) capable of visualizing the submucosal structure. We report here our experience in assessing the effect of treatment with lansoprazole on esophageal wall structure using EUS in patients with GERD. At baseline (before treatment), EUS showed abnormalities in the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria caused by inflammation, thickening of the entire esophageal wall and changes in the contractile properties of esophageal smooth muscles reflecting the effects of inflammation on the entire wall of the lower esophagus in reflux esophagitis regardless of whether it is erosive or endoscopically-negative. Treatment with lansoprazole resulted in normalization of esophageal wall structure and improvement of motility, suggesting that lansoprazole improves not only mucosal inflammation but also submucosal inflammation in GERD.     

熊去氧胆酸在治疗胆汁反流性食管炎中的作用

目的 探讨熊去氧胆酸治疗胆汁反流性食管炎的疗效。方法 将186例患者随机分为3组：A组应用奥美拉唑20mg，2次／d；多潘立酮10mg，3次／d；治疗4周。B组应用熊去氧胆酸0．25g，2次／d；多潘立酮10mg，3次R／d；治疗4周。C组应用多潘立酮10mg，3次／d，治疗4周。服药1、2、4周时随访，分别观察3组症状改善情况。治疗4周后复查内镜、24h食管pH及胆汁监测。结果 A组与B组患者治疗后1、4周症状积分即显著降低（P〈0．01），C组治疗后症状积分也有降低（P〈0．05）。内镜检查：A组治愈率74．2％，有效率96．8％；B组治愈率71．0％，有效率91．9％；C组治愈率46．8％，有效率53．2％。A组、B组及C组治疗后24h食管酸暴露情况均显著改善，但A组在改善酸反流方面更明显（P〈0．01）；A组、B组治疗后食管胆汁反流均有显著改善，B组改善更明显（P〈0．01），C组对胆汁反流的改善不显著（P〉0．05）。结论 熊去氧胆酸联合应用质子泵抑制剂及促动力药治疗胆汁反流性食管炎疗效显著。     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: presentation and assessment of a common, challenging disorder

Although gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently referred to as a continuous spectrum, it is more useful to consider GERD as 2 discrete entities with several subsets that differ in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, natural history, and therapy. One entity is classic severe acid reflux with erosive esophagitis and its complications. Barrett's esophagus is an important subset of this group, with markedly increased acid exposure and an increased risk of adenocarcinoma. The second entity is nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) with minimal or no esophagitis. Patients with NERD do not develop local mucosa complications, like stricture or Barrett's esophagus, but their symptom severity can equal that of erosive esophagitis. Acid is involved in the symptoms of many but not all NERD patients. This acid dependence is evident either as an increase in esophageal acid reflux or a hypersensitivity to acid, and both generally respond well to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. NERD patients who are not acid-dependent have what is called functional heartburn; GERD-like symptoms are present, but there is no obvious involvement of refluxed acid. An important subset of GERD is refractory GERD, which consists of patients who fail aggressive PPI therapy. Parallel findings with other refractory syndromes can be anticipated; however, there are indications that psychosocial factors play a major role in refractory GERD, and these patients may benefit more from an integrated biopsychosocial approach. Diagnosis of GERD is usually made on clinical grounds, often supplemented by a therapeutic trial with antisecretory agents. Endoscopy is reserved for patients with alarm symptoms, such as dysphagia, anemia, or weight loss, or to detect Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopy is not useful to exclude the diagnosis of GERD because it will be negative in 70% of cases in primary care. Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is necessary only when the diagnosis is in doubt, the patient fails medical management, or surgery is contemplated.     

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Therapeutic modalities for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continue to evolve despite the introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the most successful antireflux class of drugs. On-demand modalities such as antacids and alginates as well as histamine type-2 receptor antagonists continue to be popular with GERD patients who seek temporary relief of symptoms. The PPIs have revolutionized the treatment of patients with severe erosive esophagitis, complications of GERD, and atypical or extraesophageal manifestations of GERD. Antireflux surgery, commonly performed via laparoscopy, remains popular among patients who do not wish to take medications long term. In addition, the recent introduction of various endoscopic techniques offers GERD patients a long-term solution with less morbidity and lower cost than antireflux surgery.     

Approach to gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care: Putting the Montreal definition into practice

OBJECTIVE

To apply the recently published Montreal definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The Montreal definition of GERD was developed by an international consensus group of experts in GERD and primary care physicians using rigorous evidence-based methods along with modern consensus development techniques and a patient-centred approach.

MAIN MESSAGE

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be diagnosed in primary care based on symptoms alone without additional diagnostic testing. Symptoms reach a threshold where they constitute disease when they are troublesome (cause difficulty) to patients. In addition to the cardinal symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, people with GERD can also have sleep disturbances, chest pains, or respiratory symptoms. Monitoring patients’ response to proton pump inhibitor therapy can confirm the success of management. Treatment for symptoms of GERD can also heal underlying reflux esophagitis if it is present.

CONCLUSION

Primary care physicians can diagnose and manage GERD confidently in most patients by investigating and treating troublesome symptoms without the need for additional investigations or referral to specialists.     

A proton pump inhibitor, lansoprazole, ameliorates asthma symptoms in asthmatic patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Aspiration of acid to the airway causes airway inflammation, and acid stress to the airway caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been known as a potential mechanism of deteriorated asthma symptoms. However, the efficacy of the acid suppressive drugs, H(2)-receptor blockers (H(2) blocker) and proton pump inhibitors, on asthma symptoms and pulmonary functions remains controversial. We therefore designed the randomized prospective study to determine the efficacy of an H(2) blocker (roxatidine, 150 mg/day) and a proton pump inhibitor (lansoprazole, 30 mg/day) on asthma symptoms of 30 asthmatic patients with GERD. These patients were divided in the two groups (15 patients for each group) and treated with either roxatidine or lansoprazole. The diagnosis of GERD was established by the method of Los Angeles classification including mucosal minimum change of Grade M and questionnaire for the diagnosis of reflux disease (QUEST) score. The efficacy of acid suppressive drugs was evaluated by peak expiratory flow (PEF), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) that evaluates the improvement of asthma symptoms, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1.0)). Lansoprazole, but not roxatidine, significantly improved PEF and ACQ scores (p < 0.05) with the improved QUEST scores. However, these acid suppressive drugs did not change the pulmonary function of FEV(1.0) in asthmatic patients. In conclusion, treatment with a proton pump inhibitor, lansoprazole, appears to be useful in improvement of asthma symptoms in asthmatic patients with GERD.     

胃食管反流病调查问卷的诊断价值评价

目的：评估胃食管反流病调查问卷（gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire,GerdQ）在胃食管反流病（gastroesophageal reflux disease,GERD）中的诊断价值,建立一种适合社区筛查GERD的方法。方法：2012年1月—12月200例存在反流相关症状的200例患者。所有入选患者均接受GerdQ问卷调查并接受食道胃十二指肠内镜检查（oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy,OGD）和（或）质子泵抑制剂（proton pump inhibitor,PPI）治疗试验,OGD检查联合PPI试验结果作为诊断GERD的金标准。将GerdQ积分与金标准进行比较,计算GerdQ诊断GERD的敏感性、特异性和准确率。结果：GERD患者GerdQ积分（9.76±3.89）高于非GERD患者（3.79±2.75）,P〈0.05;反流性食管炎（reflux esophagitis,RE）患者GerdQ积分（10.67±3.50）与非糜烂性反流病（non-erosive reflux disease,NERD）患者积分（10.73±3.73）比较差异无统计学意义。此量表GerdQ积分以7分为临界值,其诊断的敏感性和特异性最佳,分别为77.4%和86.2%,Youden指数达到最大值0.645,受试者工作特征曲线下面积为0.874,对GERD患者诊断的阳性符合率为81.3%,阴性符合率为84.2%。结论：GerdQ是一种简单易行的GERD诊断方法,可以作为社区筛查GERD的有效工具。     

Prevalence, pathophysiology, and treatment of patients with asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease

About one third of the US adult population experiences symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux on a monthly basis. Asthma is present in about 5% of the same population. This article reviews and summarizes the literature in the following areas: (1) prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in asthmatic patients based on clinical symptoms, endoscopic esophagitis, and 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH recordings; (2) proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms linking the 2 diseases; and (3) medical and surgical treatment trial results of antireflux therapy for asthmatic patients. Asthmatic patients appear to have an increased prevalence of GERD symptoms and 24-hour esophageal acid exposure. The clinical management of these patients remains controversial. Common management approaches to GERD in asthmatic patients include medical therapy with a proton pump inhibitor and/or antireflux surgery, which improve asthma symptoms in many patients but minimally affect pulmonary function.