Abordaje de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico refractaria / Approach to refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

RESUMEN Un adecuado abordaje de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico refractaria (rERGE) es imprescindible para lograr el éxito terapéutico. Desde la definición precisa de rERGE hasta la detallada caracterización de sus fenotipos, establecerá el camino hacia la personalización de la terapia óptima para cada paciente. En esta revisión narrativa de la literatura, se busca proporcionar una síntesis actualizada de la utilidad de las diversas herramientas diagnósticas y explorar el amplio espectro de opciones terapéuticas, tanto médicas como invasivas disponibles para esta condición.

ABSTRACT An adequate approach to refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD) is essential for achieving therapeutic success. From the precise definition of rGERD to the detailed characterization of its phenotypes, it will pave the way for the customization of optimal therapy for each patient. In this narrative literature review, the aim is to provide an updated synthesis of the utility of various diagnostic tools and explore the wide range of therapeutic options, both medical and invasive, available for this condition.

Esophageal Melanocytosis

ABSTRACT Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare entity defined by the proliferation of a melanocytic basal layer of the esophageal squamous lining and deposition of melanin in the esophageal mucosa. Esophageal melanocytosis is considered a benign entity of unknown etiology; however, it has been reported as a melanoma precursor. We report a case of esophageal melanocytosis in a diabetic and hypertensive 67-year-old male with recurrent dizziness and syncope for the past 6 months. Given his complaint of dyspepsia, he underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, in which an esophageal biopsy revealed the diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis. The definitive diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis can only be made by histological analysis. The histologic differential diagnoses include melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Therefore, they need to be ruled out.

Patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en la manometría de alta resolución

Introducción: La manometría esofágica es la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico de los trastornos motores esofágicos; diagnostica elementos conocidos en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, como la hipotonía del esfínter esofágico inferior y sus relajaciones transitorias. La manometría se utiliza para evaluar la función peristáltica en pacientes considerados para cirugía antirreflujo, particularmente si el diagnóstico es incierto. No debe emplearse para hacer o confirmar el diagnóstico de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Objetivo: Profundizar en los conocimientos relacionados con el patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en la manometría de alta resolución. Desarrollo: La manometría esofágica de alta resolución permite caracterizar la actividad contráctil del esófago. Registra de manera simultánea la actividad de los esfínteres esofágicos superior e inferior; también la motilidad del cuerpo esofágico. Sus indicaciones, aunque precisas, resultan de interés en determinados pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, sobre todo en quienes se sospecha un trastorno de la motilidad. El patrón manométrico más aceptado para la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico describe un fallo de los siguientes factores: la presión del esfínter esofágico inferior, longitud, inestabilidad, la presencia de hernia hiatal y los trastornos de la peristalsis esofágica. Conclusiones: La manometría de alta resolución permite caracterizar el patrón de motilidad de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Los elementos primarios del reflujo son la hipotonía del esfínter esofágico inferior, sus relajaciones transitorias y la distorsión anatómica de la unión esofagogástrica.

Introduction: Esophageal manometry is the reference test for the diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders; diagnoses known elements in the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as hypotony of the lower esophageal sphincter and its transient relaxations. Manometry is used to evaluate peristaltic function in patients considered for anti-reflux surgery, particularly if the diagnosis is uncertain. It should not be used to make or confirm the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Objective: To deepen the knowledge related to the motility pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease in high-resolution manometry. Development: High-resolution esophageal manometry allows characterizing the contractile activity of the esophagus. Simultaneously records the activity of the upper and lower esophageal sphincters; also, the motility of the esophageal body. Its indications, although precise, are of interest in certain patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially in those who suspect a motility disorder. The most accepted manometric pattern for gastroesophageal reflux disease describes a failure of the following factors: lower esophageal sphincter pressure, length, instability, the presence of hiatal hernia, and disorders of esophageal peristalsis. Conclusions: High-resolution manometry allows us to characterize the motility pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The primary elements of reflux are hypotonia of the lower esophageal sphincter, its transient relaxations, and anatomical distortion of the esophagogastric junction.

Esophagogastric Junction Contractile Integral (EGJ-CI) in Various Phenotypes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Introduction: Two parameters of high-resolution esophageal manometry are used to observe the function of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ): the anatomical morphology of the EGJ and contractile vigor, which is evaluated with the esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI). To date, how these parameters behave in different gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) phenotypes has not been evaluated. Materials and methods: An analytical observational study evaluated patients with GERD confirmed by pH-impedance testing and endoscopy undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry. The anatomical morphology of the EGJ and EGJ-CI was assessed and compared between reflux phenotypes: acid, non-acid, erosive, and non-erosive. Results: 72 patients were included (63% women, mean age: 54.9 years), 81.9% with acid reflux and 25% with erosive esophagitis. In the latter, a decrease in EGJ-CI (median: 15.1 vs. 23, p = 0.04) and a more significant proportion of patients with type IIIa and IIIb EGJ (83.3% vs 37.1%, p < 0.01) were found. No significant differences existed in the manometric parameters of patients with and without acid and non-acid reflux. Conclusion: In our population, EGJ-CI significantly decreased in patients with erosive GERD, suggesting that it could be used to predict this condition in patients with GERD. This finding is also related to a higher proportion of type III EGJ and lower pressure at end-inspiration of the lower esophageal sphincter in this reflux type.

Introducción: Para observar la función de la unión esofagogástrica (UEG) se utilizan dos parámetros de la manometría esofágica de alta resolución: la morfología anatómica de la UEG y el vigor contráctil, el cual se evalúa con la integral de contractilidad distal de la unión esofagogástrica (IC-UEG). Hasta el momento, no se ha evaluado cómo se comportan estos parámetros en los diferentes fenotipos de enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE). Metodología: Estudio observacional analítico en el que se evaluaron pacientes con ERGE confirmado por pH-impedanciometría y endoscopia, llevados a manometría esofágica de alta resolución. Se evaluó la morfología anatómica de la UEG y la IC-UEG, y se comparó entre los diferentes fenotipos de reflujo: ácido, no ácido, erosivo y no erosivo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 72 pacientes (63% mujeres, edad media: 54,9 años), 81,9% con reflujo ácido y 25% con esofagitis erosiva. En este último grupo se encontró una disminución de la IC-UEG (mediana: 15,1 frente a 23, p = 0,04) y una mayor proporción de pacientes con UEG tipo IIIa y IIIb (83,3% frente a 37,1%, p < 0,01). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los parámetros manométricos de los pacientes con y sin reflujo ácido y no ácido. Conclusión: En nuestra población, la IC-UEG estuvo significativamente disminuida en los pacientes con ERGE erosivo, lo que sugiere que podría ser utilizada como un predictor de esta condición en pacientes con ERGE. Este hallazgo también se relaciona con mayor proporción de UGE tipo III y menor presión al final de la inspiración del esfínter esofágico inferior en este tipo de reflujo.

Detalles técnicos para prevenir la Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesofágico durante la Gastrectomía en manga

La gastrectomía en manga es el procedimiento bariátrico más frecuentemente efectuado en la actualidad. La complicación alejada más frecuente es el aumento de la tasa de enfermedad por reflujo gastro-esofágico. Se han descrito las razones anatómicas y fisiopatológicas de su origen. En este artículo se describen los puntos claves de la técnica quirúrgica de la manga gástrica para su prevención como también otros procedimientos que han sugerido tanto para su prevención como tratamiento.

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure today. The most common distant complication is the increased rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The anatomical and pathophysiological reasons for its origin have been described. This article describes the key points of the gastric sleeve surgical technique for its prevention as well as other procedures that have been suggested both for its prevention and treatment.

Frequency of functional esophageal disorders in patients with refractory reflux symptoms in Lima, Peru

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition in which gastric reflux causes symptoms or damage to the esophageal mucosa. It is managed with proton pump inhibitors, however, up to 45% of patients with suspected GERD are refractory to treatment. It is necessary to establish a true GERD diagnosis by means of a digestive endoscopy, which does not show lesions in approximately 70% of patients. In this scenario, it is necessary to perform an esophageal pH-impedance measurement, a procedure that allows to determine whether exposure to gastric acid is pathological. Of this group, patients with pathological acid exposure are diagnosed as true non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). If, in addition to not presenting esophageal lesions, they have a physiological exposure to gastric acid, they suffer from esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn, which are functional disorders. These require a different approach from that of GERD or NERD, as the symptoms are not due to pathological exposure to gastric acid. The aim was to calculate the frequency of esophageal hypersensitivity and functional heartburn in patients with suspected NERD. This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected by reviewing pH-impedance and manometry reports, 166 patients were selected. The frequency for functional disorders was 86.15%, being 46.9% for functional heartburn and 39.2% for esophageal hypersensitivity. The frequency of functional disorders was higher than that reported in previous studies. In conclusion, age, psychological conditions, dietary, cultural, ethnic or lifestyle factors inherent to our environment might play important roles in the development of functional disorders.

La enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) es una condición clínica en la que el reflujo gástrico provoca síntomas o daños en la mucosa esofágica. Se maneja con inhibidores de la bomba de protones; sin embargo, hasta el 45% de los pacientes con sospecha de ERGE son refractarios al tratamiento. Por lo cual, es necesario establecer un verdadero diagnóstico de ERGE mediante una endoscopia digestiva, que no muestra lesiones en aproximadamente el 70% de los pacientes. En este escenario, es necesario realizar una medición de pH-impedancia esofágica, procedimiento que permite determinar si la exposición al ácido gástrico es patológica. De este grupo, los pacientes con exposición patológica al ácido son diagnosticados como verdadera enfermedad por reflujo no erosiva (ERNE). Si además de no presentar lesiones esofágicas, tienen una exposición fisiológica al ácido gástrico, padecen hipersensibilidad esofágica o pirosis funcional, que son trastornos funcionales. Estos requieren un enfoque diferente al ERGE o ERNE, ya que los síntomas no se deben a una exposición patológica al ácido gástrico. El objetivo fue calcular la frecuencia de hipersensibilidad esofágica y pirosis funcional en pacientes con sospecha de ERNE. Este fue un estudio transversal. Los datos se recopilaron mediante la revisión de informes de pH-impedancia y manometría, se seleccionaron 166 pacientes. La frecuencia de trastornos funcionales fue de 86,15%, siendo 46,9% de pirosis funcional y 39,2% de hipersensibilidad esofágica. La frecuencia de trastornos funcionales fue superior a la reportada en estudios previos. En conclusión, la edad, las condiciones psicológicas, los factores dietéticos, culturales, étnicos o de estilo de vida inherentes a nuestro entorno podrían jugar un papel importante en el desarrollo de trastornos funcionales.

Combined multi-channel intraluminal impedance measurement and pHmetry in the detection of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of GERD exclusively by means of multichannel intraluminal impedanciometry associated with pH monitoring (MIIpH) and compare it with respiratory symptoms in children with CF. To compare MIIpH with pHmetry alone to perform GERD diagnosis. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with children diagnosed with CF who underwent MIIpH. Clinical and laboratory markers, including respiratory and digestive symptoms, were used for comparative analyses. High-resolution chest computed tomography was performed on patients with symptoms of chronic lung disease. Severity was classified according to the Bhalla score. Results A total of 29 children < 10 yo (18 girls) were evaluated; 19 of whom with physiological GER and 10 with GERD. Of the children with GERD, seven had predominantly acid GER, two acid+non-acid GER, and one non-acid GER. Three patients had GERD diagnosed only by MIIpH. Bhalla scores ranged from seven to 17.75 with no significant relationship with GERD. The number of pulmonary exacerbations was associated with a decrease in esophageal clearance regardless of the position in pHmetry and MIIpH. Conclusions The prevalence of GERD was 34% in children with CF. There was no association between respiratory disease severity and GER types. MIIpH detected 30% more patients with GERD than pHmetry.

The link between airway reflux and non-acid reflux in children: a review

Abstract Objective: Airway reflux, a member of extra-esophageal reflux, has been linked to countless respiratory pathologies amongst children. The advent of novel instrumentation has enabled the discovery of non-acid reflux which was postulated as the main culprit of airway reflux. The objective of this review is to outline the association between non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children. Methods: A comprehensive review of recent literature on non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children was conducted. Studies ranged from January 2010 till November 2021 were searched over a period of a month: December 2021. Results: A total of eleven studies were identified. All studies included in this review revealed a strong link between non-acid reflux and airway reflux in children. 6 of the included studies are prospective studies, 3 retrospective studies, 1 cross-section study, and type of study was not mentioned in 1 study. The most common reported respiratory manifestation of non-acid reflux in children was chronic cough (7 studies). Predominant non-acid reflux was noted in 4 studies. The total number of children in each study ranges from 21 to 150 patients. MII-pH study was carried out in all studies included as a diagnostic tool for reflux investigation. Conclusion: Non-acid reflux is the culprit behind airway reflux as well as other myriads of extra-esophageal manifestations in children. Multicentre international studies with a standardized protocol could improve scientific knowledge in managing non-acid reflux in airway reflux amongst children.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation device for gastroesophageal reflux disease: effective, but postoperative dysphagia and risk of erosion should not be underestimated. a systematic review and meta-analysis / Dispositivo magnético no esfincter para doença do refluxo gastroesofágico: eficaz, mas a disfagia pós-operatória e o risco de erosão não devem ser subestimados. uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Magnetic ring (MSA) implantation in the esophagus is an alternative surgical procedure to fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: A systematic literature review of articles on MSA was performed using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) database between 2008 and 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) across all studies. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies comprising 4,663 patients with MSA were analysed. Mean follow-up was 27.3 (7-108) months. The weighted pooled proportion of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction were 93% (95%CI 83-98%) and 85% (95%CI 78-90%), respectively. The mean DeMeester score (pre-MSA: 34.6 vs. post-MSA: 8.9, p=0.03) and GERD-HRQL score (pre-MSA: 25.8 vs. post-MSA: 4.4, p<0.0001) improved significantly after MSA. The proportion of patients taking proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) decreased from 92.8 to 12.4% (p<0.0001). The weighted pooled proportions of dysphagia, endoscopic dilatation and gas-related symptoms were 18, 13, and 3%, respectively. Esophageal erosion occurred in 1% of patients, but its risk significantly increased for every year of MSA use (odds ratio — OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.77, p=0.004). Device removal was needed in 4% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although MSA is a very effective treatment modality for GERD, postoperative dysphagia is common and the risk of esophageal erosion increases over time. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety of MSA placement in patients with GERD.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A implantação de anel magnético (AM) no esôfago é um procedimento cirúrgico alternativo à fundoplicatulra, para o tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a eficácia e segurança do anel magnético em pacientes com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE). MÉTODOS: Uma revisão sistemática da literatura de artigos sobre AM foi realizada usando o banco de dados Medline entre 2008 e 2021, seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA. Um modelo de efeito aleatório foi usado para gerar uma proporção agrupada com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% em todos os estudos. RESULTADOS: Um total de 22 estudos compreendendo 4.663 pacientes submetidos à colocação do AM foram analisados. O seguimento médio foi de 27,3 (7-108) meses. A proporção ponderada de melhora dos sintomas e satisfação do paciente foi de 93% (IC95% 83-98%) e 85% (IC95% 78-90%), respectivamente. A pontuação média de DeMeester (pré-AM: 34,6 versus pós-AM: 8,9, p=0,03) e pontuação GERD-HRQL (pré-AM: 25,8 versus pós-AM: 4,4, p<0,0001) melhoraram significativamente após a colocação do anel. A proporção de pacientes em uso de inbidor de bomba de prótons (IBP) diminuiu de 92,8% para 12,4% (p<0,0001). A erosão esofágica ocorreu em 1% dos pacientes, o risco aumentou significativamente para cada ano de uso do AM (OR 1,40; IC95% 1,11-1,77, p=0,004). A remoção do dispositivo foi necessária em 4% dos pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: O AM é uma modalidade de tratamento eficaz para a DRGE. A disfagia pós-operatória é comum, e o risco de erosão esofágica aumenta com o tempo.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: were old questions answered? partial or total fundoplication? / Cirurgia laparoscópica antirrefluxo: perguntas antigas foram respondidas? fundoplicatura parcial ou total?

ABSTRACT Laparoscopic total fundoplication is currently considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Short-term outcomes after laparoscopic total fundoplication are excellent, with fast recovery and minimal perioperative morbidity. The symptom relief and reflux control are achieved in about 80 to 90% of patients 10 years after surgery. However, a small but clinically relevant incidence of postoperative dysphagia and gas-related symptoms is reported. Debate still exists about the best antireflux operation; during the last three decades, the surgical outcome of laparoscopic partial fundoplication (anterior or posterior) were compared to those achieved after a laparoscopic total fundoplication. The laparoscopic partial fundoplication, either anterior (180°) or posterior, should be performed only in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease secondary to scleroderma and impaired esophageal motility, since the laparoscopic total fundoplication would impair esophageal emptying and cause dysphagia.

RESUMO A fundoplicatura total laparoscópica é considerada, atualmente, o padrão ouro para o tratamento cirúrgico da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. Os resultados de curto prazo após a fundoplicatura total laparoscópica são excelentes, com recuperação rápida e morbidade perioperatória mínima. O alívio dos sintomas e o controle do refluxo são alcançados em cerca de 80 a 90% dos pacientes, 10 anos após a cirurgia. No entanto, é relatada uma incidência pequena, mas clinicamente relevante, de disfagia pós-operatória e sintomas relacionados a gases. Ainda existe debate sobre a melhor operação antirrefluxo e, nas últimas três décadas, os resultados cirúrgicos da fundoplicatura parcial laparoscópica (anterior ou posterior) foram comparados aos obtidos após uma fundoplicatura total laparoscópica. A fundoplicatura parcial laparoscópica, seja anterior (180°) ou posterior, deve ser realizada apenas em pacientes com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico secundária a esclerodermia e motilidade esofágica ineficiente, pois uma fundoplicatura total laparoscópica prejudicaria o esvaziamento esofágico e causaria disfagia.

GASTRIC PLICATION ASSOCIATED WITH FUNDOPLICATION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CLASS I OBESITY AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: WEIGHT LOSS OUTCOMES, REFLUX-RELATED SYMPTOMS, ENDOSCOPIC AND pH MONITORING FINDINGS / PLICATURA GÁSTRICA ASSOCIADA A FUNDOPLICATURA EM INDIVÍDUOS COM OBESIDADE GRAU I E DOENÇA DO REFLUXO GASTROESOFÁGICO: ANÁLISE DE PERDA DE PESO, SINTOMAS DE REFLUXO, ACHADOS ENDOSCÓPICOS E DE pHMETRIA

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The association of gastric plication with fundoplication is a reliable option for the treatment of individuals with obesity associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. AIMS: To describe weight loss, endoscopic, and gastroesophageal reflux disease-related outcomes of gastric plication with fundoplication in individuals with mild obesity. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out, enrolling individuals who underwent gastric plication with fundoplication at a tertiary private hospital from 2015-2019. Data regarding perioperative and weight loss outcomes, endoscopic and 24-hour pH monitoring findings, and gastroesophageal reflux disease-related symptoms were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 98 individuals, 90.2% were female. The median age was 40.4 years (IQR 32.1-47.8). The median body mass index decreased from 32 kg/m2 (IQR 30,5-34) to 29.5 kg/m2 (IQR 26.7-33.9) at 1-2 years (p<0.05); and to 27.4 kg/m2 (IQR 24.1-30.6) at 2-4 years (p=0.059). The median percentage of total weight loss at 1-2 years was 7.8% (IQR −4.1-14.7) and at 2-4 years, it was 16.4% (IQR 4.3-24.1). Both esophageal and extra-esophageal symptoms showed a significant reduction (p<0.05). A significant decrease in the occurrence of esophagitis was observed (p<0.01). The median DeMeester score decreased from 30 (IQR 15.1-48.4) to 1.9 (IQR 0.93-5.4) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The gastric plication with fundoplication proved to be an effective and safe technique, leading to a significant and sustained weight loss in addition to endoscopic and clinical improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A associação de plicatura gástrica com fundoplicatura é uma opção atrativa para o tratamento de indivíduos com obesidade associada à doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. OBJETIVOS: Descrever a evolução ponderal, clínica, endoscópica e de pHmetria após a gástrica com fundoplicatura em indivíduos com obesidade grau I e doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. MÉTODOS: Um estudo de coorte histórica foi realizado, incluindo indivíduos que realizaram gástrica com fundoplicatura em um hospital privado terciário de 2015 a 2019. Os dados sobre os resultados perioperatórios e de perda de peso, achados endoscópicos e de pHmetria de 24 horas e sintomas relacionados à doença do refluxo gastroesofágico foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Dos 98 indivíduos, 90,2% eram do sexo feminino. A idade mediana foi de 40,4 (IQR 32,1-47,8) anos. A mediana do índice de massa corporal diminuiu de 32 (IQR 30,5-34) kg/m2 para 29,5 (IQR 26,7-33,9) kg/m2 em 1-2 anos (p<0,05); de 2 a 4 anos, foi de 27,4 (IQR 24,1-30,6) kg/m2 (p=0,059). A mediana da porcentagem da perda total de peso em 1-2 anos foi de 7,8% (IQR −4,1-14,7) e em 2-4 anos, foi de 16,4% (IQR 4,3-24,1). Tanto os sintomas esofágicos quanto os extras esofágicos apresentaram redução significativa (p<0,05). Observou-se diminuição significativa na ocorrência de esofagite (p<0,01). A pontuação mediana do escore de DeMeester diminuiu de 30 (IQR 15,1-48,4) para 1,9 (IQR 0,93-5,4) (p<0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: A associação entre plicatura gástrica e fundoplicatura laparoscópica mostrou-se uma técnica eficaz e segura, levando a perda de peso significativa, bem como melhora endoscópica e clínica da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico.

Using RSI and RFS scores to differentiate between reflux-related and other causes of chronic laryngitis

Abstract Objective: To establish if the Reflux Symptom Index (RFI) and the Reflux Finding Score (RFC) can help establish the differential diagnosis in patients with distinct causes of chronic laryngopharyngitis. Methods: A group of 102 adult patients with chronic laryngopharyngitis (Group A - 37 patients with allergic rhinitis; Group B - 22 patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Group C -43 patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)) were prospectively studied. Chronic laryngitis was diagnosed based on suggestive symptoms and videolaryngoscopic signs (RSI ≥ 13 and RFS ≥7). Allergies were confirmed by a positive serum RAST, OSA was diagnosed with a positive polysomnography, and LPR with a positive impedance-PH study. Discriminant function analysis was used to determine if the combination of RSI and RFS scores could differentiate between groups. Results: Patients with respiratory allergies and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RSI scores when compared to that of patients with OSA (p < 0.001); Patients with OSA and those with LPR showed similar and significantly higher RFS scores when compared to that of patients with Respiratory Allergies (OSA vs. Allergies p < 0.001; LPR vs. Allergies p < 0.002). The combination of both scores held a higher probability of diagnosing OSA (72.73%) and Allergies (64.86%) than diagnosing LPR (51.16%). Conclusions: RSI and RFS are not specific for reflux laryngitis and are more likely to induce a false diagnosis if not used with diligence.

Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease：a meta-analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease， and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical drug use. METHODS Randomized controlled trials （RCTs） about vonoprazan （trial group） versus placebo or proton pump inhibitor （control group） were searched in PubMed， the Cochrane Library， Web of Science， CNKI， Wanfang， VIP and CBM databases from the inception to June， 2022. After literature screening and data extraction， the qualities of included literature were evaluated with bias assessment tool recommended by Cochrane system evaluator manual 5.1.0. Meta-analysis， sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis were conducted by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 9 RCTs were included， involving 1 882 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that： total response rate [OR＝1.94，95%CI（1.45，2.58），P＜0.000 01]， cure rate [OR＝2.27，95%CI（1.33，3.86），P＝0.003] and remission rate [OR＝1.81，95%CI（1.28， 2.55）， P＝0.000 7] of trial group were significantly higher than control group； there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug events， diarrhea， nasopharyngitis， upper respiratory tract infection and alkaline phosphatase elevation between two groups （P＞0.05）. The results of subgroup analysis showed that cure rate of trial group was significantly higher than control group at 2 weeks of treatment （P＜0.05）； at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment， there was no significant difference in the cure rate between two groups （P＞0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate between two groups at 2， 4 and 8 weeks of treatment among the patients with Los Angeles grade A/B （P＞0.05）； among the patients with Los Angeles grade C/D， the cure rate of patients in the trial group was significantly higher than control group at 2， 4 and 8 weeks of treatment （P＜0.05）. The results of sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis showed that the results of this study were robust and the possibility of publication bias was small. CONCLUSIONS Vonoprazan has a considerable effectiveness and safety in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Causes and Countermeasures of Complications After Bariatric Surgery / 中国医学科学院学报

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy characterized by simple operation and few postoperative complications have gradually become the two most commonly used surgical methods in clinical practice.A series of complications often occur after bariatric surgery,including gallstone disease,anemia,malnutrition,gastroesophageal reflux disease,kidney stones,and birth defects in offspring of women of childbearing age.There are controversies regarding the causes and countermeasures of these complications.This article mainly reviews the risk factors and countermeasures for the complications after bariatric surgery.

Clinical Predominance Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine： Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） is a frequently and commonly occurring disease in clinic. In recent decades， with the development in pathophysiology and drug researches， modern medicine has achieved remarkable progress and results in diagnosis and treatment. However， the treatments for non-erosive reflux disease， refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease， proton pump inhibitor resistance， overlap of disease symptoms， and extraesophageal symptoms are limited and ineffective. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） was widely used in clinical practice， which has been proved effective in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life. Sponsored by China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） and undertaken by the Spleen and Stomach Disease Branch of CACM， "the 12th Youth Salon of Clinical Predominance Disease Series （GERD）" invited 18 authoritative digestive experts of TCM and western medicine to discuss "the difficulties of clinical diagnosis and treatment of GERD and TCM advantages". The focus issues such as modern medical diagnosis and treatment achievements and contributions， improvement and maintenance of symptoms， response to overlapping disease symptoms， reduction and withdrawal of acid suppressors， and treatment of extra-esophageal symptoms were discussed in depth. TCM and western medicine exchanged and complemented each other's strengths， combing the difficulties of modern medical diagnosis and treatment， which clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM and provided guidance for clinical and scientific research.

Dental erosion caused by glucocorticoid therapy in a patient with optic neuritis: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Dental erosion is characterized by progressively destroyed teeth, which has no relation to bacteria but to chemicals. Some internal factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux induced by bulimia, anorexia, gastrointestinal diseases, or drugs, and external factors, such as diet, drugs, and occupational acid exposure, are considered promotive factors for this disease. This article presents a patient suffering from severe dental erosion in the whole dentition, especially in the maxillary teeth, due to gastroesophageal reflux induced by glucocorticoid therapy for optic neuritis. This article discusses the mechanism between optic neuritis glucocorticoid therapy and dental erosion.

Effects of abdominal breathing exercises at different periods on the gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of abdominal breathing exercises at different periods on the gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life and proton pump inhibitor dependency in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To provide reference for patients to choose the best time for abdominal breathing exercises.Methods:This was a prospective study. From March 2020 to December 2021, totally 108 GERD patients were collected in digestive outpatient clinic of Yibin Hospital of Chinese Medicine Hospital by convenient sampling method, they were randomly divided into pre meal group, 1 h postprandial group and 2 h postprandial group with 36 cases in each group. All patients in the three groups were given abdominal breathing training for 8 weeks on the basis of conventional acid suppression drug treatment and nursing. The training time of pre meal group, 1 h postprandial group and 2 h postprandial group was at 30 min before meal, 1 h after meal, 2 h after meal, respectively. Before and after 8 weeks of intervention, the difference of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life were assessed by Reflux Disease Ouestionnaire (RDQ) and the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Patients followed up for 12 weeks after drug withdrawal, the medication of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) between three groups were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in RDQ score and SF-36 score among the three groups before intervention ( P>0.05). After intervention, the symptom scores were (7.89 ± 1.86) in the 1 h postprandial group, lower than in the pre meal group (10.38 ± 1.81) and in the 2 h postprandial group (9.64 ± 1.65), the difference was statistically significant ( t = 5.83, 4.06, both P<0.01). The scores of each demensions in SF-36 were higher in the 1 h postprandial group compared to the pre meal group and the 2 h postprandial group, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.04-3.70, all P<0.05). After followed up for 12 weeks, the PPI discontinuation rate was 71.43% in the 1 h postprandial group, higher than in the pre meal group 44.12% and in the 2 h postprandial group 45.45%, the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 = 5.28, 4.73, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Abdominal breathing exercises at 1 hour after meal can effectively alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms, promote quality of life and decrease the proton pump inhibitor dependency of GERD patients.

Research progress of TCM non-drug therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) non-drug therapy for gastroesophageal reflux mainly includes appropriate TCM techniques, such as conventional acupuncture, moxibustion, fire needle, etc. Emotional therapy, such as regulating emotion, transforming the patient's spirit and change the state of qi, the five-element music therapy, etc; exercise therapy, such as Baduanjin and Zhanzhuang, can be used alone, or in combination, or in combination with oral administration of Chinese materia medica. By reducing the probability of esophageal sphincter relaxation, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, improving esophageal motility disorder, reducing visceral hypersensitivity, immune regulation and other effects, it can alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and pharyngeal discomfort, and help to improve the patients' anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. It has the characteristics of simplicity and fewer adverse reactions, at the same time, according to the patient's condition and compliance to choose the appropriate therapy. The mechanism of TCM non-drug therapy in the treatment of this disease needs to be further explored, so as to better guide clinical popularization and application.

Discussion on mechanism and experimental validation of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease based on network pharmacology / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the possible mechanism of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods:The main active components and target information of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription were screened by TCMSP database, and targets were identified by GeneCards, OMIM, TTD and PharmGKB databases. The intersection of active ingredient components and disease targets was selected to construct PPI network by STRING. Cytoscape CytoNCA plug-in was used to extract core targets for analysis. GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Metascape. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to construct the "component-target-signal pathway" network, and Autodock was used to complete molecular docking verification. Animal experiments were further used for verification. SPF SD male rats were selected and GERD model was established by esophageal stent implantation. After 14 days of intervention, serum TNF-α and COX-2 levels of rats in each group were detected for verification.Results:A total of 215 effective compounds were screened from Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription. The main targets of GERD were TNF, IL6, CASP3, TP53 and PTGS2, which mainly focused on cancer pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway and NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding potential and activity of the key active components of Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription and the core target were better. Compared with the model group, Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription could reduce the serum expression levels of TNF-α and COX-2 ( P<0.01). Conclusions:By regulating TNF, IL6, CASP3, TP53, PTGS2 and other core targets, Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Prescription can regulate NF-κB signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway and other signaling pathways to play a role in the treatment of GERD.

Research on the rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions of gastroesophageal reflux disease based on Ancient and Modern Medical Records Cloud Platform / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions of gastroesophageal reflux disease based on Ancient and Modern Medical Records Cloud Platform.Method:The relevant medical cases from ancient medical case database, modern medical case database, shared medical case database and famous doctors' medical case database in Ancient and Modern Medical Records Cloud Platform (V2.3.8) were selected, and frequency analysis, attribute analysis, association analysis, cluster analysis and complex network analysis were performed on the herbs.Results:A total of 107 medical records were obtained, including 225 TCMs. The core medicines were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Coptidis, Poria, and Fructus Evodiae. The drug property was mainly cold and warm, and the herbal tastes bitter and pungent. The meridian tropism of drugs mainly manifested in the spleen and stomach meridians. The core herbal pairs were Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae. The core prescription consisted of 17 herbs including Radix Glycyrrhizae, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Coptidis, Fructus Evodiae, Poria, Endoconcha Sepiae, Herba Taraxaci, Fructus Aurantii, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Radix Bupleuri, Jiang Banxia, Rhizoma Cyperi, Radix Aucklandiae, Caulis Bambusae In Taenia, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Fructus Amomi, and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae. Conclusions:Chinese medicine treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is mainly based on Chaihu Shugan Powder, Zuojin Pill, and Wendan Decoction. Moreover, we need to combine with clinical symptoms to add or subtract herbs.