Gastroesophageal Reflux in Peptic Ulcer Patients / 영남의대학술지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is well known fact to the patients of duodenal ulcer that their condition is frequently accompanied with reflux esophagitis. Therefore this condition is called an "acid-related disorder" because it is commonly associated with increased acidity. But there has been disputes on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication in these two conditions and whether H. pylori infection may have a protective role in reflux esophagitis. Only few reports have dealt with the prevalence of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with peptic ulcer. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and to analyze the pattern ofthe pathologic reflux in peptic ulcer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 57 patients with endoscopically confirmed duodenal and/or gastric ulcer who all underwent 24hr ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. RESULTS: The prevalnace of gastroesophageal reflux in peptic ulcer patients was 54.2% and 54.5% in gastric ulcer, and 62.5% in duodenal ulcer, 50% in combined ulcer, respectively. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in the control group was 22.7%. CONCLUSION: We discovered significantly higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with peptic ulcer disease than in those without it. In conclusion, the presence or absence of gastroesophageal reflux must be considered in the setting of peptic ulcer disease management.