A comparison of clinical characteristics between reflux esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease

Abstract

Objective To analyze and compare the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), so as to appraise their different pathogenesis and effective treatment. Methods 127 patients with RE and 80 patients with NERD were enrolled and asked to complete the questionnaires. The general situation, living habits, typical esophageal symptoms, extra esophageal symptoms and the comorbidities were recorded in the two groups. Results There were more male patients in RE group, and more female patients in NERD group (P<0.05). There were more patients engaged in mental work in RE group , and NERD group had more physical workers (P<0.05). Compared with NERD, patients with RE were fatter and had more alcohol consumption (P<0.05). The proportion of patients with abnormal mental disorders in NERD group was significantly higher than that in RE group (P<0.05). NERD patients were more likely to incorporate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (P<0.05). RE patients were more likely to suffer from hiatal hernia (P<0.05). The incidence of anti-acid, chest pain, pharyngeal foreign body symptoms was higher in the NERD group (P<0.05). Conclusions The demographic characteristics, living habits, mental and psychological factors, esophageal symptoms, extra esophageal symptoms and comorbidities in patients with NERD or RE are different.These results suggest that there are different pathogenesis between RE and NERD . Key words: Esophagitis, peptic; Gastroesophageal reflux; Disease attributes