Clinical and pathogenic evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gastro-esophageal reflux disease co-morbidity

Abstract

Summary. The aim of this work was to study clinical peculiarities of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pathogenic relationships of this co-morbidity. We examined 64 patients with COPD. Additionally to clinical examination, we performed esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS), intraesophageal and intragastric pH-metry, investigated oxidation status, blood oxygen saturation using pulse oxymetry and hormonal status of patients. Results showed that the majority of patients (84.3 %) coughed after eating, in supine position and at night. Endoscopic examination revealed GERD signs in 53 patients (82.8 %). Gastric hyperacidity was found in 56 patients (87.5 %). Changes in intraesophageal pH were dependent on severity of COPD. We revealed correlations between malone dialdehyde concentration and oxygen saturation and severity of COPD. Pathogenic relationships found confirmed a role of hormones in co-morbidity of COPD and GERD. Our study results suggest that changes in lipid peroxidation and hormone status indicate a presence of common pathogenic factors in concomitant course of GERD and COPD.