Recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract

Aim . Current recommendations of the Russian Gastroenterological Association are developed to acquaint medical practitioners with modern diagnostics, treatment and trends in rational drug therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). General provisions . Incidence rate of GERD in the Russian Federation varies from 11.3 to 23.6%. GERD is diagnosed with medical history and laboratory examination evidence. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) allows detection of reflux esophagitis of various severity and cylindrical epithelial metaplasia of esophagus. The refractory form of disease (lack of conclusive clinical and endoscopic remission during 4-8 weeks of standard-dose PPI therapy), presence of strictures and Barrett's esophagus require EGDS with esophageal biopsy and bioptic histological examination. Patients should be conclusively performed esophageal 24-hour pH-metry or pH-impedance monitoring, high-resolution manometry to thoroughly examine functionality of esophagus, esophagogastric junction and assess disease prognosis and therapy outcomes. Treatment of GERD should be personalised accounting for clinical manifestations and severity, as well as aimed at symptom improvement, lesion healing in erosive esophagitis, averting complications, Barrett's esophagus progression, dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are most effective agents in primary (4-8 weeks) and maintenance anti-GERD therapy. Antacids are recommended in monotherapy for occasional nonerosive heartburn and complex anti-GERD settings for fast symptom improvement. Prokinetics can be used in combination with PPIs for their properties to recover normal functionality of esophagus through affecting pathogenetic mechanisms of GERD. Complicated patients (repeated bleedings, peptic esophageal strictures) are recommended anti-reflux surgery with prior examination of esophageal functionality using pH-impedance and high-resolution manometry. Conclusion . Current recommendations provide an up-to-date evidential medicial review of GERD and guidelines to advance special medical care and timely preventive measures.