24-h Esophageal pH Monitoring Research Articles

Exploring objective factors to predict successful outcomes after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Currently, the reported parameters that predict the resolution of symptoms after surgery are largely subjective and unreliable. Considering that fundoplication rebuilds the structural integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the authors focused on searching for objective and quantitative predictors for the resolution of symptoms based on the anatomical issues and whether an antireflux barrier can be well established or not. The authors reviewed the prospectively collected data of 266 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who had undergone laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). All patients were diagnosed with GERD using preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 24-h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. The patients received GERD symptom surveys using the validated Korean Antireflux Surgery Group questionnaire twice: preoperatively and 3 months after the surgery. After excluding patients with insufficient follow-up data, 152 patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that a longer length of the LES and lower BMI determined better resolution of typical symptoms after LNF (all P <0.05). Regarding atypical symptoms, higher resting pressure of LES and DeMeester score greater than or equal to 14.7 were associated with better resolution after the surgery (all P <0.05). After LNF, typical symptoms improved in 34 out of 37 patients (91.9%) with a length of LES >greater than .05cm, BMI less than 23.67kg/m 2 , and atypical symptoms were resolved in 16 out of 19 patients (84.2%) with resting pressure of LES greater than or equal to 19.65mmHg, DeMeester score greater than or equal to 14.7. These results show that the preoperative length and resting pressure of LES is important in the objective prediction of symptom improvement after LNF.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on esophageal motility, esophageal acid exposure, and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.

The effects of Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are yet to be fully elucidated. Few studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying the correlations between HP and GERD with prospective methods. The objective of this prospective clinical study was to explore the effects of HP eradication on GERD. Patients diagnosed with both GERD and HP were included. High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) were performed before and after the successful eradication of HP, and the data were compared using statistical analysis. Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with both GERD and HP were included. The After HP eradication group showed significantly decreased median distal contractile integral (DCI) [610.40 (847.45) vs. 444.90 (559.60)] and significantly increased median inefficient esophageal motility (IEM) [36.00 (50.00) vs. 60.00 (57.00)] in the HRM compared with those of the Before HP eradication group, indicating that HP eradication reduced esophageal peristalsis. The 24-h esophageal pH monitoring showed that the longest reflux event, the percentage of time that the pH was <4, the number of reflux episodes, and the DeMeester score were all significantly different between the Before and After HP eradication groups (P < 0.05), suggesting that HP eradication increased esophageal acid exposure. The After HP eradication group also had a significantly higher GerdQ score than that of the Before HP eradication group (P < 0.05). HP eradication reduced esophageal peristalsis, enhanced esophageal acid exposure, and aggravated GERD symptoms, suggesting that HP infection may be a protective factor for GERD.

Hypercontractile esophagus responsive to potassium-competitive acid blockers: a case report

BackgroundHypercontractile esophagus is a rare hypercontractile esophageal motility disorder. The etiology of hypercontractile esophagus is unknown but an association between acid reflux and hypercontractile esophagus has been suggested. We present the first report on the use of potassium-competitive acid blockers in the treatment of hypercontractile esophagus.Case presentationA 43-year-old man presented with dysphagia, chest pain and regurgitation for a period of 1 year. Initial workup showed a twisted lumen with abnormal contractions in the distal esophagus during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abnormal acid exposure under 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. The use of standard-dose proton pump inhibitors didn’t relieve his symptoms. Subsequent high-resolution esophageal manometry made a diagnosis of hypercontractile esophagus. Treatment with vonoprazan resulted in symptomatic resolution and abnormal contractions were no longer detected on follow-up high-resolution manometry.ConclusionsPotassium-competitive acid blockers like vonoprazan offer an alternative therapeutic method for patients with hypercontractile esophagus who are refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy. The use of potassium-competitive acid blockers in hypercontractile esophagus warrants further research and may provide evidence for an acid-related etiology of hypercontractile esophagus.

A Case Report of a Young Patient with Dysphagia: Eosinophillic Esophagitis, Achalasia or Atypical course of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ?

A 19 years old female patient presented with symptoms of dysphagia, esophageal retention and radiologic and endoscopic suspicion of esophageal stricture and achalasia in one other institution. After extensive diagnostic procedure including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with narrow-band imaging and histology of esophageal mucosa, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thorax and abdomen, the 24h esophageal impedance pH monitoring and esophageal high-resolution monitoring. We have excluced eosinophilic oesophagitis and achalasia, indicating to the atypical course of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The patient underwent the intense and combined pharmacologic (PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) and endoscopic (repeated ballon-dilatation of of esophagogastric junction stricture) therapy, over a period of two years. With this combined and long-lasting therapy, the patient significantly improved, clinically. The esophageal peristaltic activity was also recovered, thus incompletely. The patient remained well and gaining weight with minimal symptoms of dysphagia to solids, occasionally. In presented case of a young female patient, we witnessed the overlapping nature of different criteria denoting the distinct entities, linked to esophageal dysphagia and esophageal motility disorder, such as achalasia, eosinophilic oesophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The complex diagnostic approach, including esophageal functional testing pointed to the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as to underlying condition for this complex clinical situation. The combined therapeutic approach, including antisecretory agents and repeatied balloon dilatations led to significant clinical improvement.

The Impact of Sleeve Gastrectomy on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Morbid Obesity.

The impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been widely quantified, and the data in the literature remain controversial. Candidates for LSG underwent barium swallow, esophageal manometry, ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring (APM), and gastric emptying scintigraphy before and after surgery (1 and 18months). Symptoms were evaluated using a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDq). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed preoperatively in all patients and at 18months postoperatively in patients who had suffered from preoperative esophagitis. Fifty-two patients were included in the study (64.4% women and 34.6% men) with a median age of 46years (25-63years) and BMI of 45.0 ± 5.6kg/m2. The follow-up rates at 1 and 18months were 82.7% and 80.8%. At 18months, the percentage of weight loss (%TWL) was 33.6 ± 10.4% and the percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) was 77.6 ± 25%. Postoperatively, a significant increase in accelerated gastric emptying and impaired esophageal body motility occurred at 1 and 18months. A significant worsening of all the values obtained at both 1 and 18months postoperatively becomes evident when comparing the results of the APM. After surgery, 76.4% of patients had developed "de novo" GERD at 1month and 41% at 18months. No improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD. Based on the results of this study, LSG led to a considerable rate of postoperative "de novo" GERD. In addition, no improvement was found in patients with symptomatic GERD.

Relationship Among Helicobacter Pylori, Lower Esophagus Sphincter Pressure, and Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Single-Center Experience.

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship among lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), Helicobacter pylori (Hp), and gastroesophageal reflux (GER).MethodsThe retrospective study included patients with isolated hypertensive or hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) who underwent esophageal manometry in our gastroenterology motility laboratory and had normal manometry results. Demographic characteristics, complaints on admission, upper endoscopy findings, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring results, and presence of Hp in gastric biopsy were evaluated.ResultsA total of 1226 patients were included in the study, among whom women comprised 54% of all patients. Mean age was 45.4±13.4 years. Most common presenting complaint was pyrosis (85.4%). Pathological reflux was detected in 61.4% of the patients in 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Reflux esophagitis was detected in 22.9% and LES laxity was present in 17.4% of the patients. In gastric biopsy, Hp was positive in 40% of the patients. The age of patients with hypertensive LES was significantly higher and female gender and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hypertensive LES. Pyrosis was significantly less prevalent in patients with hypertensive LESP. Esophagitis and LES laxity were significantly more prevalent in patients with hypotensive LES. No significant difference was found among the three groups with regard to reflux and Hp positivity. No significant difference was found between Hp-positive and Hp-negative groups with regard to reflux and reflux esophagitis.ConclusionNo clear relationship was found among LES disorders, GER, and Hp. Moreover, no significant difference was found among LES disorders with regard to GER, while the presence of hypotensive LESP, rather than Hp, was found to be an important factor in the development of reflux esophagitis.

Do Preoperative Esophageal pH Monitoring and High-Resolution Manometry Predict Symptoms of GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Predictive factors of evolution or appearance of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) have not been identified to date. We aimed to assess the evolution of GERD symptoms 1 year after SG and to determine preoperative predictive factors using high-resolution manometry (HRM) and ambulatory 24-h esophageal pH monitoring (APM). We included 160 patients who underwent SG between 2013 and 2017 and performed preoperative APM and HRM. Positive APM was defined according to the Lyon consensus. Symptoms of GERD, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use, weight loss (WL), and diet were recorded in all patients before and 1 year after surgery. One year after surgery, 58 patients (36.3%) complained of GERD symptoms compared to 52 patients (32.5%) preoperatively (p=0.48). Among patients with preoperative GERD symptoms, only 26/52 patients (50%) still had symptoms, whereas 32/108 (29.6%) asymptomatic patients developed de novo GERD symptoms after surgery. PPI use increased after surgery reaching 36.9% of patients against 15.0% before (p<0.0001). Only preoperative symptoms of GERD were predictive of postoperative symptoms (OR= 2.47 [1.14-5.45]; p=0.023) in multivariate analysis. Preoperative manometric parameters, postoperative diet, and WL were not related to postoperative symptoms. In asymptomatic patients before surgery, silent GERD (positive APM without symptom) was predictive of postoperative GERD symptoms (OR=2.69 [1.00-7.25]; p=0.049). Evolution of GERD symptoms after SG reveals improvement for half of the patients and de novo GERD symptoms in one-third of patients. Predictive factors of postoperative symptoms are preoperative symptoms and positive preoperative APM in asymptomatic patients.

Surgical resection of esophagogastric junction stromal tumor: How to protect the cardiac function.

BACKGROUNDVarious surgical procedures have been described for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) close to the Z-line. However, surgery for EGJ-GIST involving Z-line has been rarely reported. AIMTo introduce a novel technique called conformal resection (CR) for open resection of EGJ-GIST involving Z-line.METHODSIn this retrospective study, 43 patients having GISTs involving Z-line were included. The perioperative outcomes of patients receiving CR (n = 18) was compared with that of proximal gastrectomy (PG) (n = 25).RESULTSCR was successfully performed in all the patients with negative microscopic margins. The mean operative time, time to first passage of flatus, and postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the CR group (P < 0.05), while the intraoperative blood loss was similar in the two groups. The postoperative gastroesophageal reflux as diagnosed by esophageal 24-h pH monitoring and quality of life at 3 mo were significantly in favor of CR compared to PG (both P < 0.001). The 5-year disease-free survival between the two groups was similar (P = 0.163). The cut- off value for the determination of CR or PG was 7.0 mm above the Z-line (83.33% sensitivity, 84.00% specificity, 83.72% accuracy). CONCLUSIONCR is safe and feasible for EGJ-GIST located within 7.0 mm above the Z-line.

Diagnostic accuracy of multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring for gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough

Objectives:To elucidate the accuracy and advantages of Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux-induced chronic cough (GERC).Methods:The patients with suspected GERC were recruited and underwent MII-pH, GERC was confirmed by subsequent anti-reflux treatment despite the findings of MII-pH. Its diagnostic accuracy in identifying GERC were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and compared with that of 24-h esophageal pH monitoring.Results:Among 158 patients completing both MII-pH and anti-reflux therapy, GERC was diagnosed in 136 patients, including acid GERC in 96 patients (70.6%), non-acid GERC in 30 patients (22.0%), neither one of both GERC in 10 patients (7.4%). For the identification of GERC, MII-pH presented with the sensitivity of 92.6%, specificity of 63.6%, positive predictive value of 94.0%, negative predictive value of 58.3% and area under ROC curve of 0.863, which was totally superior to 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. As the essential criteria of MII-pH, esophageal acid exposure time and symptom associated probability had a limited diagnostic value when used alone, but improved greatly the diagnostic yield when used in combination, even with a suboptimal efficacy.Conclusion:MII-pH is a more sensitive test for identifying GERC, but with a suboptimal diagnostic efficacy.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy procedures.

The increased intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic surgical procedures was reported to be a factor in the development of gastroesophageal reflux. This study evaluated the presence of gastroesophageal reflux and associated factors using 24-h pH monitoring in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Children who underwent laparoscopic surgery for presumed acute appendicitis between June 2017 and June 2018 were included in the study. After pre-operative endotracheal intubation, pH catheters were placed for 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Relationships between gastroesophageal reflux and procedure time, pre-operative fasting time, age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. A total of 60 pediatric patients were included in the study. Their mean (SD) age was 11.82 (3.71) years (range, 4-17 years). The mean (SD) body weight was 41.27 (16.72) kg (range, 15-90 kg) and the mean (SD) BMI were 17.96 (4.37). The mean pre-operative fasting time was 15.52 (12.1) h, while the mean operative time was 38.42 (17.96) min. Lower age and weight were significantly associated with the presence of post-operative gastroesophageal reflux (p<0.05). Mean procedure time, mean pre-operative fasting time, and BMI were not significantly associated with intra- or post-operative gastroesophageal reflux (p>0.05). The lack of a significant relationship between mean procedure time and gastroesophageal reflux suggests that the mean duration of the laparoscopic procedures performed in this study is safe in terms of gastroesophageal reflux. The results also indicate that young age and low weight should be considered risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

The concatenation of association between gastroesophageal reflux and obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy

ObjectivesGastroesophageal reflux (GER) is frequently seen in patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, the sequential association between GER and adenotonsillar hypertrophy is unknown. This leads to unpredictable outcomes while treating patients of adenotonsillar hypertrophy with GER. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of GER and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in paediatric patients with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy (OATH), and to assess the effect of adenotonsillectomy (AT) on GER as well as GERD. MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, consecutive pediatric patients with grade III/IV hypertrophy of adenoid or/and tonsillar tissue who were planned for AT were recruited after excluding comorbidities predisposing to GER. Symptoms of GERD using Gastro Esophageal Reflux Questionnaire for Young Children (GERQ-YC) and Reflux Indices (RI) obtained from 24-h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring were evaluated in all patients pre-operatively and 12 weeks following AT. ResultsA total of 49 patients with OATH with average age of 6 years were included in this study. With a RI of >4.3% as the threshold for making the diagnosis of GER on esophageal pH monitoring, the prevalence of GER was 20.4%. The average RI preoperatively was 15.7% which reduced to 1.7% following AT (p = 0.004). Among the 10 patients with preoperative GER, 80% of the patients had no evidence of GER after surgery. New incidences of GER was not observed post operatively in this cohort. As per the GER symptom scoring system, 31% of the parents reported GERD pre-operatively which resolved completely in all patients following surgery. Conclusions– In this study, the prevalence of GER proven by 24 h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is 20% in pediatric patients with OATH. Following AT, GER resolved in 80% of cases and was reduced substantially in the remaining cases in the subset of patients with pre-operative GER. The symptoms of GERD based on parents' recall of child's previous symptoms may not accurately represent presence of GER. Our results suggest that OATH can result in GER due to increased negative intra-thoracic pressure as a result of breathing against an obstructed upper airway and hence, GER subsides following surgical removal of the obstructive pathology. To establish this concatenational association of OATH and GER, larger studies are mandated.

Postprandial proximal gastric acid pocket and its association with gastroesophageal acid reflux in patients with short-segment Barrett's esophagus.

To determine the characteristics of postprandial proximal gastric acid pockets (PPGAPs) and their association with gastroesophageal acid reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). Fifteen patients with BE (defined by columnar lined esophagus of ≥1 cm) and 15 healthy individuals that were matched for age, gender, and body mass index, were recruited. The fasting intragastric pH and the appearance time, length, lowest pH, and mean pH of the PPGAP were determined using a single pH electrode pull-through experiment. For BE patients, a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was completed and esophageal 24-h pH monitoring was carried out. The PPGAP was significantly longer (5 (3, 5) cm vs. 2 (1, 2) cm) and the lowest pH (1.1 (0.8, 1.5) vs. 1.6 (1.4, 1.9)) was significantly lower in patients with short-segment BE than in healthy individuals. The PPGAP started to appear proximally from the gastroesophageal pH step-up point to the esophageal lumen. The acidity of the PPGAP was higher in the distal segment than in the proximal segment. In short-segment BE patients, there were significant correlations between the acidity and the appearance time and length of the PPGAP. The length and acidity of the PPGAP were positively associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux episodes. The acidity of the PPGAP was associated with the DeMeester scores, the GerdQ scores, and the fasting intragastric pH. In patients with short-segment BE, a PPGAP is commonly seen. Its length and acidity of PPGAP are associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux, the DeMeester score, and the GerdQ score in patients with short-segment BE.

Efficacy of antireflux surgery in children with or without neurological impairment: a systematic review.

Antireflux surgery is commonly performed in children, yet evidence for its efficacy is limited. The aim of this review was to determine the effect of antireflux surgery with regard to objective measures of quality of life (QoL) and value of upper gastrointestinal investigations in neurologically normal (NN) and neurologically impaired (NI) children. A systematic review was conducted of articles reporting children undergoing antireflux surgery in whom preoperative and postoperative objective testing was performed. Primarily, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PubMed were searched from inception to April 2019. Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria were used to assess article quality. Of 789 articles, 14 met the eligibility criteria, 12 prospective observational and 2 retrospective studies. The median MINORS score was 59·4 (i.q.r. 39 to 62·5) per cent. Seven studies reported assessment of validated QoL measures before and after antireflux surgery in 148 children. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 180 months. All studies confirmed significant improvements in QoL measures among NN and NI children at all follow-up points. Eleven studies reported on preoperative and postoperative investigations in between 416 and 440 children children. Follow-up ranged from 0·5 to 180 months. Nine studies confirmed improvements in gastro-oesophageal reflux using 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring with or without manometry, but conflicting results were identified for four studies reporting gastric emptying. No studies reported fluoroscopy or endoscopy adequately. Based on the results of studies of low-to-moderate quality, antireflux surgery improved QoL and reduced oesophageal acid exposure in NN and NI children in the short and medium term. Although antireflux surgery is a common elective operation, the lack of rigorous preoperative and postoperative evaluation(s) in the majority of patient-reported studies is striking.

Clinical outcomes of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough following antireflux fundoplication.

Despite the effectiveness of antireflux fundoplication for typical gastroesophageal reflux disease, outcomes regarding surgical therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough are currently unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether antireflux surgery for patients with chronic cough is effective, and to assess the correlation between indexes, such as symptom index and symptom association probability, and response to surgery. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database from a 3-site institution from 2013 to 2017. Of 1149 patients who underwent antireflux surgery, 41 presented with chronic cough as a main symptom related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. Preoperatively, patients underwent a symptom assessment, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, esophageal 24-h pH monitoring, and manometry. Patients were followed up at 6weeks and 12months post-surgery. Thirty-three (80.5%) patients underwent Nissen fundoplication, while 8 (19.5%) underwent Toupet fundoplication. Isolated chronic cough was present in 8 (19.5%) patients, and median (range) DeMeester score was 28.9 (0.3-96.7). After 12-month follow-up, chronic cough was absent in 28 (68.3%) patients (P = .02). Typical reflux symptoms responded well to surgery, but response was not optimal. Postoperative dysphagia and atypical reflux symptoms were slightly worse on long-term follow-up; however, differences were not significant (P ≥ .2). When examining how the different symptom indexes correlated with complete, partial, or no response in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease-related cough, there was no notable agreement on predicted response to surgery. Antireflux surgery, although less predictable, is effective for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough.

Indications of 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, capsule pH monitoring, combined pH monitoring with multichannel impedance, esophageal manometry, radiology and scintigraphy in gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is an essential method in patients exhibiting signs of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) to make an objective diagnosis. Intra-esophageal pH monitoring is important in patients who are non-responsive to medications and in those with extraesophageal symptoms, particularly in NERD, before surgical interventions. With the help of the wireless capsule pH monitoring, measurements can be made under more physiological conditions as well as longer recordings can be performed because the investigation can be better tolerated by patients. Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring can be detected within normal limits in 17%-31.4% of the patients with endoscopic esophagitis; therefore, normal pH monitoring cannot exclude the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Multi-channel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH) technology have been developed and currently the most sensitive tool to evaluate patients with both typical and atypical reflux symptoms. The sensitivity of a pH catheter test is 58% for the detection of acid reflux compared with MII-pH monitoring; further, its sensitivity is 28% for the detection of weak acid reflux compared with MII-pH monitoring. By adding impedance to pH catheter in patients with reflux symptoms, particularly in those receiving PPIs, it has been demonstrated that higher rates of diagnoses and symptom analyses can be obtained than those using only pH catheter. Esophageal manometry is used in the evaluation of patients with functional dysphagia and unexplained noncardiac chest pain and prior to antireflux surgery. The use of esophageal manometry is suitable for the detection of esophageal motor patterns and extreme motor abnormalities (e.g., achalasia and extreme hypomotility). Esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring are often used in assessments prior to laparoscopic antireflux surgery and in patients with reflux symptoms refractory to medical treatment. Although the esophageal motility is predominantly normal in patients with non-acid reflux, ineffective esophageal motility is often monitored in patients with acid reflux. In the literature, there are contradictory and an insufficient number of studies regarding radiological methods for the diagnosis of GERD. There are inconsistent values for sensitivity and specificity among the barium studies. There are inadequate studies in the literature involving scintigraphic examinations in the diagnosis of GERD, and a majority of existing studies have been conducted in the pediatric group. The results of a few studies do not provide sufficient contribution toward the implementation in clinical practice.

Evaluation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in wheezy infants using 24-h oesophageal combined impedance and pH monitoring

Background and study aimsGastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is incriminated as a cause of non-asthmatic infantile wheeze. To date, no diagnostic test is considered standard for GERD-related airway reflux diagnosis. Oesophageal combined multiple channel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is proposed to be a sensitive tool for evaluation of all GERD including infantile wheeze. We aimed to determine the GERD prevalence amongst wheezy infants in the first year of life using combined MII-pH versus pH monitoring alone and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of objective MII-pH monitoring parameters in GERD-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis compared to those of lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI). Patients and methodsThirty-eight wheezy infants below 1year of age were evaluated for GERD using oesophageal combined MII-pH monitoring and LLMI. ResultsTotally, 60.5% of cases had abnormal MII-pH; only 7.9% of them had abnormal pH monitoring. LLMI was significantly higher in wheezy infants with abnormal MII-pH than infants with normal MII-pH monitoring (112±88 versus 70±48; P=0.036). The current definitions of abnormal MII-pH study, reflux index≥10% and distal reflux episodes≥100, had low sensitivity (23%) but high specificity (100% and 96%, respectively) in GERD-related aspiration diagnosis defined by LLMI≥100. Using ROC curves, bolus contact time≥2.4% and proximal reflux episodes≥46 had 61% and 54% sensitivity and 64% and 76% specificity, respectively, in GERD-related aspiration diagnosis. ConclusionCombined MII-pH is superior to pH monitoring in reflux-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis. Objective data including proximal reflux episodes and bolus contact time should be combined with the current parameters used in reflux-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis.

Ambulatory 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and high resolution endoscopy distinguish patients with non-erosive reflux disease from those with functional heartburn.

AimsTo assess the contribution of 24-h esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring and high resolution endoscopy (HRE) with i-scan imaging in differentiating non erosive reflux disease (NERD) from functional heartburn (FH).MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients with heartburn from the Endoscopy Unit. NERD patients and FH patients were defined by 24-h MII-pH monitoring and white light endoscopy. Minimal mucosal changes were assessed by HRE with i-scan imaging.ResultsTotal of 156 consecutive patients with heartburn but without esophageal mucosal erosions were studied. Forty-eight of these subjects had NERD, with increased acid exposure time (AET) and positive SAP and/or SI. Eighteen had FH with normal AET and negative SAP and SI. When compared to FH patients and healthy controls, NERD patients had significantly increased number of total acid reflux episodes, as well as increased number of weakly acidic reflux episodes (p<0.01). The rate of proximal reflux episodes in NERD patients was higher than that of FH patients and healthy controls (p<0.01). Irregular or blurring of the Z-line (58.3%) and white mucosal turbidity (47.9%) were the most common endoscopic findings of minimal mucosal changes observed in this study. NERD patients had more prevalent minimal changes than FH patients and the controls (87.5%vs. 66.6%vs. 61.9%; p = 0.004) with sensitivity of 87.5%. Histopathological evaluation showed that NERD patients had significantly higher average scores of intercellular spaces dilation (2.82±0.9 vs. 1.2±0.6, p = 0.005) and papillae elongation (2.65±1.0 vs. 1.5±0.8, p = 0.014), but not for basal cell proliferation (1.6±1.3 vs. 1.0±0.9, p = 0.070). The histological scores of the NERD patients were 7.1±1.2, which were higher than those of FH patients (3.4±1.0, p = 0.004).ConclusionsMinimal mucosal changes could be useful markers to support clinical diagnosis of NERD. Combination of 24-h MII-pH monitoring and i-scan high resolution endoscopy can distinguish patients with NERD from those with FH.

The Physiology and Pathophysiology of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Patients with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band.

The effect of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) on esophageal acid exposure and reflux is poorly understood. Optimal technique and normative values for acid exposure have not been established in this group. High-resolution manometry (HRM) and 24-h ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring were performed in three groups: asymptomatic LAGB, symptomatic LAGB, and pre-operative reflux patients. This technique utilized intraluminal pressure signatures during HRM to guide accurate pH sensor placement. The LAGB groups were well matched: age 48 vs 51years (p=0.249), weight loss 27.3 vs 26.7kg (p=0.911). The symptomatic group had a larger gastric pouch (5.2 vs 3.3cm, p=0.012), with higher esophageal acid exposure (10.8 vs 0.9%, p<0.001). Two acidification patterns were observed: irritant and volume acidification, associated with substantial supine acidification. Symptomatic LAGB had altered esophageal motility, with poorer lower esophageal sphincter basal tone (8.0 vs 17.7mmHg, p=0.022) and impaired contractility of the lower esophageal segment (90 vs 40%, p=0.009). Compared to pre-operative reflux patients, symptomatic LAGB patients demonstrated higher total and supine esophageal acid exposure (10.8 vs 7.0%, p=0.010; 14.9 vs 5.1%, p<0.001), less symptoms (2 vs 6, p=0.001) and lower symptom index (0.7 vs 0.9, p=0.010). Ambulatory pH monitoring is an effective technique if the pH sensor is positioned appropriately using HRM. The correctly positioned LAGB appears associated with low esophageal acidification. In contrast, patients with symptoms or pouch dilatation can have markedly elevated esophageal acidification, particularly when supine. This is a different pattern compared to pre-operative patients and importantly can be disproportionate to symptoms.

Mucosal perforation during laparoscopic surgery for achalasia: impact of preoperative pneumatic balloon dilation.

Controversy remains whether preoperative pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD) influences the surgical outcome of laparoscopic esophagocardiomyotomy in patients with esophageal achalasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether preoperative PBD represents a risk factor for surgical complications and affects the symptomatic and/or functional outcomes of laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHD). A retrospective chart review was conducted on a prospectively compiled surgical database of 103 consecutive patients with esophageal achalasia who underwent LHD from November 1994 to September 2014. The following data were compared between the patients with preoperative PBD (PBD group; n=26) and without PBD (non-PBD group; n=77): (1) patients' demographics: age, gender, body mass index, duration of symptoms, maximum transverse diameter of esophagus; (2) operative findings: operating time, blood loss, intraoperative complications; (3) postoperative course: complications, clinical symptoms, postoperative treatment; and (4) esophageal functional tests: preoperative and postoperative manometric data and postoperative profile of 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. (1) No significant differences were observed in the patients' demographics. (2) Operative findings were similar between the two groups; however, the incidence of mucosal perforation was significantly higher in the PBD group (n=8; 30.7%) compared to the non-PBD group (n=6; 7.7%) (p=0.005). (3) Postoperative complications were not encountered in either group. The differences were not significant for postoperative clinical symptoms, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or necessity of postoperative treatments. (4) Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was effectively reduced in both groups, and no differences were observed in manometric data or 24-h pH monitoring profiles between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative PBD and the maximum transverse diameter of esophagus were significantly associated with intraoperative mucosal perforation. Although postoperative outcomes were not affected, additional caution is recommended in identifying intraoperative mucosal perforation in patients with preoperative PBD when performing LHD.

Simple versus reinforced cruroplasty in patients submitted to concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: prospective evaluation in a bariatric center of excellence.

Crural closure in addition to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) represents a valuable option for the synchronous management of morbid obesity and hiatal defects, providing good outcomes in terms of weight loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms control. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the reinforced cruroplasty during LSG compared with a concurrent group of simple cruroplasty. The study groups included 96 morbidly obese patients who underwent simultaneous LSG and cruroplasty. Group A: 48 patients with hiatal areal defect <4cm(2) and normal pillars (simple posterior cruroplasty); group B: 48 patients with hiatal areal defect >4 and <8cm(2) with weakness of the right pillar (on-lay synthetic absorbable mesh-reinforced cruroplasty). Upper GI symptoms were assessed by Roma III standard questionnaire. Endoscopy, imaging, esophageal 24-h pH monitoring and HR manometry were performed in cases of persistent or recurrent symptoms after surgery. Mortality rate was nil. The conversion rate to open was 1%. Intra-operative diagnosis of hiatal hernia occured in 41 patients (42.7%). Mesh-related complications were none. Perioperative complications occurred in four patients (4.1%). After 19- to 21-month follow-up, GERD symptom remission occurred in 89% of patients. GERD symptoms were detected postoperatively in eight patients: six in group A (five symptomatic and radiological recurrences and one persistent) and two in group B (one persistent and one de novo GERD) (P<0.05). The synthetic absorbable mesh offers an effective option for crural repair during LSG with no clinical recurrences at 19months. The midterm results of this prospective comparative study evaluating two different technical options for cruroplasty confirm that the simultaneous procedures are safe and cruroplasty is effective in mild-to-moderate GERD control .