Esophageal Acid Exposure Research Articles

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: Short Versus Long Esophageal Myotomy for Achalasia Cardia: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial.

The appropriate length of esophageal myotomy in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia cardia remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcome of short (≤3cm) and long (≥6cm) esophageal myotomy in patients with type I and II achalasia cardia. This single-blinded, randomized controlled noninferiority trial was conducted at a tertiary center between July 2021 and December 2021. Patients with achalasia types I and II were randomized into short (≤3cm) and long (≥6cm) esophageal myotomy groups. The primary outcome of the study was clinical success (Eckardt score ≤3) 1 year after the procedure. The secondary outcomes included a comparison of technical success, operating duration, occurrence of intraoperative adverse events, alterations in integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), change in barium column height after 5 minutes (1mo), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (3mo) between the groups. Fifty-four patients were randomized into the short (n=27) or long (n=27) esophageal myotomy groups. Technical success rates were 100% (27/27) and 96.3% (26/27) in short myotomy (SM) and long myotomy (LM) groups, respectively. The clinical success rates were 96.3% (26/27) and 96.2% (25/26) in the SM and LM groups, respectively ( P =0.998). The mean (±SD) length of the esophageal myotomy was 2.75±0.36cm in the SM and 6.69±1.35cm in the LM groups ( P <0.001). The mean (±SD) procedure time for the SM and LM groups was 61.22±8.44 and 82.42±14.70 minutes ( P <0.001), respectively. The mean integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), Eckardt score, adverse events, reflux esophagitis, symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease, and esophageal acid exposure (>6%) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups following POEM treatment. Short myotomy is noninferior to long myotomy in terms of clinical success, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intraoperative adverse events at the short-term follow-up ( P >0.05). Short myotomy resulted in a reduced operative time ( P <0.05).

234. EFFECTS OF TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SYSTEM ON HEARTBURN, REGURGITATION AND ESOPHAGEAL ACID EXPOSURE IN GERD PATIENTS

Abstract Background Chronic PPI treatment in GERD is associated with high failure rate and concerns regarding PPI's side effects. In a previously published proof of concept study, a non-pharmacological, non-invasive transcutaneous, electrical stimulation system, reduced esophageal acid exposure in GERD patients unresponsive to standard dose PPI. However, in that study, a symptomatic response to electrical stimulation was not assessed. Aim To determine the effect of a transcutaneous electrical stimulation system (TESS) on symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) and the percentage of esophageal acid exposure time in GERD patients. Methods Patients suffering from heartburn and regurgitation were recruited into this multicenter study. The first phase of this study was a one week, run-in period, off-PPI's, during which, patients completed symptoms diaries and demographic questionnaires. Thereafter, all patients underwent upper endoscopy with subsequently wireless esophageal pH capsule placement (off PPI). Based on pH analysis in the first 24-hours, (day 0) only those with increased acid exposure time (percent total time pH &amp;lt;4 above 6%) continued to the next phase. During phase two of the study, patients were treated for two weeks with TESS and documented their symptoms. Primary end points included the reduction of baseline (pretreatment) number of heartburn and regurgitation episodes as well as 24-hour percent total time pH &amp;lt;4 and/or DeMeester score by at least 50%. Results 26 GERD patients (16 male, aged 47±15 years, mean BMI 25±3 kg/m2) completed the study. At baseline, mean number of daily heartburn and regurgitation events was 2.41±0.36 and 1.38±0.35, respectively. Following TESS, mean number of daily heartburn and regurgitation events dropped to 0.69±0.16 and 0.31±0.19, respectively (p=0.01). At baseline, mean percent total time pH &amp;lt; 4 was 11.8±0.9. Following TESS, mean percent total time pH &amp;lt; 4 dropped to 7.3±0.8, 7.8±1.0, 6.7±1.1 and 5.0±0.7 for day 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (p=0.01). At baseline, mean DeMeester score was 31.4±2.1. Following TESS, mean DeMeester score dropped to 20.1±2.0, 20.4±2.5, 17.3±2.6 and 14.3±2.0 for day 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (p=0.01). Conclusions TESS is effective in reducing both symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation) and esophageal acid exposure time in GERD patients.

Comparison of Esophageal Dysmotility and Reflux Burden in Patients with Different Metabolic Obesity Phenotypes Based on High-Resolution Impedance Manometry and 24-h Impedance-pH

Introduction: The relationship between the metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype and the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and inefficient esophageal motility (IEM) is still unclear. Thus, we assessed the association between different metabolic obesity phenotypes and GERD and IEM using empirical data. Methods: We collected clinical and test data of 712 patients, including 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (24-h MII-pH) monitoring, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and endoscopy. We divided 567 individuals into four categories according to their metabolic obesity phenotype: metabolically unhealthy non-obesity (MUNO), metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO), metabolically healthy non-obesity (MHNO), and MHO. We compared differences in the 24-h MII-pH monitoring, HRM, and endoscopy findings among the four metabolic obesity phenotypes. Results: Patients with the MUNO, MHO, or MUO phenotype showed a greater risk of IEM and GERD (pathologic acid exposure time [AET] >6%) compared with patients with the MHNO phenotype. Regarding the HRM results, patients with the MHNO or MUNO phenotype had a lower integrated relaxation pressure, esophageal sphincter pressure, and esophagogastric junction contractile integral, and more ineffective swallows than patients with the MHO or MUO phenotype (p < 0.05). In terms of 24-h MII-pH, patients with the MHO or MUO phenotype had a higher total, upright, and supine AET; a higher total number of reflux episodes (TRs); and a lower mean nocturnal baseline impedance and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index compared with those with the MHNO or MUNO phenotype (all p < 0.05). Considering the odds ratio of 19.086 (95% confidence interval 6.170–59.044) for pathologic AET and 3.659 (95% confidence interval 1.647–8.130) for IEM, patients with the MUO phenotype had the greatest risk after adjusting for all confounding variables. Conclusion: Obesity and metabolic disorders increase the risk of GERD and IEM. Obesity has a greater impact on esophageal dysmotility and pathologic acid exposure than metabolic diseases.

Utility of Water Siphon Maneuver during Barium Esophagography in Diagnosis of Gastroesophageal Reflux

Background: The water siphon maneuver (WSM) is performed during barium swallow test (BST) to elicit gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in patients without identifiable spontaneous reflux. The objective of this study was to measure the correlation between WSM-induced reflux with pathologic GERD as determined by gold standard ambulatory pH testing. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive adult patients that underwent both BST with WSM and pH testing at our institution from 2015 to 2019 (n = 228). Pathologic GERD was defined as total esophageal acid exposure time &gt;6% on pH testing (Lyon consensus). Exclusion criteria included history of foregut procedures and pH testing on proton pump inhibitors. Correlation between WSM-induced reflux and GERD by pH testing was assessed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 116 patients were included. Pathologic GERD was diagnosed on 28.4% (n = 33) of pH tests while reflux was observed in 69.8% (n = 81) of WSM. There was no correlation between positive WSM and pH test-detected pathologic GERD ( P = .415). The sensitivity and specificity of WSM for GERD relative to pH testing were 63.6% and 27.7% while positive and negative predictive values were 25.9% and 65.7%, respectively. Accuracy of the WSM was consistently low across both wireless or impedance pH testing and for the entire cohort (n = 228). Conclusion: This is the largest study to date comparing WSM during BST to ambulatory pH testing in the evaluation of GERD. WSM has limited sensitivity and negative predictive value for pathologic GERD, and therefore cannot reliably confirm or discard this diagnosis.

The effectiveness and safety of the anti gastroesophageal reflux system in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a single center study of 23 cases

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of domestically produced magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Method: This study is a prospective cohort study. Patients with typical heartburn and reflux symptoms (at least partial response to proton pump inhibitors), abnormal esophageal acid exposure and normal esophageal peristalsis were included, prospectively in the Department of Gastroesophageal Surgery, Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center from June 2019 to September 2022. Patients with hiatal hernia >2 cm and severe esophagitis were excluded. The MSA was wrapped around the distal esophagus after esophageal hiatus repair by laparoscopy. A postoperative questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the relief of symptom, complications, the discontinuation rate of proton pump inhibitor, and surgical satisfaction. Gastroscopy, high-resolution esophageal pressure measurement, and pH value impedance monitoring were also reviewed. The pre- and postoperative rates were compared using the McNeinar χ2 test. Result: Currently, 23 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were enrolled and underwent MSA surgery. There were 20 males and 3 females, aged (M (IQR)) 48 (14) years (range: 25 to 64 years). All cases were successfully implanted with MSA. Subjective indicators were followed for 17 (18) months (range: 14 to 53 months), while objective indicators were followed for 17 (1) months (range: 12 to 23 months). The postoperative gastrointestinal and extraesophageal symptom scores showed a significant decrease compared to preoperative levels as follows: the degree of subjective relief of overall digestive symptoms was 90 (20)% (range:0~100%), the degree of subjective relief of overall respiratory symptoms was 100(10)% (range: 10%~100%), the overall satisfaction rate was 83% (19/23), the proton pump inhibitor discontinuation rate was 70% (16/23). The proportion of esophagitis has decreased from 44% (10/23) to 9% (2/23) (κ=0.169, P=0.039), The Hill grade of gastroesophageal valve morphology improved from 1 case of grade Ⅰ, 5 cases of grade Ⅱ, 10 cases of grade Ⅲ, and 7 cases of grade Ⅲ preoperative to 22, 1, 0, and 0 cases postoperative. The proportion of lower esophageal sphincter pressure below normal has decreased from 70% (16/23) to 35% (8/23) (κ=0.170, P=0.012). There were 21 patients who restored normal esophageal acid exposure. Eleven patients had mild long-term dysphagia, but it didn't affect their daily life. No postoperative device migration, erosion, or secondary surgical removal occurred. Conclusions: Laparoscopic implantation of the MSA device was safe and well tolerated. It can effectively control the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, reduce medication, restore normal cardia morphology and function, and esophageal acid exposure. The main postoperative complication was dysphagia, but it was relatively mild.

Comparative evaluation of single versus double leg raise maneuver in high-resolution esophageal manometry.

The straight leg raise (SLR) maneuver, often performed during esophageal manometry, requires patients to lift their leg(s) to augment intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Diverse techniques have been applied for SLR. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of SLR between single and double leg raises. During esophageal manometry, patients were asked to raise one leg, followed by elevating both legs. The efficacy of SLR for (1) detecting hiatal hernia, (2) increasing IAP, and (3) predicting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with intraesophageal pressure (IEP) was assessed. The value of change in impedance to indicate reflux during SLR in predicting esophageal acid exposure was investigated. The leg raise procedures were performed in 86 patients undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry. Both the single and double leg raises exhibited a higher hiatal hernia detection rate compared to the landmark (p = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Double leg raise was more effective in raising IAP by >50% compared to single leg raise (100% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.001), increasing yield by 53.6%. The change in IAP showed a positive correlation with the change in IEP during double leg raise (r = 0.31; p = 0.004), higher than that for single leg raise (r = 0.23; p = 0.03). Lower intraesophageal impedance during SLR was associated with AET > 6% with double leg raise (1.5 kΩ vs. 2.5 kΩ, p = 0.04). Our study demonstrates the efficacy of both single and double leg raise maneuvers during HREMI in increasing hiatal hernia detection and possible value in predicting GERD. The double leg raise resulted in a higher rate of effective increase in IAP, potentially enabling more patients to undergo effective SLR during HREMI.

Modified One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Following Sleeve Gastrectomy for Severe Reflux and Delayed Gastric Emptying: A Prospective Trial with Clinical and Physiological Outcome Measures.

Gastro-esophageal reflux (GORD) following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a central challenge, and precise indications for revisional surgery or the physiology have not been precisely defined. We aimed to determine whether OAGB performed for reflux post-SG (1) accelerates gastric emptying half-time, (2) reduces the frequency and severity of reflux events, and (3) improves reflux symptoms. We undertook a prospective trial (ACTRN12616001089426). There were 22 participants who underwent measurement before and after revisional surgery with 29 optimal SG (patients with optimal outcome from their primary surgery) as controls. All participants underwent a protocolized nuclear scintigraphy, 24-h pH monitoring, and gastroscopy and completed objective questionnaires. Trial patients were 90.9% female, age 44.4years. Conversion from SG to OAGB was at a median of 45.2 ± 19.6months. Scintigraphy showed an increased rate of gastric emptying post-OAGB 34 (IQR 14) vs 24 (IQR 10.3) min, p-value 0.008, with decreased number of reflux events post-prandially (39 (IQR 13) vs 26 (IQR 7), p-value 0.001). This data correlated with the pH analysis; total acid events substantially reduced post-OAGB 58.5 (IQR 88) vs 12 (IQR 9.4) events, p-value 0.017. Endoscopic findings indicated a reduction in incidence of bile stasis 72.7% vs 40.9% post-OAGB, p-value < 0.00010. Post-OAGB, patients experienced less frequent regurgitation (12 ± 4.1 vs. 5.5 ± 3, p-value 0.012) and reflux (37.1 ± 15.7 vs. 16.8 ± 12.6, p-value 0.003). We found OAGB is an effective treatment for reflux associated with delayed gastric emptying post-SG. The likely mechanisms is by, an increase in the rate of gastric clearance and reduced reflux events and overall esophageal acid exposure. This suggests that some forms of post-SG reflux are driven by slower emptying of the residual stomach and are amenable to treatment with drainage above the incisura.

A prediction model of abnormal acid reflux in gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The measurement of esophageal acid exposure time (AET) using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) tests is the gold standard for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, this catheter-based 24-h test can cause considerable patient discomfort. Our aim is to identify factors affecting AET and to develop a scoring model for predicting AET abnormalities before conducting the MII-pH test. Of the 366 patients who underwent MII-pH test at two facilities in Japan and Vietnam, 255 patients who also had esophagogastroduodenoscopy and high-resolution manometry were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using risk factors for AET>6% identified from a derivation cohort (n=109). A scoring system predicting AET>6% was then constructed and externally validated with a separate cohort (n=146). Three variables were derived from the prediction model: male gender, Hill grades III-IV, and weak mean distal contractile integrals. Based on these scores, patients were classified into low (0 point), intermediate (1-3 points), and high (4 points) risk groups. The probabilities of having an AET>6% were 6%, 34%, and 100% for these groups, respectively. A score of <1 excluded patients with abnormal AET, with a negative predictive value of 93.8% in the derivation cohort and 80.0% in the validation cohort. We derived and externally validated a prediction model for abnormal AET. This system could assist in guiding the appropriate treatment strategies for GERD.

Manometric esophagogastric junction barrier metrics as predictors of gastroesophageal reflux.

High-resolution manometry (HRM) tools, like esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI), assess EGJ barrier function. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between manometric EGJ metrics with esophageal acid exposure. We conducted a retrospective review of 284 patients who underwent HRM and ambulatory reflux testing between 11/2017-1/2020. EGJ-CI and total-EGJ-CI were manually calculated. Pathologic acid exposure was defined as pH < 4 with esophageal acid exposure time (EAET) exceeding 6.0%. Pearson's correlation, univariable and multivariable regression models were utilized to assess the relationships between pathologic acid exposure and EGJ parameters. Sensitivity and specificity thresholds for EGJ-CI and total EGJ-CI were optimized with ROC analyses. On univariable analysis, patients with pathologic acid exposure had increased odds of having lower mean basal LES pressures, EGJ-CI, and total EGJ-CI than patients without pathologic acid exposure. On multivariable analysis, age, EGJ-CI and mean DCI were significant predictors of pathologic acid exposure. There were significant, though weak, correlations between EAET and EGJ-CI and total EGJ-CI (r = - 0.18, - 0.19, p < 0.01, respectively). An EGJ-CI cutoff of 44.16 as a predictor for pathologic acid exposure had a sensitivity of 46% and specificity of 42% (AUC 0.60). Total EGJ-CI cutoff of 11,461.3 for pathologic acid exposure had a sensitivity of 44% and a specificity of 43% (AUC 0.62). EGJ-CI can independently predict pathologic acid exposure. However, the poor correlation between EGJ-CI and acid exposure, as well as the low sensitivity and specificity of calculated thresholds, indicate that mechanisms other than EGJ barrier function may impact acid exposure.

Mucosal impedance as a diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease: an update for clinicians.

Mucosal impedance is a marker of esophageal mucosal integrity and a novel technique for assessing esophageal function and pathology. This article highlights its development and clinical application for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, and eosinophilic esophagitis. A narrative review of key publications describing the development and use of mucosal impedance in clinical practice was conducted. A low mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) has been shown to be an independent predictor of response to anti-reflux therapy. MNBI predicts medication-responsive heartburn better than distal esophageal acid exposure time. Patients with equivocal evidence of GERD using conventional methods, with a low MNBI, had an improvement in symptoms following the initiation of PPI therapy compared to those with a normal MNBI. A similar trend was seen in a post fundoplication cohort. Strong clinical utility for the use of mucosal impedance in assessing eosinophilic esophagitis has been repeatedly demonstrated; however, there is minimal direction for application in Barrett's esophagus. The authors conclude that mucosal impedance has potential clinical utility for the assessment and diagnosis of GERD, particularly when conventional investigations have yielded equivocal results.

Efficacy of different endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundThere are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of different endoscopic therapies in GERD. MethodsFive databases were searched until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL), Stretta, endoscopic fundoplication (transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], endoscopic full-thickness plication [EFTP], and EndoCinch plication procedure [EndoCinch, CR BARD, Billerica, Mass., USA]), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/sham procedure for GERD. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 19 trials comprising 1181 patients were included. EBL (mean difference [MD], −7.75; 95% credible interval [CrI], −13.90 to −1.44), Stretta (MD, −9.86; 95% CrI, −19.05 to −0.58), and TIF (MD, −12.58; 95% CrI, −20.23 to −4.91) all significantly improved patients’ health-related quality of life score with equivalent efficacy compared with PPIs. TIF and EBL achieved equivalent efficacy in reducing PPIs utility (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.40–1.05) and both were significantly superior to other endoscopic interventions (Stretta, EFTP, and EndoCinch). Besides, EBL and TIF also could significantly decrease the esophagitis incidence compared with PPIs (EBL [RR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.22–0.48] and TIF [RR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.15–0.88]). In terms of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, only TIF could significantly increase the LES pressure (MD, 6.53; 95% CrI, 3.65–9.40) to PPIs. In contrast, TIF was inferior to PPIs in decreasing esophageal acid exposure (MD, 2.57; 95% CrI, 0.77–4.36). ConclusionCombining the evidence, EBL and TIF may have comparable efficacy and both might be superior to Stretta, EFTP, or EndoCinch in GERD treatment.

Correlation of the Endoscopic Gastroesophageal Flap Valve with Pathologic Reflux.

The Hill classification characterizes the geometry of gastroesophageal junction and Hill grades (HGs) III and IV have a high association with pathologic reflux. This study aimed to understand the use of the Hill classification and correlate the prevalence of pathologic reflux across different HGs. A retrospective review of 477 patients who underwent upper endoscopy and BRAVO pH monitoring between August 2018 and October 2021 was performed. These charts were reviewed for endoscopic findings for hiatal hernia and association of HGs with pathologic reflux, defined as an abnormal esophageal acid exposure time (AET) of ≥4.9%. Of 477 patients, 252 (52.8%) had an HG documented on the endoscopy report. Of the 252 patients, 61 had HG I (24.2%), 100 had HG II (39.7%), 61 had HG III (24.2%), and 30 had HG IV (11.9%). The proportion of patients with abnormal AET increases with increasing HGs (p < 0.001) as follows: I (39.3%), II (52.5%), III (67.2%), and IV (79.3%). The mean overall AET is as follows: HG I (5.5 ± 6%), HG II (7.0 ± 5.9%), HG III (10.2 ± 10.3%), and HG IV (9.5 ± 5.5%). The proportion of patients with hiatal hernia was 18% for HG I, 28% for HG II, 39.3% for HG III, and 80% for HG IV. Use of the Hill classification in clinical practice is low. There is an association of increasing HGs with increasing proportion of patients with abnormal AET. There is a high proportion of patients within HGs I and II with documented pathologic reflux and the presence of a hiatal hernia as observed on endoscopic examination. Our study suggests that endoscopic grading of the gastroesophageal junction may not adequately differentiate between normal vs abnormal reflux status, particularly for HGs I and II.

Current Status of Anti-Reflux Surgery as a Treatment for GERD.

Anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is an efficient treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Despite growing evidence of the efficacy and safety of ARS, medications including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the most commonly administered treatments for GERD. Meanwhile, ARS can be an effective treatment option for patients who need medications continuously or for those who are refractory to PPI treatment, if proper candidates are selected. However, in practice, ARS is often regarded as a last resort for patients who are unresponsive to PPIs. Accumulating ARS-related studies indicate that surgery is equivalent to or better than medical treatment for controlling typical and atypical GERD symptoms. Furthermore, because of overall reduced medication expenses, ARS may be more cost-effective than PPI. Patients are selected for ARS based on endoscopic findings, esophageal acid exposure time, and PPI responsiveness. Although there is limited evidence, ARS may be expanded to include patients with normal acid exposure, such as those with reflux hypersensitivity. Additionally, other factors such as age, body mass index, and comorbidities are known to affect ARS outcomes; and such factors should be considered. Nissen fundoplication or partial fundoplication including Dor fundoplication and Toupet fundoplication can be chosen, depending on whether the patient prioritizes symptom improvement or minimizing postoperative symptoms such as dysphagia. Furthermore, efforts to reduce and manage postoperative complications and create awareness of the long-term efficacy and safety of the ARS are recommended, as well as adequate training programs for new surgeons.

Prediction, prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy: An update.

Achalasia cardia, the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder, is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation. The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation (PD), Heller's myotomy, and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia. Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques. While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent, the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications. Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors, diagnostic methodologies, preventative strategies, and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM. This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux, potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk, and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Impact of CYP2C19 metabolizer status on esophageal mucosal inflammation, acid exposure, and motility among patients on chronic proton-pump inhibitor therapy with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The extent of disease severity remains unclear among CYP2C19 rapid and ultra-rapid metabolizers with refractory symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on chronic proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). To determine the impact of CYP2C19 metabolizer status in relation to chronic PPI therapy with a focus on the extent of esophageal inflammation, acid exposure, and motor function. This retrospective study included 54 patients with refractory GERD symptoms who underwent CYP2C19 genotyping for PPI metabolism, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ambulatory pH study, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. Patients were divided into three groups: normal metabolizer (NM) group, intermediate metabolizer/poor metabolizer (IM/PM) group, and rapid metabolizer/ultra-rapid metabolizer (RM/UM) group. The Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables, and one-way ANOVA for comparing means. Rapid metabolizer/ultra-rapid metabolizer (RM/UM) group more frequently had either Los Angeles grade C or D GERD (7/19, 36.8% vs 1/21, 4.8%, P = 0.011) and metaplasia of the esophagus (9/19, 47.4% vs 2/21, 9.5%, P = 0.007) when compared to the NM group. RM/UM group were more frequently offered dilatation for nonobstructive dysphagia (8/19, 42.1% vs 3/21, 14.3%, P = 0.049) and more exhibited a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure compared to the NM group (10/19, 52.6% vs 4/21, 19%, P = 0.026). All three groups exhibited comparable DeMeester scores when PPIs were discontinued 72 hours before the ambulatory pH study. CYP2C19 RMs and UMs on chronic PPI with refractory GERD symptoms exhibited greater esophageal mucosal inflammation, as observed both endoscopically and histologically, and more were found to have hypotensive LES resting pressures and more were offered esophageal dilatation.

The Efficacy of Dietary Interventions in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies.

International guidelines recommend dietary interventions as one of the most important treatments for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Evidence to confirm the efficacy of these treatment modalities is lacking. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of dietary interventions on GERD-related outcomes evaluated in intervention studies on GERD patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases were utilized for the literature search. Two independent researchers searched for relevant publications published up until June 2023. Intervention studies evaluating the efficacy of dietary interventions in patients with GERD were included. A total of 577 articles were identified during the initial literature search. After reviewing, 21 studies with 16 different types of dietary interventions were included in the analysis. The interventions were divided into low-carbohydrate diets (3 studies), high-fat diets (2 studies), speed of eating studies (3 studies), low-FODMAP diets (2 studies), and other interventions (12 studies). A meta-analysis could be performed for low-carbohydrate diets and speed of eating interventions. Low-carbohydrate diets resulted in a significant reduction in esophageal acid exposure time (mean difference = -2.834%, 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.554 to -1.114), while a slow speed of eating did not lead to a lower percentage of reflux events compared to fast eating (risk ratio = 1.044, 95% CI: 0.543-2.004). Most other interventions showed positive effects in only a single study. Low-carbohydrate diets showed a significant improvement in GERD-related outcomes, while a slow eating speed did not result in a reduction in reflux events. The overall evidence regarding dietary interventions in GERD remains scarce. High-quality, long-term RCTs are still required to confirm the effects of dietary interventions in GERD patients.

Latin American consensus on diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be challenging given varying symptom presentations, and complex multifactorial pathophysiology. The gold standard for GERD diagnosis is esophageal acid exposure time (AET) measured by pH-metry. A variety of additional diagnostic tools are available. The goal of this consensus was to assess the individual merits of GERD diagnostic tools based on current evidence, and provide consensus recommendations following discussion and voting by experts. This consensus was developed by 15 experts from nine countries, based on a systematic search of the literature, using GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation) methodology to assess the quality and strength of the evidence, and provide recommendations regarding the diagnostic utility of different GERD diagnosis tools, using AET as the reference standard. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial is appropriate for patients with heartburn and no alarm symptoms, but nor for patients with regurgitation, chest pain, or extraesophageal presentations. Severe erosive esophagitis and abnormal reflux monitoring off PPI are clearly indicative of GERD. Esophagram, esophageal biopsies, laryngoscopy, and pharyngeal pH monitoring are not recommended to diagnose GERD. Patients with PPI-refractory symptoms and normal endoscopy require reflux monitoring by pH or pH-impedance to confirm or exclude GERD, and identify treatment failure mechanisms. GERD confounders need to be considered in some patients, pH-impedance can identify supragrastric belching, impedance-manometry can diagnose rumination. Erosive esophagitis on endoscopy and abnormal pH or pH-impedance monitoring are the most appropriate methods to establish a diagnosis of GERD. Other tools may add useful complementary information.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication with or without hiatal hernia repair for gastroesophageal reflux disease after peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) occurs in 40% to 60% of patients. There are limited data evaluating antireflux surgery or transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for refractory post-POEM GERD. Patients and methods In a single-center prospective cohort study, consecutive patients with medically refractory post-POEM regurgitation and/or GERD treated with TIF or combined laparoscopic hernia repair and TIF (cTIF) were evaluated. Baseline evaluation: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HQRL) and Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7-day recall (RESQ-7) questionnaires, EGD, high-resolution manometry (HRM), 48-hour pH test off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and impedance planimetry of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to calculate the diameter distensibility index (EGJ-DI). A PPI was taken twice daily for 2 weeks after TIF and restarted later if required. Patients returned 9 to 12 months after treatment when all preoperative studies were repeated. Quality of life, pH studies and EGJ metrics before and after antireflux surgery were compared. Results Seventeen patients underwent TIF (n=2, 12%) or cTIF (n=15, 88%) a mean 25±15 months after POEM. At follow-up a mean of 9±1 months after TIF/cTIF, patients required less frequent daily PPIs (n=0.001), were more satisfied (P=0.008), had improved GERD-HQRL (P=0.001), less intensity and frequency of GERD (P=0.001) and fewer reflux episodes (P=0.04) by pH testing. There was no change in EGJ-DI, EGJ diameter, integrated relaxation pressure, % total time pH <4, or DeMeester score. Conclusions TIF and cTIF for difficult-to-control post-POEM GERD appear safe, decrease PPI use and reflux episodes, and improve QOL without significant change in IRP, EGJ compliance, diameter or esophageal acid exposure time.

Characteristics of esophageal refluxate and symptoms in infants compared between pre-treatment and on treatment with proton pump inhibitors.

To examine longitudinal pH-impedance characteristics from those infants who remained on proton pump inhibitors therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as parents/providers refused to discontinue therapy after 4 weeks. Eighteen infants with acid reflux index >3% underwent treatment, and pH-impedance data were compared prior to and on proton pump inhibitors at 42 ± 1 and 46 ± 1 weeks' postmenstrual age, respectively. Esophageal acid and bolus exposure, symptoms and swallowing characteristics were examined. Proton pump inhibitors reduces the acid-mediated effects of reflux but modifies impedance and clearance mechanisms (P < 0.05). Prolonged therapy did not reduce symptoms (P > 0.05). Infants evaluated while on proton pump inhibitors were 1.8 times more likely to have swallows before and after reflux. Prescription of proton pump inhibitors for objectively determined GERD should have time limits, as prolonged treatment can result in prolonged esophageal bolus clearance time without relieving symptoms.

Contraction reserve in high resolution manometry is correlated with lower esophageal acid exposure time in patients with normal esophageal motility: A retrospective observational study.

In high resolution manometry (HRM), distal contractile integral post multiple rapid swallow augmentation is considered as contraction reserve. The relationship between contraction reserve and esophageal acid reflux remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between contraction reserve and esophageal acid exposure in ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and normal HRM. Patients who underwent HRM and ambulatory reflux monitoring were retrospectively screened. Those with diagnosis of normal HRM or IEM were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients with abnormal acid exposure time (AET) was compared between patients with and without contraction reserve. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of abnormal AET and contraction reserve. A total of 338 patients, including 264 normal HRM and 74 IEM, were included in the analysis. In patients with normal HRM, proportion of abnormal total AET (AET > 6.0%) was significantly lower in patients with supine contraction reserve than patients without contraction reserve (13.85% vs. 24.63%, p = 0.027). Multivariate regression analysis showed that supine contraction reserve could independently predict abnormal total AET (OR = 0.468, 95% CI: 0.249-0.948, p = 0.034), while upright contraction reserve trended strongly (OR = 0.558, 95% CI: 0.290-1.071, p = 0.079). Subgroup analysis showed that upright contraction reserve was an independent predictor of abnormal total AET in patients with 50-70% infective swallows (OR = 0.205, 95% CI: 0.051-0.821, p = 0.025), whereas supine contraction reserve did not have predictive value (p = 0.359). Supine contraction reserve correlates with esophageal acid reflux in patients with normal HRM, while only upright contraction reserve correlates with esophageal acid reflux in patients with infective swallows of 50-70%.