Nocturnal Reflux Research Articles

Comparison of daytime and nighttime supine gastroesophageal reflux by pH monitoring of individuals with clinical suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

This study aims to compare pHmetric characteristics of diurnal and nocturnal supine reflux. We studied 500 consecutive individuals with clinical suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry and prolonged ambulatory pH monitoring. Patients were classified with supine GERD pattern when the percentage of acid reflux time in the supine position was equal to or greater than 2.2%. Data on acid reflux in the supine position during daytime and nighttime recumbency were: (i) acid exposure time, (ii) number of reflux episodes, (iii) longest reflux episode, (iv) interval between the last meal and the supine position, (v) interval between the supine position and the first acid reflux episode, and (vi) reported symptoms. Of the 500 evaluated patients, 238 (48%) had GERD. Among these, supine pattern was observed in 134 (56%) patients, bipositional in 53 (23%), and orthostatic in 51 (21%). In patients with daytime recumbency, 112 (51% of 217) were pathological refluxers, with a mean DeMeester score of 45 ± 26. Total acid exposure time (P = 0.8) and reported Symptom Index (P = 0.2) did not differ depending on the period, whether diurnal or nocturnal. All other pHmetric parameters were lower during daytime recumbency. In conclusion, diurnal supine reflux has similar acid exposure time and temporal correlation between symptoms and reflux episodes as nocturnal supine reflux. Other pHmetric parameters are lower for diurnal supine reflux.

Distal contractile integral and other key predictors of mean nocturnal baseline impedance: The role of esophageal peristaltic vigor in mucosal permeability.

Understanding the relationship between distal contractile integral (DCI) and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) could shed light on new diagnostic and treatment strategies, specifically concerning nocturnal reflux. This study aimed to assess this relationship to enhance our comprehension of the interplay between esophageal contractility and mucosal permeability. We identified adult patients who had high resolution esophageal manometry and pH-impedance tests performed within a 30-day period between December 2018 and March 2022. A random forest model was used to identify significant predictors of MNBI, assisting with variable selection for a following regression analysis. Subsequently, both univariable and multivariable regression models were utilized to measure the association between predictors and MNBI. Our study included 188 patients, primarily referred for testing due to reflux. The most common motility diagnoses were normal (62%) followed by possible esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (22%). The mean DCI was 2020 mmHg∙s∙cm and MNBI was 3.05 kΩ. The random forest model identified 12 significant predictors for MNBI, key variables being acid exposure time (AET), total proximal reflux events, intraabdominal lower esophageal sphincter length, hiatal hernia presence, and DCI. Subsequent multivariable regression analyses demonstrated log AET (β = -0.69, p = <0.001), total proximal reflux events (β = -0.16, p = 0.008), hiatal hernia presence (β = -0.82, p = 0.014), log DCI (β = 1.26, p < 0.001), and age (β = -0.13, p = 0.036) as being significantly associated with MNBI. DCI is a key manometric predictor of MNBI emphasizing the role of manometry in detecting reflux risk and the need for its consideration in reflux management.

A169 A RARE MANIFESTATION OF ENTERITIS DUE TO IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR: CASE REPORT OF PYLORIC STRICTURE

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are immunomodulatory antibodies used to enhance the immune response against tumor cells that have revolutionized the treatment of various malignancies. ICIs pose a risk of immune-related adverse events in various organs including the gastrointestinal tract, with diarrhea and colitis being most common. ICIs can rarely cause involvement of the upper gastrointestinal tract, with case reports of gastritis, duodenitis, and esophagitis. There are very rare reports of strictures caused by ICIs, more frequently in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and only a few reports in the esophagus or duodenum. Aims We report a rare case of an upper gastrointestinal stricture due to ICI at the pylorus. Methods Case report. Results A 38-year-old woman with breast cancer on ICI pembrolizumab presented with several weeks of nausea and early satiety. She had started pembrolizumab 8 months prior, underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy months ago, and completed radiation 6 weeks earlier. She also described nocturnal reflux and heartburn, but no vomiting, weight loss, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. Her examination was normal and recent bloodwork only showed a mild normocytic anemia. EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) showed friable circumferential ulceration of the distal antrum with surrounding erythema and luminal narrowing from the pyloric channel to duodenum. 1-centimetre gastroscope was not passable but 4.9-millimetre pediatric gastroscope passed into the duodenum where there were no abnormalities past the duodenal bulb. Pathology showed granulation tissue, fibrinopurulent exudate, and antral mucosa with chronic active inflammation negative for Helicobacter pylori and malignancy. Oncology felt that radiation was too far from the pylorus to be responsible for the findings. High-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and soft diet were recommended with minimal symptomatic improvement. 2 months later, she developed weight loss and repeat EGD showed minimal endoscopic improvement (Figure 1). ICI-related enteritis was suspected and she was started on prednisone 50 mg daily. Her appetite and nausea significantly improved. Steroid taper was planned for 8 weeks. At 3 months, symptoms recurred with prednisone taper. EGD showed only mild improvement of the duodenal stricture. Prednisone dose was increased. On repeat EGD at 7 months, the pylorus was patent with only granular inflammation predominantly in the apex of the duodenal bulb. She tolerated a slower prednisone taper thereafter. Conclusions ICI-related inflammation is common in the lower gastrointestinal tract and can less commonly affect the upper gastrointestinal tract. This is a rare report of upper gastrointestinal stricture and the first report known to us of pyloric stricture caused by ICI. Treatment may be challenging, but was achieved with PPI and high-dose steroids with slow taper. Funding Agencies None

Exacerbation of symptoms, nocturnal acid reflux, and impaired autonomic function are associated with sleep disturbance in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients often report sleep disturbance (SD); however, the relationship between GERD and SD is unknown. This study investigated whether SD affects symptoms, acid reflux, and autonomic function in GERD patients. A total of 257 subjects (126 patients with SD and 99 patients without SD) participated in this survey from January 2020 to August 2022. Participants were required to complete questionnaires including the GERD impact scale (GIS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Esophageal mucosal injury, acid exposure, peristaltic function, and autonomic function were assessed by upper endoscopy, high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRAM), 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (24 h-MII-pH), and electrocardiography (ECG). Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with SD experienced a higher frequency of prolonged reflux (p < 0.001), longest reflux event (p < 0.001), acid exposure time (p < 0.001) during the recumbent period, and a higher incidence of erosive esophagitis (EE) (59.5 vs. 45.5%, p = 0.036) than those without SD. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that SD was positively correlated with GIS (r = 0.725, p < 0.001), HAMA (r = 0.680, p < 0.001), and HAMD (r = 0.323, p < 0.001) scores, and negatively correlated with parasympathetic or vagal nerve activity (r = -0.770, p < 0.001). Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients with SD experience more severe reflux symptoms and nocturnal acid reflux, which may be related to autonomic dysfunction.

Dietary and lifestyle factors associated with troublesome gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in Vietnamese adults.

Dietary and lifestyle habits related to troublesome gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (tGERS) differ significantly across populations. There have yet to be studies on the Vietnamese population. To identify dietary and lifestyle habits associated with tGERS in Vietnamese adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Vietnamese adults aged 18 years and older from March 2023 to May 2023. Participants were recruited online through a widely read national newspaper and Facebook, one of Vietnam's most popular social media platforms. The survey questionnaire comprised 27 questions covering participants' basic demographic information, dietary and lifestyle habits, the presence and characteristics of tGERS, and inquiries about specific dietary and lifestyle patterns, foods, and beverages associated with tGERS. A total of 4,400 valid responses were collected, including 2050 participants without tGERS and 2,350 participants with tGERS. Multivariate analysis showed several factors associated with tGERS, including eating beyond fullness (OR 1.383, CI95% 1.127-1.698), tight clothing (OR 1.627, CI95% 1.256-2.107), stress (OR 1.566, CI95% 1.363-1.800), and insomnia (OR 1.321, CI95% 1.129-1.546). Among habits associated with tGERS, eating beyond fullness was the most frequently reported (64.6%). Interestingly, although a short meal-to-bed time and staying up late after midnight were not risk factors for tGERS, they were two common factors associated with tGERS in symptomatic participants, particularly those with nocturnal reflux symptoms. For food triggers, the three most common ones were greasy foods (71.9%), sour/spicy soups (64.7%), and citrus fruits (36.0%). In terms of beverages, carbonated soft drinks were at the top of triggering tGERS (40.3%), and beer and orange juice were the second and third most common triggers, accounting for 35.7 and 30.6%, respectively. We reported the dietary and lifestyle habits associated with tGERS in Vietnamese adults for the first time. These findings will serve as a basis for future studies on the primary prevention and nondrug management of tGERS in Vietnam.

Study of gastroesophageal reflux. Interpretation of functional tests in the obese patient

Overweight and obesity are a public health problem and in 1997 obesity was recognized as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Overweight and obesity affect almost 60% of adults and one in three children in Europe according to the most recent WHO report. Objectively, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the presence of characteristic esophageal mucosal damage assessed by endoscopy and/or the demonstra-tion of pathological acid exposure by reflux monitoring studies. The prevalence of GERD is increased in obese patientsIn overweight and obese patients, the clinical symptoms of GERD are especially present in the supine position and this correlates with more frequent episodes of nocturnal reflux in the 24-h pH monitoring, there is also an increase in the number of refluxes with content acid. In the population with symptoms, digestive endoscopy detects data of erosive esophagitis in 50% of patients, while 24-h pH-impedanciometry diagnoses 92% of patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)The presence of persistent GERD in the mucosa affects esophageal motility and patients may develop ineffective esophageal motility-type disorders, so we will review the interpre-tation of the functional tests that determine motility, which is esophageal manometry, and those that determine reflux gastroesophageal, acid and non-acid, which is the pH measure-ment with or without 24-h impedanciometry.

Estudio del reflujo gastroesofágico. Interpretación de las pruebas funcionales en el paciente obeso

Overweight and obesity are a public health problem and in 1997 obesity was recognized as a global epidemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Overweight and obesity affect almost 60% of adults and one in three children in Europe according to the most recent WHO report. Objectively, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the presence of characteristic esophageal mucosal damage assessed by endoscopy and/or the demonstration of pathological acid exposure by reflux monitoring studies. The prevalence of GERD is increased in obese patients.In overweight and obese patients, the clinical symptoms of GERD are especially present in the supine position and this correlates with more frequent episodes of nocturnal reflux in the 24-h pH monitoring, there is also an increase in the number of refluxes with content acid. In the population with symptoms, digestive endoscopy detects data of erosive esophagitis in 50% of patients, while 24-h pH-impedanciometry diagnoses 92% of patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).The presence of persistent GERD in the mucosa affects esophageal motility and patients may develop ineffective esophageal motility-type disorders, so we will review the interpretation of the functional tests that determine motility, which is esophageal manometry, and those that determine reflux gastroesophageal, acid and non-acid, which is the pH measurement with or without 24-h impedanciometry.

The effect of sleep positional therapy on nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux measured by esophageal pH-impedance monitoring.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an electronic positional therapy wearable device on nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux measured by pH-impedance reflux monitoring. We performed a single-center, prospective, interventional study in 30 patients with nocturnal reflux symptoms and a nocturnal esophageal acid exposure time (AET) ≥1.5% measured off acid-suppressive medication by ambulatory pH-impedance reflux monitoring. Patients were treated with an electronic positional therapy wearable device for 2 weeks. The device vibrates in the right lateral decubitus position so it conditions patients to avoid that sleep position. After 2 weeks treatment, the pH-impedance study was repeated. Primary outcome was the change in nocturnal AET. Secondary outcomes include change in number of reflux episodes and reflux symptoms. Complete data were available for 27 patients (13 females, mean age 49.8 years). The median nocturnal AET decreased from 6.0% (IQR, 2.3-15.3) to 3.1% (0.1-10.8) after 2 weeks of treatment (p = 0.079). The number of reflux episodes was significantly reduced after 2 weeks of treatment (baseline: 8.0 (3.0-12.3) vs. end: 3.0 (1.0-8.0); p = 0.041). Treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in time spent in right lateral decubitus position (baseline: mean 36.9% ± 15.2% vs. end: 2.7% ± 8.2%; p = <0.001) and an increase in the left lateral decubitus position (baseline 29.2% ± 14.8% vs. end: 63.3% ± 21.9%; p = <0.001). Symptom improvement was reported by 70.4% of the patients. Sleep positional therapy using an electronic wearable device promotes sleeping in the left lateral decubitus position and improves reflux parameters measured by pH-impedance reflux monitoring.

Ranitidine use in pediatrics: current evidence-based review and recommendations

Ranitidine plays a pivotal role in routine pediatric practice. The multi-dimensional use and safety of ranitidine are not supported by any practical guidelines, which led to recommendations convened by a group of experts based on evidence and the clinical experience of experts. A group of general pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists from India were part of this panel. This group of experts reviewed the literature on topics that were unanimously agreed upon, for which no recommendations were available. The Delphi method was implemented to reach unified decisions, which led to the development of evidence-based recommendations. Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common conditions seen in pediatric practice. Ranitidine has a rapid onset of action compared to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is a preferred drug for on-demand use for gastritis and managing stress-induced gastric lesions in critically ill pediatric patients. Ranitidine has an established role in the management of GERD, and it also prevents nocturnal acid reflux effectively. It helps in reducing gastric fluid volume when used as preoperative prophylaxis. Also, ranitidine has a better safety profile in comparison to PPIs. Recommendations on the use and safety of ranitidine in pediatrics were developed which will be a guiding tool for all practicing clinicians, highlighting the strength and benefits of ranitidine as a better and safe alternative to PPIs in short-term acid suppression for multiple indications.

Sleep Positional Therapy for Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial

Experimental studies have suggested that sleep position plays a role in the occurrence of nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux and the left lateral decubitus position is most favorable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel electronic sleep positional therapy wearable device on sleep position and nocturnal reflux symptoms. We performed a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial in patients with nocturnal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Patients were advised to sleep in the left lateral decubitus position and were assigned randomly (1:1) to an electronic sleep positional therapy wearable device, programmed to either produce a vibration when in the right lateral position (intervention) or only during the first 20 minutes (sham). The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as a 50% or more reduction in the nocturnal reflux score. Secondary outcomes included change in sleep position and reflux symptoms. One hundred patients were randomized. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the rate of treatment success was 44% in the intervention group (22 of 50) vs 24% in the sham group (12 of 50) (risk difference, 20%; 95% CI, 1.8%-38.2%; P= .03). Treatment led to a significant avoidance of sleeping in the right lateral decubitus position (intervention 2.2% vs sham 23.5%; P= .000) and increased time sleeping in the left lateral decubitus position (intervention 60.9% vs sham 38.5%; P= .000). More reflux-free nights were observed in the intervention group (intervention 9 nights [interquartile range, 6-11 nights] vs sham 6 nights [interquartile range, 3-9 nights]; P= .01). Sleep positional therapy using an electronic wearable device promotes sleeping in the left lateral decubitus position and effectively alleviates nocturnal reflux symptoms compared with sham treatment (https://www.trialregister.nl, NL8655).

Sorting out the Relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Sleep.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common conditions encountered by primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, foregut surgeons and otolaryngologists. While approximately 50% of patients experience nocturnal reflux symptoms, the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep is often overlooked. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current understanding of this relationship and its clinical implications. Recent studies pertaining to the association between GERD and sleep with focus on sleep disturbances, obstructive sleep apnea, extraesophageal manifestations of GERD and treatment are discussed. There is a close relationship between GERD and sleep disturbances, but the nature of this relationship remains to be elucidated. Similarly, new data supports the association between GERD and obstructive sleep apnea, but whether this association is independent of confounding risk factors remains unresolved. Extraesophageal manifestations due to nocturnal GERD are primarily respiratory and can be explained by microaspiration and vagally-induced bronchospasm. Treatment of nocturnal GERD, both pharmacologically and surgically, improves sleep quality. Conversely, pharmacologic treatment of sleep disorders can improve nocturnal GERD symptoms. There is a bi-directional relationship between GERD and sleep. GERD is associated with various sleep disturbances. Sleep deficiency can exacerbate GERD. There is an association between extraesophageal manifestations and nocturnal GERD. Treatment directed towards GERD can improve sleep experience, and treatment directed to improve sleep can improve GERD symptoms.

Characterisation of patients with supine nighttime reflux: observations made with prolonged wireless oesophageal pH monitoring.

SummaryBackgroundAlthough nighttime reflux symptoms are common, the presence of nocturnal reflux is seldom confirmed with a standard 24 hours pH study.AimTo study patients with supine nighttime reflux symptoms using prolonged wireless pH monitoring.MethodsIn this retrospective study, patients with typical acid reflux symptoms were studied using 96‐h pH monitoring. Patients with nighttime reflux symptoms were compared to those without. Night‐to‐night variability and diagnostic accuracy of 24‐, 48‐ and 72‐hours pH studies compared to the 96‐hours “gold standard” were evaluated.ResultsOf the 105 included patients (61.9% females; mean age 46.8 ± 14.4 years), 86 (81.9%) reported nighttime reflux symptoms, of which 67.4% had pathological supine nocturnal acid exposure in at least one night. There was high variance in night‐to‐night acid exposure (94% [IQR0‐144]), which was larger than the variance in upright acid exposure (58% [IQR32‐88]; P < 0.001). When analysing the first 24 hours of the pH study, 32% of patients were diagnosed with pathological supine nighttime acid exposure versus 51% of patients based upon the 96‐hours pH‐test. The diagnostic accuracy and yield improved with study duration (P < 0.001). Reflux episodes with a lower nadir pH or longer acid clearance time were more prone to provoke nightly symptoms.ConclusionsThe majority of patients with nocturnal reflux symptoms had pathological acid exposure in at least one night of the prolonged pH recording. A high night‐to‐night variability in acid exposure reduces the clinical value and diagnostic yield of pH monitoring limited to 24 hours. Prolonged testing is a more appropriate diagnostic tool for patients with nocturnal reflux symptoms.

The Influence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Daytime Sleepiness and Depressive Symptom in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background/AimsAs there is insufficient evidence for a relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we investigated whether OSA diagnosed by polysomnography (PSG) is related to GERD.MethodsA total of 402 subjects was evaluated. Overnight PSG was performed and a few questionnaires on GERD, anxiety, depression, and daytime sleepiness were administered. An apnea-hypopnea index < 5 was the classification criterion for subjects without OSA. Subjects with heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a week were classified as having GERD.ResultsAmong the 402 subjects, 318 had OSA and 84 did not. The prevalence of GERD was 12.9% among patients with OSA and 10.7% among those without (P = 0.590). The prevalence of GERD did not correlate with OSA severity (P = 0.474). Patients with OSA with GERD had higher Stanford Sleepiness Scale (P = 0.004), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (P = 0.001), and depression (P < 0.001) scores than patients with OSA without GERD. Subjects with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms had a higher body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference-to-height index than those without symptoms. Multiple logistic regression showed that higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale and depression scores were independent factors associated with GERD in patients with OSA.ConclusionsThe prevalence of GERD in patients with OSA was 12.9%. The prevalence of GERD did not correlate with OSA severity. Daytime sleepiness and depression seem to be associated with GERD in patients with OSA, while nocturnal reflux symptoms seem to be related to obesity in OSA.

Efficacy and Safety of Robotic Dor Fundoplication on Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients With Scleroderma.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract resulting in its atrophy and fibrosis of smooth muscles. Approximately 80% of SSc patients develop both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dysphagia. The nocturnal GERD can cause regurgitation and aspiration, which can further aggravate the pulmonary fibrosis from SSc. Also, their dysphagia is further worsened by performing standard Nissen fundoplication. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether Dor fundoplication (a 180° anterior wrap) can reduce nocturnal heartburn and regurgitation without worsening dysphagia in patients with SSc and severe GERD. Five SSc patients with drug-refractory severe GERD underwent a Dor fundoplication procedure with a median follow-up of 2 years (range: 1-5 years). In all 5 patients, the preoperative high-resolution manometry showed significant impairment of esophageal motility. Patients were interviewed postoperatively to assess for nocturnal and diurnal GERD symptoms, treatment response, the status of dysphagia, and adverse effects of surgery. The average age of 5 patients was 50 years and all were females. Four of the 5 patients (80%) reported 90% improvement in both diurnal and nocturnal GERD symptoms since surgery, with no nocturnal reflux, heartburn, or regurgitation, and reports to sleep at night without requiring any more pillows or wedges. About 50% of patients reported a decrease in their proton pump inhibitor dosage after surgery compared to before surgery. No surgical complication was reported and specifically, no worsening of dysphagia. The Dor fundoplication performed for refractory GERD in SSc patients substantially decreases heartburn and regurgitation, primarily nocturnal, without affecting dysphagia, thus improving the quality of life.

Analysis of the effect of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation with simultaneous detection of Dx-pH monitoring in oropharynx and esophagus for 48 hours in patients with moderate and severe OSA

Objective:To investigate the effect of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation（NPPV） on the related indexes of gastroesophageal reflux（GER） and laryngopharyngeal reflux（LPR） in patients with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea（OSA）. Method:This was a retrospective study of 23 cases with moderate or severe OSA and suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux disease （LPRD）. The results of 48h-pH monitoring of oropharynx and esophagus, polysomnography（PSG） and NPPV were analyzed to explore the relationship between reflux related parameters and sleep disordered respiratory. To analyze the impact of NPPV on reflux, the data related to nocturnal reflux with or without NPPV treatment was compared. Result:On the first day of Dx-pH, 5 cases of LPRD were diagnosed with a positive Ryan score rate of 21.7%. There were 19 cases（82.6%） with more than one nocturnal reflux event with pH6.0 as the threshold. Ten cases of GERD were diagnosed with a positive DeMeester score rate of 43.5%. The lowest pH value of oropharynx and esophagus was negatively correlated with the obstructive apnea index（OAI）. The total number of reflux episodes falling below pH thresholds of 6.0 and the duration of the longest episode of gastroesophageal reflux were positively correlated with AHI and OAI（P<0.05）. On the night of NPPV treatment, the lowest pH value in the oropharynx increased, while the total number of reflux episodes below pH6.0 and the percentage time below pH5.0 decreased（P<0.05）. Similar significant difference was found in the GER parameters（P<0.05）. Conclusion:OSA patients were associated with a higher incidence of GER at night and a certain degree of LPR. NPPV treatment can not only effectively improve GER, but also reduce LPR to a certain extent.

Relationship between reflux diseases and obstructive sleep apnea together with continuous positive airway pressure treatment efficiency analysis

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known to be highly associated with reflux diseases. There is evidence that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can decrease the clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in OSA patients, but whether CPAP can decrease nocturnal laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) episodes is still lack of strong evidence. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficiency of CPAP on LPR and the relationship between LPR, GER and OSA. Study designretrospective study. MethodsForty adult patients who had confirmed OSA by polysomnography and suspected LPR were enrolled. Their results of synchronous polysomnography and 24 h esophageal and oropharyngeal Dx-pH monitoring were analyzed. Twenty-seven OSA patients were treated with CPAP on the second night. The nocturnal reflux parameters with and without CPAP treatment were compared. Results15.0% and 42.5% of OSA patients were associated with LPR and GER through Dx-pH monitoring respectively. Nevertheless, more than one reflux attack falling below pH6.0 of oropharynx during sleep time was detected in 80.0% patients. There was a significant inverse correlation between the lowest/mean pH values of oropharynx and obstructive apnea index (OAI), so was the lowest pH values of esophagus. Significant positive correlation was calculated between the total number of reflux episodes below pH6.0 of oropharynx and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)/OAI/hypopnea index (HI). A similar positive correlation was also significant between AHI/OAI and GER parameters. The assessment of the efficacy of CPAP treatment showed significant difference both in GER and LPR related parameter. ConclusionsOSA patients have a higher incidence of nocturnal LPR and GER. CPAP treatment can effectively reduce both GER and LPR attacks while disordered sleep events reduced in OSA patients.

Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Sleep: An Important Relationship That Is Commonly Overlooked.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent, chronic medical condition that affects 13% of the adult population globally at least once a week. Sleep disturbances are frequently encountered in up to 25% of the GERD patients, likely due to nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (GER). With advance in diagnostic techniques allowing for an improved understanding of involved physiological mechanisms of nocturnal reflux, there is growing evidence of a bidirectional relationship between GERD and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, nocturnal GER is associated with more complicated GERD. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and GERD also have been linked, but to what degree remains controversial. Treatment of nocturnal GER has been shown to improve both subjective and objective sleep measures. The therapeutic approach includes lifestyle modifications and medication individualization and optimization with proton-pump inhibitors serving as the mainstay of treatment. Antireflux surgery and newer endoscopic procedures have been demonstrated to control nocturnal GER.

The role of lifestyle changes in gastroesophageal reflux diseases treatment.

Lifestyle modification has an important role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The development of GERD symptoms with various foods shows individual differences. Although there is not enough evidence that certain substances in a diet could lead to GERD symptoms, the literature suggests that there might be a relationship between reflux development and salt, salted foods, chocolate, fatty foods, and fizzy drinks. Because lying on the left side and raising the head of the bed in a supine position reduces the development of nocturnal reflux symptoms, the head should be elevated for patients with reflux symptoms at night, and the patient should lie on the left side. Smoking and obesity (especially abdominal) trigger GERD symptoms. Whereas excessive physical activity is a significant risk factor for the development of GERD, regular and mild-moderate physical activity has been shown to reduce the symptoms of reflux.

Effect of Head-of-Bed Elevation on Nocturnal Reflux Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer Patients With Esophagectomy and Reconstruction

Studies revealed the symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GE reflux) disturb patients following esophageal reconstruction. To examine the effect of head-of-bed elevation by using the wedge-shaped pillow (WSP) on the reflux symptoms of patients with esophageal cancer following esophagectomy and reconstruction. Fourteen patients with nocturnal reflux symptoms following esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. A 2-week crossover trial was performed using 2 sequences (drug only and drug plus WSP). The WSP was designed with a height of 20 cm, a length of 62 cm, and an elevation angle of 20 degrees and used with fabricated from memory foam. After 2 weeks, all of the patients received combined drug and WSP intervention for 3 months. Reflux symptoms were measured by Dysfunction After Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery for Cancer and examined by endoscopic observations prior to intervention and follow-up for 3 months. The average reflux symptom score for the combined drug and WSP treatment in the beginning 2 weeks was lower than that for the drug-only sequence. The severity of esophagitis was improved in 46.1%, and 38.5% showed a stabilization after 3 months. Combined drug and WSP treatment may be beneficial in improving GE reflux symptoms. Nursing care professionals would suggest patients find a similar WSP to elevate the head of the bed to reduce the severity of nocturnal reflux symptoms after esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction.

Survey of nocturnal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in China.

This multicenter observational study was conducted in 44 hospitals in China from May 2017 to February 2018. Outpatients with nGER were recruited and their relevant data were collected using a questionnaire, including age, gender, body mass index, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, comorbid diseases, lifestyle, self-reported health status, medical history, nGER symptoms and severity, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, diagnosis and treatment choices. The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (no. ChiCTR1800017525). The study included 4978 individuals, with valid questionnaires collected from 4448 patients (89.4%). The symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation were more severe at night than during the day (P < 0.05). Age and body mass index were positively correlated with reflux severity at night and during the day (P < 0.05). The severity of nGER was positively associated with lifestyle factors such as smoking, a high-fat diet, carbonated beverage consumption, late supper (later than 9 pm), and snoring (all P < 0.05). Night-time heartburn and regurgitation were related with sleep disorder. Lifestyle factors are associated with nGER severity, and nGER affects sleep quality. It will be beneficial to popularize and strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of nGER.