Reflux Episodes Research Articles

Analiza pacijenata sa neerozivnom gastroezofagealnom refluksnom bolešću korišćenjem Bravo® pH sistema za monitoring

Background and aim: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease in the world. GERD is always treated with drugs. The Bravo® wireless pH monitoring system is a good technique. The Bravo® may affect increasing the specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of GERD with its 48-hour recording feature. In this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of the Bravo® pH monitoring system in patients with non-erosive GERD. Materials and Methods: Patients with non-erosive reflux disease (normal endoscopy) whose symptoms persisted after PPI treatment (at least two months) were included in the study. All patients had upper gastrointestinal system endoscopies performed in our clinic between January 2013 and December 2019. All patients had a 48-hour Bravo® wireless pH monitoring record. Results: Twenty-three patients (M: 18 (78.3%; Age: 35.7 ± 11) were included in the study. All patients completed the 2-day recording protocol. During and after the procedure, no patient showed any adverse effects of the Bravo® procedure. We diagnosed GERD in 13 of 23 patients by Bravo® capsule. According to the Bravo® pH-meter recordings; Total time pH < 4 (minute) was 187 ± 190, the total number of refluxes was 90 ± 61, the percentage of time with pH < 4 was 7.1 ± 7.22, the number of long reflux events were 8.1 ± 8, the duration of the longest reflux episode during pH < 4 (minute) was 31 ± 49, the Demeester score was 20.8 ± 19.3 detected. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, the Bravo® pH monitoring system is a practical and effective diagnostic technique for non-erosive GERD. Further prospective studies would be useful for comparing the differences between 24-hour and 48-hour pH recording results.

The effects of assisted autogenic drainage, combined or not with bouncing on gastroesophageal reflux in infants

This study aimed to determine the effect of assisted autogenic drainage (AAD) with or without bouncing (BAAD) on both acid and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in infants <1year. During a 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH), infants were treated with a 20-min intervention of AAD (in supine position) or BAAD (in upright position), 2h postprandial. In this controlled trial with intra-subject design, the number of reflux episodes (REs) was the primary outcome measure. The results during AAD and BAAD were compared to a baseline period before intervention and 20min after intervention. Overall, 50 infants were included in both groups. During AAD a significant decrease of RE's was found compared to baseline (p=0.001). No significant differences were found in the BAAD group compared to baseline (p=0.125). AAD and BAAD do not cause or increase GER in infants under the age of 1year.

Novel Advanced Impedance Metrics on Impedance-pH Testing Predict Lung Function Decline in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Gastroesophageal reflux has been associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) is a marker of esophageal mucosal integrity, whereas postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index reflects esophageal chemical clearance. Both metrics offer novel ways to assess reflux burden on multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH testing (MII-pH), but their role in extraesophageal reflux remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between these novel metrics and lung function decline in patients with IPF. Adults with IPF undergoing prelung transplant MII-pH were enrolled. All patients completed pulmonary function testing (PFT) at the time of MII-pH and at the 1-year follow-up. MNBI was calculated by averaging baseline impedance at three 10-minute intervals (1 AM/2 AM/3 AM). PSPW index was the proportion of all reflux episodes, followed by a peristaltic swallow within 30 seconds. Univariate (Student t-test/Pearson correlation) and multivariable (general linear regression) analyses were performed. One hundred twenty-five subjects (mean age = 61.7 years, 62% men) were included. Forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity declined more significantly over 12 months in subjects with lower distal MNBI, proximal MNBI, and PSPW index (all P < 0.05). On multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex, proton pump inhibitor use, and baseline lung function, distal MNBI (β = -10.86, P = 0.024; β = -8.03, P = 0.045), proximal MNBI (β = -13.5, P = 0.0068; β = -9.80, P = 0.025), and PSPW index (β = -18.1, P = 0.010; β = -12.55, P = 0.050) remained predictive of greater forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity decline. Low distal MNBI, proximal MNBI, and PSPW index independently predicted more severe lung function decline over 1 year in patients with IPF. These impedance metrics may have prognostic value and support a role for reflux in IPF pathogenesis.

Does Sleeve Gastrectomy Worsen Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Obese Patients? A Prospective Study.

To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and gastric bypass (LGB) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD was evaluated by the Modified Italian Gastroesophageal reflux disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (MI-GERD-HRQL) questionnaire, pH-manometry, endoscopy, and Rx-esophagogram, before and 12 months after surgery. Based on these exams, patients without GERD underwent LSG, and patients with GERD underwent LGB. Thirteen and six patients underwent LSG and LGB, respectively. After LSG, the only statistically significant difference observed at pH-manometry was the median DeMeester score, from 5.7 to 22.7 (P = .0026). De novo GERD occurred in 6 patients (46.2%), with erosive esophagitis in one. The median MI-GERD-HRQL score improved from 3 to 0. Overall, nine patients underwent LGB, but three were lost to follow-up. Preoperative pH-manometry changed the surgical indication from LSG to LGB in 7 out of 9 patients (77.8%). Six patients who underwent LGB completed the study, and at pH-manometry, statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of total acid exposure time, with the number of reflux episodes lasting >5minutes and DeMeester score (P = .009). The median MI-GERD-HRQL score improved from 6.5 to 0. Statistically significant differences were not observed at endoscopy and Rx-esophagogram findings in both groups. LSG has a negative impact on GERD, even in patients without preoperative GERD. LGB confirmed to be the intervention of choice in patients with GERD. Preoperative pH-manometry may identify patients with silent GERD, to candidate them to LGB rather than LSG. pH-manometry should be used more liberally to establish the correct surgical indication on objective grounds.

Результати добового моніторингу рівня пепсину в секреті ротової порожнини дітей раннього віку із синдромом регургітації

Regurgitation syndrome in infants is one of the manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GER), which can be both an age-related physiological condition and pathological one with the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) developing. Differential diagnosis of GERD in infants and young children is difficult due to invasiveness and low availability of the recommended diagnostic methods, in particular esophageal pH3metry. Today, the search for new non-invasive and simple, but sensitive and specific, methods for diagnosing GERD in pediatric practice is relevant and promising. Purpose — to determine the dynamic patterns of the salivary pepsin level in young children within the framework of daily monitoring and depending on the clinical manifestations of regurgitation. Materials and methods. 55 children from 3 to 18 months were examined, among them was 38 children with visible regurgitation syndrome and 17 healthy children without clinical manifestations of the regurgitation syndrome. The intensity of regurgitation was assessed using a five-point scale «ESPGHAN». A reflux questionnaire was used for screening diagnostics of pathological GER in children. Salivary pepsin level was determined three times a day by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA pepsin). Statistical processing was performed using «Statistica v.6.1» software package. Results. Regurgitation syndrome was registered in all children of the main group according to their current complaints. The results of reflux questionnaire showed the following data: half of the children (52.6%) had no signs of GER, possible reflux was revealed in 31.6% of children, and probable reflux was revealed in 15.8% of children. The results of daily monitoring of salivary pepsin level in infants showed that it was significantly higher in children with regurgitation than in control group, both in terms of average daily values and intermediate values. It was found that the maximum pepsin activity in children was immediately after regurgitation. There were no significant differences between the three saliva samples and the average daily pepsin index in the children of the main group, which may indicate the presence of latent episodes of reflux during the day. Сhildren with a high risk of GERD according to the reflux questionnaire had significantly higher values of salivary pepsin on an empty stomach and its average daily level, which has sufficient specificity and predictive value according to the ROC analysis results. Conclusions. Determination of salivary pepsin levels in infants can be included in screening noninvasive tests for the GER diagnosis. The use of these tests to predict the risk of extraesophageal damage requires further study. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. Key words: regurgitation, GER, GERD, pepsin, children.

Outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (ESD-G) for medication-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: 35 cases underwent ESD-G including 15 cases followed more than 5\xa0years

BackgroundAlthough some kinds of endoluminal surgery for patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reported, there are few reports on their long-term outcomes. In 2014, we reported the effectiveness of endoscopic surgery for PPI-refractory GERD, which we invented and named endoscopic submucosal dissection for GERD (ESD-G) in 2008. Thereafter, we accumulated more cases and monitored the patients’ condition postoperatively and describe the outcomes herein.Patients and methodsThis single-center, single-arm trial was conducted at the Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital. We compared outcomes between before and 3–6 months after ESD-G. Additionally, we investigated the outcomes of patients 5 or more years after ESD-G.ResultsWe performed 42 ESD-G procedures in 35 patients between 2008 and 2020. In seven patients, ESD-G was performed twice for various reasons. The frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD score was significantly improved 3–6 months after ESD-G (22 → 10, p < 0.0001); the Los Angeles classification for reflux esophagitis was clearly improved after ESD-G (p = 0.0423). The number of reflux episodes was not decreased by ESD-G. There was a significant difference in the potency unit of gastric acid secretion suppressants for controlling GERD-related symptoms between baseline and 3–6 months after ESD-G (p = 0.0009). In patients without a history of distal gastrectomy who underwent ESD-G, the potency unit of gastric acid secretion suppressants significantly decreased 5 or more years after ESD-G (p = 0.0121).ConclusionESD-G may be effective in patients with refractory GERD-related symptoms without a history of distal gastrectomy.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and salivary pepsin in patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus.

Heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus (HGMUE) is reported to be related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study investigated the prevalence of GERD and the use of salivary pepsin to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux, especially proximal reflux, in HGMUE patients. One hundred and fifty-three HGMUE patients and 50 healthy volunteers were studied. All subjects took a reflux symptom index questionnaire (RSI); underwent endoscopy, barium esophagogram, high-resolution manometry (HRM), and 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH-metry (MII-pH); and salivary pepsin test. Ninety-five (62.1%) HGMUE patients but no control subjects were diagnosed with GERD. The salivary pepsin concentration, RSI score, DeMeester score, acid exposure time (AET), total reflux episodes, proximal acidic reflux episodes, and proximal weakly acidic reflux episodes were significantly higher in the HGMUE group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The salivary pepsin test showed a sensitivity of 85.9% and specificity of 56.9% for diagnosing GERD using the optimal cut-off value of 75ng/mL. One hundred and seven (69.9%) and 46 (30.1%) HGMUE patients were categorized as pepsin (+) and pepsin (-), respectively when 75ng/mL was used as a cut-off value. Male sex, RSI, AET, and proximal acid reflux episodes were positive predictive factors for the occurrence of pepsin (+) in HGMUE patients. GERD, especially GERD with proximal acid reflux and related symptoms, was common in HGMUE patients. The salivary pepsin test could be an additional useful test for testing reflux in HGMUE patients, but it will not replace the MII-pH.

Endoscopic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Panacea for proton pump inhibitors dependent/refractory patients.

Endoscopic therapies in proton pump inhibitors (PPI) dependent/refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are increasingly indicated in patients who are not suitable or willing for chronic medical therapy and surgical fundoplication. Currently available endoluminal anti-reflux procedures include radiofrequency therapy (Stretta), suturing/plication and mucosal ablation/resection techniques at the gastroesophageal junction. Meticulous work up and patient selection results in a favorable outcome with these endoscopic therapies, especially the quality of life and partially the PPI independence. Stretta can be considered in patients with PPI refractory GERD and might have a role in patients with reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn. Endoscopic fundoplication using the Esophyx device and the GERD-X device have strong evidence (multiple randomized controlled trials) in patients with small hiatus hernia and high volume reflux episodes. Mucosal resection/ablation techniques like anti-reflux mucosectomy and anti-reflux mucosal ablation have shown promising results but need long term follow-up studies to prove their efficacy. The subset of PPI dependent GERD population will benefit from endoscopic therapies and the future of endoscopic management of GERD looks promising.

Patients With Definite and Inconclusive Evidence of Reflux According to Lyon Consensus Display Similar Motility and Esophagogastric Junction Characteristics.

Background/AimsThe role of esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) within Lyon consensus phenotypes, especially patients with inconclusive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) evidence, has not been fully investigated. In this multicenter, observational study we aim to compare HRM parameters in patients with GERD stratified according to the Lyon consensus.MethodsClinical and endoscopic data, HRM and multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) studies performed off proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with esophageal GERD symptoms were reviewed. Lyon consensus criteria identified pathological GERD, reflux hypersensitivity, functional heartburn, and inconclusive GERD. Patients, with inconclusive GERD were further subdivided into 2 groups based on total reflux numbers (≤ 80 or > 80 reflux episodes) during the MII-pH recording time.ResultsA total of 264 patients formed the study cohort. Pathological GERD and inconclusive GERD patients were associated with higher numbers of reflux episodes, lower mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) values, and a higher proportion of patients with pathologic MNBI compared to functional heartburn (P < 0.05 for each comparison). On multivariate analysis, pathological GERD and inconclusive GERD patients, both with ≤ 80 or > 80 reflux episodes, were significantly associated with pathologic esophagogastric junction contractile integral values and with presence of hiatus hernia (type 2/3 esophagogastric junction). Patients with inconclusive GERD and > 80 reflux episodes were significantly associated with fragmented peristalsis and ineffective esophageal motility whilst inconclusive GERD with ≤ 80 reflux episodes were significantly associated with fragmented peristalsis.ConclusionEsophageal motor parameters on HRM are similar between pathologic and inconclusive GERD according to the Lyon consensus.

Influence of laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy on gastroesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired patients using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements.

Development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after gastrostomy remains debatable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy (LAG) influence on the occurrence of GERD in neurologically impaired (NI) patients. Furthermore, we investigated whether preoperatively excluding NI patients with GERD can reduce the number of patients requiring subsequent anti-reflux surgery (ARS) after LAG. This retrospective study included 35 NI patients (median age: 11.0; interquartile range 5.0-23.5years) who underwent LAG according to our criterion from October 2012 to June 2020 and MII-pH before and after LAG. MII-pH parameters were compared in all patients and among three age groups between before and after LAG. There were no significant differences in MII-pH parameters before and 1year after LAG in all patients, and no patient underwent subsequent ARS. Only one paediatric patient with 64 number of reflux episodes before LAG required subsequent ARS 3years after LAG. Generally, LAG did not influence the postoperative GERD at 1year after LAG, and our criteria could reduce the number of patients requiring subsequent ARS. However, paediatric NI patients with higher number of reflux episodes in preoperative MII-pH study may need careful long-term follow-up after LAG.

Determinants of reflux perception in patients with non-erosive reflux disease who have reflux-related symptoms on potassium-competitive acid blocker therapy.

This study investigated potential determinants of reflux perception in patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) who had reflux-related symptoms on potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) therapy. This study included 23 patients with reflux-related symptoms despite P-CAB therapy. Esophageal impedance-pH monitoring was performed on P-CAB and the following potential determinants of reflux perception were investigated: reflux nadir pH value; change in pH (baseline-nadir); bolus clearance time; reflux extent; proportions of acid, weakly acidic, and weakly alkaline reflux episodes; and proportions of liquid and mixed reflux episodes. Overall, ≥ 90% of all and symptomatic reflux episodes were weakly acidic reflux and 63% of symptomatic reflux episodes were reflux episodes with pH ≥ 5. There were no significant differences regarding potential determinants between symptomatic and asymptomatic reflux episodes. However, the proportion of symptomatic reflux episodes was significantly greater with pH < 5 (13.8%) than with pH ≥ 5 (9.5%) (P = 0.0431). In reflux episodes with pH < 5, the proportion of symptomatic reflux episodes was significantly greater in proximal sites (20.6%) than in distal sites (10.6%) (P = 0.0178). Conversely, in reflux episodes with pH ≥ 5, there was no significant difference regarding reflux perception according to reflux extent (proximal: 9.6% vs. distal: 9.0%, P = 0.9337). In patients with P-CAB-resistant NERD, reflux symptoms were mainly caused by reflux episodes with pH ≥ 5 on P-CAB therapy. The proportions of symptomatic reflux episodes among reflux sites differed according to reflux pH value; thus, the mechanisms of reflux perception may differ according to reflux pH value.

Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave is impaired in laryngopharyngeal and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) result from the reflux of gastric contents. The post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) is an oesophageal reflex that facilitates chemical clearance of gastric contents following reflux events. PSPW index is a novel parameter that has been validated in assessing the effectiveness of chemical clearance in GORD, but not in LPR. This study aimed to assess chemical clearance in LPR and GORD by measuring PSPW indices in a consecutive series of patients. Reviewers blindly analysed off-therapy impedance-pH tracings from 187 patients clinically categorized as LPR (n=105) or GORD (n=82) by predominant symptom profile. Conventional impedance-pH measures and PSPW indices were analysed. Mean PSPW index in the LPR group was higher than in the GORD group (39.7% (±17.7%) vs. 20.6% (±13.4%); p<0.001). Abnormally low PSPW index (<61%) was seen in 85 (81%) of the LPR group, and 80 (97.6%) of the GORD group (p<0.001). Area under the ROC curve for PSPW index to diagnose LPR was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.767-0.889; p<0.001). Post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave was impaired in patients with LPR as well as oesophageal GORD, indicating an abnormality of chemical clearance following a reflux episode in both groups. PSPW index was more severely impaired in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study shows PSPW index is useful in the diagnosis of both LPR and GORD and exposes an abnormality of clearance of the oesophagus.

Nutritional Intervention in Paediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Clinical Case Reports

The nutritional management of the complex needs child with impaired gastrointestinal function can be challenging. Gastrointestinal intolerance is a common occurrence in these children, including frequent episodes of reflux that can progress to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD).

It is really time to retire laparoscopic gastric banding? Positive outcomes after long-term follow-up: the management is the key

After the initial widespread diffusion, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been progressively abandoned and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the worldwide most adopted procedure. Nevertheless, recent reports raised concerns about the long-term weight regain after different bariatric techniques. Considering the large LAGB series recorded in our multicentric bariatric database, we analysed the anthropometric and surgical outcomes of obese patients underwent LAGB at a long-term follow-up, focusing on LAGB management. Between January 2008 to January 2018, demographics, anthropometric and post-operative data of obese patients undergone LAGB were retrospectively evaluated. To compare the postoperative outcomes, the cohort was divided in two groups according to the quantity of band filling (QBF): low band filling group (Group 1) with at most 3 ml of QBF, and patients in the high band filling group (Group 2) with at least 4 ml. 699 obese patients were considered in the analysis (351 in Group 1 and 348 in Group 2). Patients in Group 1 resulted significantly associated (p < 0.05) to higher % EWL and quality of life score (BAROS Score), 49.1 ± 11.3 vs 38.2 ± 14.2 and 5.9 ± 1.8 vs 3.8 ± 2.5, respectively. Moreover, patients with lower band filling (Group 1) complained less episodes of vomiting, epigastric pain and post-prandial reflux and significantly decreased slippage and migration rate (p < 0.001 for all parameters). LAGB is a safe and reversible procedure, whose efficacy is primarily related to correct postoperative handling. Low band filling and strict follow-up seem the success’ key of this technique, which deserves full consideration among bariatric procedures.

Gastro-oesophageal refl ux in infants: optimizing behavioural and pharmacological therapy

The aim was to investigate the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal refl ux (GOR) in newborns and unweaneds because of its possible overestimation or underestimation due to parent’s disposition. The main purposes of this study were to evaluate the eff ectiveness of behavioural therapy to limit the use of drug, and the correlation between GOR and type of feeding, since there is evidence in the literature that breastfeeding could have a protective role. This prospective observational study was carried out in paediatric patients from June 2015 to December 2017. We enrolled 180 children aged between one and six months. Patients were classifi ed in two groups, as follows: group 1 (without GOR) and group 2 (with GOR). Inclusion criteria in group 2 were the presence of at least one of the following symptoms: early sense of satiety, nausea, aversion to food, vomiting and/or regurgitation, rumination, poor growth, wheezing, and cry. History exploration and clinical investigation were conducted to analyse the main characteristics of refl ux episodes and the possible correlation with breastfeeding. Behavioural treatment based on postural measures and dietary advice was prescribed to group 2 infants. In case of non-response to therapy, histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) were prescribed at a dosage of 5 mg/kg/day in two doses. The presence of GOR was excluded in 140/180 (77.8%) children, yielding a refl ux prevalence index equal to 22.2% of the sample (40/180). Regarding the symptoms, 95% of the group with refl ux showed vomiting, regurgitation, rumination and poor growth; 2.5% also showed wheezing, and the remaining 2.5% showed inconsolable crying too. No statistically signifi cant correlation was found between the type of feeding and the onset of refl ux. In group 2 (with GOR), 97.5% of the infants responded to behavioural therapy, while the condition failed to improve in only 2.5% and drug therapy with H2RAs was started. GOR is a common clinical condition in infants. Conservative approach is more required in children than in adults, especially considering both regression of GOR within the fi rst year of life in most cases and side eff ects of pharmacological treatment. Breastfeeding did not appear to have a signifi cant role. Key words: CHILD; GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX; BREAST FEEDING; THERAPY

711 POST-REFLUX SWALLOW-INDUCED PERISTALTIC WAVE IS IMPAIRED IN LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL AND GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) result from the reflux of gastric contents. The post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) induces chemical clearance following reflux events. PSPW index is a novel parameter that has been validated in GORD, but not in LPR. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of chemical clearance by assessing PSPW indices in patients with LPR and GORD. Methods Reviewers blindly analysed off-therapy impedance-pH tracings from 187 patients divided into LPR (n = 105) or GORD (n = 82) by predominant symptom profile. Conventional impedance-pH measures and PSPW indices were analysed for the two groups. Results Mean PSPW index in the LPR group was higher than in the GORD group (39.7% (±17.7%) vs. 20.6% (±13.4%); p &amp;lt; 0.001). Abnormally low PSPW index (&amp;lt;61%) was seen in 85 (81%) of the LPR group, and 80 (97.6%) of the GORD group (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Area under the ROC curve for PSPW index to diagnose LPR was 0.828 (95% CI: 0.767–0.889; p &amp;lt; 0.001). The LPR group had a lower AET (1.5% vs. 8.1%; p &amp;lt; 0.001) and fewer distal reflux episodes (46.5 (±24.5) vs. 64.4 (±39); p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion PSPW was impaired in patients with LPR as well as oesophageal GORD, indicating an abnormality of chemical clearance following a reflux episode in both groups. PSPW index was more severely impaired in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The present study shows PSPW index is useful in aiding in the diagnosis of both LPR and GORD.

708 A NEW DIAGNOSTIC PARADIGM FOR LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: CORRELATION OF IMPEDANCE-PH MONITORING AND DIGITAL REFLUX SCINTIGRAPHY RESULTS

Abstract No gold-standard investigation exists for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)-pH testing has uncertain utility in LPR. Meanwhile, reflux scintigraphy allows immediate and delayed visualisation of tracer reflux in the esophagus, pharynx, and lungs. The present study aimed to correlate MII-pH and scintigraphic reflux results in patients with primary LPR. Methods Consecutive patients with LPR underwent MII-pH and scintigraphic reflux studies. Abnormal values for MII-pH results were defined from existing literature. MII-pH and scintigraphic data were correlated. Results 105 patients with LPR (31 males (29.5%), median age 60 years (range: 20–87)) were studied. Scintigraphic reflux was seen in the pharynx in 94 (90.4%), and in the proximal esophagus in 94 (90.4%). Delayed scintigraphic contamination of the pharynx was seen in 101 patients (96.2%) and in the lungs of 56 patients (53.3%). Abnormal reflux was seen in the distal esophagus in 12.4%, proximal esophagus in 25.7%, and in the pharynx in 82.9%. Patients with poor scintigraphic clearance had higher Demeester scores (p = 0.043), more proximal reflux episodes (p = 0.046), more distal acid reflux episodes (p = 0.023), and longer bolus clearance times (p = 0.002). Conclusion Reflux scintigraphy has a high yield in LPR patients. Scintigraphic time-activity curves correlated with validated MII-pH results. A high rate of pulmonary microaspiration was found in LPR patients. This study demonstrated a high level of pharyngeal contamination by scintigraphy and MII-pH, which supports the use of digital reflux scintigraphy in diagnosing LPR.

719 REDUCED MEAN NOCTURNAL BASELINE IMPEDANCE AIDS DIAGNOSIS OF GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occur due to acidic gastric refluxate causing symptoms. Baseline esophageal impedance has been shown to be reduced with prolonged acid exposure. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) is a novel measure that has shown promise in GERD but has not been evaluated in LPR. This study aimed to assess the role of MNBI in LPR and GERD patients. Methods Off-therapy impedance-pH tracings were blindly reviewed for 187 patients previously prospectively allocated clinical diagnoses of LPR (n = 105) or GERD (n = 82). Conventional impedance-pH measures and MNBI were analysed for the two groups. Results MNBI was significantly lower in the distal esophagus in GERD patients compared with LPR (1679 ± 914 vs. 2109 ± 863; p = 0.001). Similarly, in the proximal esophagus, MNBI was lower in GERD than LPR (2289 ± 579 vs. 2541 ± 471; p = 0.001). In the pharynx, MNBI was similar between the two groups (2116 ± 699 vs. 2133 ± 770; p = 0.878). Distal acid exposure time (AET) and the number of distal acid reflux episodes negatively correlated with distal esophageal MNBI (r = −0.195; p = 0.007) and (r = −0.330; p &amp;lt; 0.001) respectively. Conclusion Baseline impedance was reduced in both LPR and GERD at both distal and proximal esophageal measurements, and more severely reduced in GERD. Baseline impedance is strongly and inversely related to acid exposure in the esophagus. Pharyngeal MNBI was not reduced or different between groups. Distal and proximal esophageal MNBI may be useful in diagnosis of LPR as well as GERD.

Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique and Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants Under the Age of 1 Year.

Background: The Prolonged Slow Expiration Technique (PSE) is an airway clearance technique (ACT) carried out in newborn children with bronchial obstruction and hypersecretion to clear away the mucus from the respiratory tract. Evidence about the effect of PSE on gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is currently lacking in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of PSE on GER in infants under the age of 1 year.Methods: Infants were observed using multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (MII-pH) over 24 h. During monitoring, the participants were treated with one 20 min intervention of PSE in supine position, 2 h after feeding. In this controlled trial with intra-subject design, the number of reflux episodes (REs) during PSE were compared to 20 min before and after PSE.Results: Fifty infants younger than 1 year were screened of whom 22 had a pathological GER. For the entire group, no significant difference was seen in the total number of REs between before, during, or after the PSE treatment (P = 0.76). No significant difference in total REs was found between the three measuring points (P = 0.59) in the group of infants with an abnormal MII-pH (n = 22).Conclusion: PSE does not cause a significant difference in REs in infants younger than 1 year.Registration number: NCT03341585.

Esophagogastric junction contractile integral abnormalities in patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory symptoms.

Esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI) is a novel indicator to evaluate quantitatively the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function. We aimed to assess the role of EGJ-CI in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the correlation between EGJ-CI and impedance-pH monitoring characteristics. In total 82 patients with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (heartburn or regurgitation) were enrolled. These patients were further divided into two groups based on their EGJ-CI value (39 mmHg·cm). The mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) was measured to explore its association with EGJ-CI. The median EGJ-CI in patients with PPI-refractory symptoms was 30.8 mmHg·cm. EGJ-CI was inversely correlated with acid exposure time and reflux episodes; while it was positively correlated with MNBI, distal contractile integral, lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure and integrated relaxation pressure. Patients were further divided into the high (n=27) and low (n=55) EGJ-CI groups using a cut-off value of 39.0 mmHg·cm. Patients with a low EGJ-CI had a lower MNBI level than those with a high EGJ-CI (2703 Ω vs 3545 Ω, P = 0.034). In patients with PPIs-refractory symptoms, EGJ-CI is associated with acid exposure and conventional high-resolution manometry parameters. EGJ-CI may play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with refractory GERD.