Prevalence and risk factors of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms among adolescents, the HUNT study.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is recognized by symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. These gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) are common in adults, but data from adolescents are sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of GORS among adolescents in a large and unselected population. METHODS: This study was based on the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal series of population-based health surveys conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. This study included data from Young-HUNT4 performed in 2017-2019, where all inhabitants aged 13-19 years were invited and 8066 (76.0%) participated. The presence of GORS (any or frequent) during the past 12 months and tobacco smoking status were reported through self-administrated questionnaires, whereas body mass index (BMI) was objectively measured. RESULTS: Among 7620 participating adolescents reporting on the presence of GORS, the prevalence of any GORS and frequent GORS was 33.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.2 - 34.3%) and 3.6% (95% CI 3.2 - 4.0%), respectively. The risk of frequent GORS was lower among boys compared to girls (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.46 - 0.79), higher in current smokers compared to never smokers (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.10 - 2.93) and higher among obese compared to underweight/normal weight adolescents (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.70 - 3.66). CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of adolescents had GORS in this population-based study, particularly girls, tobacco smokers, and individuals with obesity, but frequent GORS was relatively uncommon. Measures to avoid tobacco smoking and obesity in adolescents may prevent GORS.

The impact of low-fat and full-fat dairy foods on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an exploratory analysis based on a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widely prevalent condition. High consumption of dairy foods and dietary fat are associated with worse GERD symptoms. However, existing data are inconsistent and mostly based on observational studies. The purpose of this exploratory analysis of a randomized controlled trial was to investigate the impact of low-fat and full-fat dairy food consumption on GERD symptoms. METHODS: Seventy-two participants with metabolic syndrome completed a 4-week wash-in diet during which dairy intake was limited to three servings of nonfat milk per week. Participants were then randomized to either continue the limited dairy diet or switch to a diet containing 3.3 servings per day of either low-fat or full-fat milk, yogurt and cheese for 12 weeks. Here, we report intervention effects on the frequency of acid reflux, and the frequency and severity of heartburn, exploratory endpoints assessed by a questionnaire administered before and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: In the per-protocol analysis (n = 63), there was no differential intervention effect on a cumulative heartburn score (p = 0.443 for the time by diet interaction in the overall repeated measures analysis of variance). Similarly, the intervention groups did not differentially affect the odds of experiencing acid regurgitation (p = 0.651). The intent-to-treat analyses (n = 72) yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Our exploratory analyses suggest that, in men and women with the metabolic syndrome, increasing the consumption of either low-fat or full-fat dairy foods to at least three servings per day does not affect common symptoms of GERD, heartburn and acid regurgitation compared to a diet limited in dairy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02663544, registered on January 26, 2016.

Predictors of dental erosions in patients evaluated with upper digestive endoscopy: a cross-sectional study.

The most studied medical condition related with dental erosions is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess other predictors of dental erosions besides GERD in outpatients referred for upper digestive endoscopy. In a cross-sectional study, we prospectively evaluated 235 patients who underwent upper digestive endoscopy. Patients were interviewed and examined by a trained dentist before the endoscopies, addressing dental health as well as clinical information and food intake. Dental erosion was classified using Basic Erosive Wear Examination score. Potential predictors for dental erosions were: gender, age, chronic use of antidepressants and proton pump inhibitors (PPI), diabetes mellitus, body mass index, heartburn and acid regurgitation scores, chocolate intake, reflux esophagitis and hiatal hernia. Overall prevalence of dental erosions was 23.4%. The most parsimonious Poisson regression model for dental erosions considered age, chocolate intake and acid regurgitation as predictors. Dental erosions were associated with acid regurgitation in patients younger than 50 years [adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-2.9)] and with chocolate intake in patients older than 50 years [PR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.2-3.9]. The surfaces most eroded were palatine/lingual (n = 25) and occlusal (n = 25), followed by vestibular (n = 5). In outpatients evaluated with upper digestive endoscopy, the variables associated with dental erosions were age younger than 50 years, acid regurgitation and chocolate intake. Referral for dental evaluation should be considered for young patients with GERD and frequent acid regurgitation.

Use of Esophageal pH Monitoring to Minimize Proton-Pump Inhibitor Utilization in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Due to concerns about long-term PPI use in patients with acid reflux, we aimed at minimizing PPI use, either by avoiding initiating therapy, downscaling to other therapies, or introducing endoscopic or surgical options. AIMS: To examine the role of esophageal ambulatory pHmetry in minimizing PPI use in patients with heartburn and acid regurgitation. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of patients with reflux symptoms, who underwent endoscopy, manometry, and ambulatory pHmetry to define the need for PPI. Patients were classified as: (1) never users; (2) partial responders to PPI; (3) users with complete response to PPI. Patients were then managed as: (1) PPI non-users; (2) PPI-initiated, and (3) PPI-continued. RESULTS: Of 286 patients with heartburn and regurgitation, 103 (36%) were found to have normal and 183 (64%) abnormal esophageal acid exposure (AET). In the normal AET group, 44/103 had not been treated and were not initiated on PPI. Of the 59 who had previously received PPI, 52 stopped and 7 continued PPI. Hence, PPI were avoided in 96/103 patients (93%). In the abnormal AET group, 61/183 had not been treated and 38 were initiated on PPI and 23 on other therapies. In the 122 patients previously treated with PPI, 24 were not treated with PPI, but with H2RAs, prokinetics, endoscopic, or surgical therapy. Hence, PPI therapy was avoided in 47/183 patients (26%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GER symptoms, esophageal pHmetry may avert PPI use in 50%. In the era of caution regarding PPIs, early testing may provide assurance and justification.

Lifestyle Intervention in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects up to 30% of adults in Western populations and is increasing in prevalence. GERD is associated with lifestyle factors, particularly obesity and tobacco smoking, which also threatens the patient's general health. GERD carries the risk of several adverse outcomes and there is widespread use of potent acid-inhibitors, which are associated with long-term adverse effects. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the role of lifestyle intervention in the treatment of GERD. METHODS: Literature searches were performed in PubMed (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1980), and the Cochrane Library (no start date) to October 1, 2014. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and prospective observational studies were included. RESULTS: Weight loss was followed by decreased time with esophageal acid exposure in 2 RCTs (from 5.6% to 3.7% and from 8.0% to 5.5%), and reduced reflux symptoms in prospective observational studies. Tobacco smoking cessation reduced reflux symptoms in normal-weight individuals in a large prospective cohort study (odds ratio, 5.67). In RCTs, late evening meals increased time with supine acid exposure compared with early meals (5.2% point change), and head-of-the-bed elevation decreased time with supine acid exposure compared with a flat position (from 21% to 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss and tobacco smoking cessation should be recommended to GERD patients who are obese and smoke, respectively. Avoiding late evening meals and head-of-the-bed elevation is effective in nocturnal GERD.

Zero-Inflated Models for Identifying Relationships Between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: That obesity leads to gastroesophageal reflux is a widespread notion. However, scientific evidence for this association is limited, with no rigorous epidemiological approach conducted to address this question. This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in a large population-representative sample from China. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in an age- and gender-stratified random sample of the population of five central regions in China. Participants aged 18-80 years completed a general information questionnaire and a Chinese version of the Reflux Disease Questionnaire. The zero-inflated Poisson regression model estimated the relationship between body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, 16,091 (89.4 %) of the 18,000 eligible participants responded. 638 (3.97 %) and 1738 (10.81 %) experienced at least weekly heartburn and weekly acid regurgitation, respectively. After adjusting for potential risk factors in the zero-inflated part, the frequency [odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 0.50-0.86, p = 0.002] and severity (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.50-088, p = 0.004) of heartburn in obese participants were statistically significant compared to those in normal participants. In the Poisson part, the frequency of acid regurgitation, overweight (OR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.01-1.21, p = 0.038) and obesity (OR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.04-1.37, p = 0.013) were statistically significant. BMI was strongly and positively related to the frequency and severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Additionally, gender exerted strong specific effects on the relationship between BMI and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The severity and frequency of heartburn were positively correlated with obesity. This relationship was presented distinct in male participants only.

Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.

Heartburn and acid regurgitation are the typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Despite the availability of several treatment options, antacids remain the mainstay treatment for gastroesophageal reflux-related symptoms based on their efficacy, safety, and over-the-counter availability. Antacids are generally recommended for adults and children at least 12 years old, and the FDA recommends antacids as the first-line treatment for heartburn in pregnancy. This narrative review summarizes the mechanism, features, and limitations related to different antacid ingredients and techniques available to study the acid neutralization and buffering capacity of antacid formulations. Using supporting clinical evidence for different antacid ingredients, it also discusses the importance of antacids as OTC medicines and first-line therapies for heartburn, particularly in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which reliance on self-care has increased. The review will also assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in helping individuals with heartburn to make informed self-care decisions and educating them to ensure that antacids are used in an optimal, safe, and effective manner.

Are Anxious and Depressive Symptoms Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)?

Psychological distress is common among non-Hispanic/Latino adults with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Heartburn and acid regurgitation symptom prevalence, and their relationship with anxious and depressive symptoms, was examined in 16,415 Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos participants aged 18-74 from 4 US cities (Bronx, NY; Chicago, IL; Miami, FL; San Diego, CA). Complex survey logistic regression models were used to test relations between GI, anxious, and depressive symptoms. 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 9.4, 10.8) and 8.9% (95% CI = 8.3, 9.5) of the overall sample (estimates are weighted and adjusted for age and body mass index) respectively self-reported heartburn and acid regurgitation at least several times/week within the past year. Adults who reported GI symptoms several times/week or more also self-reported higher psychological distress compared to adults who reported GI symptoms less frequently. For one standard deviation higher in anxious symptoms (5.6 units), GI prevalence odds were respectively 1.14 (95% CI = 1.10, 1.17) and 1.14 (95% CI = 1.09, 1.18) for heartburn and acid regurgitation. GI prevalence odds (heartburn = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.18; acid regurgitation = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.18) were similar for one standard deviation higher in depressive symptoms (5.9 units). Demographic, health, and clinical characteristics did not significantly attenuate relationships between GI and psychological distress symptoms. Psychological distress is related to GI symptoms in US Hispanics/Latinos.

Erosive Esophagitis and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Morbid Obesity with and without Type 2 Diabetes: a Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the general population, but the relationship between these conditions in candidates for bariatric surgery is uncertain. We compared the prevalence of GERD and the association between GERD symptoms and esophagitis among bariatric candidates with and without T2DM. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of baseline data from the Oseberg study in Norway. Both groups underwent gastroduodenoscopy and completed validated questionnaires: Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire. Participants with T2DM underwent 24-h pH-metry. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with T2DM, 81 women, mean (SD) age 48.6 (9.4) years and BMI 42.3 (5.5) kg/m2, and 64 patients without T2DM, 46 women, age 43.0 (11.0) years and BMI 43.0 (5.0) kg/m2, were included. The proportions of patients reporting GERD-symptoms were low (< 29%) and did not differ significantly between groups, while the proportions of patients with esophagitis were high both in the T2DM and non-T2DM group, 58% versus 47%, p = 0.16. The majority of patients with esophagitis did not have GERD-symptoms (68-80%). Further, 55% of the patients with T2DM had pathologic acid reflux. Among these, 71% also had erosive esophagitis, whereof 67% were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD was similar in bariatric patients with or without T2DM, and the proportion of patients with asymptomatic GERD was high independent of the presence or absence of T2DM. Accordingly, GERD may be underdiagnosed in patients not undergoing a preoperative endoscopy or acid reflux assessment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov number NCT01778738.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Iran: SEPAHAN Systematic Review No. 2.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting gastrointestinal tract with a wide range of frequency around the world. In this study, we aimed to review all of the published studies about GERD's prevalence in Iran systematically. METHODS: We searched bibliographic databases including PubMed and Google Scholar and local databases (Scientific Information Database and Iran Medex) to achieve all relevant articles to our subject and included them based on predefined inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were included in the study to estimate the prevalence of GERD in Iran. Based on these articles, the prevalence of GERD in Iran was within the range of 1.9 to 52%. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the differences between studies, such as characteristics of the sampled population and the diagnostic criteria, the reported prevalence of GERD was remarkably different in the reviewed studies. Nonetheless, because of the high prevalence of GERD in Iran, conducting large-scale epidemiological studies should be considered to determine factors associated with the prevalence of GERD to prevent and control it.

Eosinophilic esophagitis in patients with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms refractory to proton pump inhibitor

BACKGROUND: TREATMEN The contribution of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) to refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains unknown. When EoE and GERD overlap, the clinical, endoscopic and histological findings are nonspecific and cannot be used to distinguish between the two disorders. Limited data are available on this topic, and the interaction between EoE and GERD is a matter of debate. AIM: We have conducted a prospective study of adult patients with refractory GERD to evaluate the overlap of reflux and EoE. METHODS: Between July 2006 and June 2008, we consecutively and prospectively enrolled 130 male and female patients aged 18 to 70 years old who experienced persistent heartburn and/or regurgitation more than twice a week over the last 30 days while undergoing at least six consecutive weeks of omeprazole treatment (at least 40 mg once a day). The patients underwent an upper digestive endoscopy with esophageal biopsy, and intraepithelial eosinophils were counted after hematoxylin/eosin staining. The diagnosis of EoE was based on the presence of 20 or more eosinophils per high-power field (eo/HPF) in esophageal biopsies. RESULTS: Among the 103 studied patients, 79 (76.7 percent) were females. The patients had a mean age of 45.5 years and a median age of 47 years. Endoscopy was normal in 83.5 percent of patients, and erosive esophagitis was found in 12.6 percent. Only one patient presented lesions suggestive of EoE. Histological examination revealed >20 eo/HPF in this patient. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated a low prevalence of EoE among patients with refractory GERD undergoing omeprazole treatment.