RESUMEN
CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of pepsinogen I (PGI) in middle-ear effusions (MEEs) and a questionnaire on the frequency symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease are tools that can be used to screen for the existence of GER. OBJECTIVE: To seek methods that would be beneficial as a screen for the presence of GER among adult patients with OME. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight adult outpatients with OME were asked to answer a questionnaire of the frequency scale for symptoms of GER disease. Samples of MEEs were obtained from each subject and were measured for concentrations of PGI and PGII. Some patients were followed up after being treated with a proton pump inhibitor. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with high PGI concentrations in their MEEs was higher in those with GER-related symptoms than in those without GER-related symptoms. Moreover, OME was present bilaterally in a higher percentage of patients with GER-related symptoms. There were patients in whom PGI levels decreased after receiving treatment for GER.
Asunto(s)
Reflujo Gastroesofágico/diagnóstico , Otitis Media con Derrame/diagnóstico , Pepsinógeno A/análisis , Pepsinógeno C/análisis , 2-Piridinilmetilsulfinilbencimidazoles , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Antiulcerosos/uso terapéutico , Oído Medio/química , Femenino , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/complicaciones , Reflujo Gastroesofágico/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Masculino , Tamizaje Masivo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Otitis Media con Derrame/etiología , Inhibidores de la Bomba de Protones , Rabeprazol , Factores de Riesgo , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical relationship between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Sixty patients with OME with unknown causes were asked to answer a new questionnaire specific for the diagnosis of GER disease; pepsinogen (PG) levels in their middle-ear effusions (MEEs) were measured. RESULTS: The percentage of patients with high PG concentrations in their MEEs was significantly higher in those with questionnaire-positive GER than in those with questionnaire-negative GER. OME was present bilaterally in a significantly higher percentage of patients with questionnaire-positive GER. The PG levels decreased in some of the patients after receiving proton pump inhibitors, which also decreased the symptoms of GER. CONCLUSION: The presence of PG in MEEs supports the existence of GER; treatment for GER should be considered in patients with ear complaints, especially in those who have GER-related symptoms.
