Updates to the modern diagnosis of GERD: Lyon consensus 2.0.

The Lyon Consensus provides conclusive criteria for and against the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and adjunctive metrics that consolidate or refute GERD diagnosis when primary criteria are borderline or inconclusive. An international core and working group was assembled to evaluate research since publication of the original Lyon Consensus, and to vote on statements collaboratively developed to update criteria. The Lyon Consensus 2.0 provides a modern definition of actionable GERD, where evidence from oesophageal testing supports revising, escalating or personalising GERD management for the symptomatic patient. Symptoms that have a high versus low likelihood of relationship to reflux episodes are described. Unproven versus proven GERD define diagnostic strategies and testing options. Patients with no prior GERD evidence (unproven GERD) are studied using prolonged wireless pH monitoring or catheter-based pH or pH-monitoring off antisecretory medication, while patients with conclusive GERD evidence (proven GERD) and persisting symptoms are evaluated using pH-impedance monitoring while on optimised antisecretory therapy. The major changes from the original Lyon Consensus criteria include establishment of Los Angeles grade B oesophagitis as conclusive GERD evidence, description of metrics and thresholds to be used with prolonged wireless pH monitoring, and inclusion of parameters useful in diagnosis of refractory GERD when testing is performed on antisecretory therapy in proven GERD. Criteria that have not performed well in the diagnosis of actionable GERD have been retired. Personalisation of investigation and management to each patient's unique presentation will optimise GERD diagnosis and management.

Prevalence of Anti- Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibodies (ASCA) in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction that affects patients' quality. Recent research has shown variations in the mycobiome of individuals with IBS, particularly involving Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and its association with dysbiosis and visceral hypersensitivity. However, the role of Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) in IBS remains unclear, despite their significance as markers of disease severity in inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the role of ASCA in Mexican IBS patients compared with healthy controls (HCs) and determine whether these antibodies could help differentiate between IBS patients and healthy individuals. METHODS: Serum samples from 400 IBS patients and 400 HC were analyzed. ASCA IgG levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The IBS patients were further categorized into subtypes: constipation predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). RESULTS: Among the participants, 66 IBS patients (16.5%) and 63 HC (15.75%) tested positive for ASCA IgG. No significant difference was observed in ASCA IgG levels between the 2 groups ( P value: 0.8451). The prevalence of ASCA IgG positivity was 14.5% in IBS-C, 17.8% in IBS-D, and 15.9% in IBS-M. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly, a high prevalence of ASCA IgG was found in the HC group in Mexico. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in ASCA IgG levels between IBS patients and controls. These findings suggest that ASCA is not useful as a discriminatory biomarker for distinguishing IBS patients from healthy individuals and cannot serve as a surrogate marker for visceral hypersensitivity.

Incidence of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Symptoms After 7 Days of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Study on Healthy Volunteers.

INTRODUCTION: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed drugs. Chronic PPI use has recently been associated with the risk for developing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). It is not known whether the short-term prescription of a PPI can trigger SIBO. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of SIBO and gastrointestinal symptoms after 7 days of PPI use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, pilot, open-label study was conducted on asymptomatic healthy volunteers. The incidence of SIBO was evaluated at the baseline and after administration of 40 mg of pantoprazole once a day for 7 days, through a glucose breath test. In addition, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, the number of bowel movements, and the consistency of stools, according to the Bristol scale, were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight healthy subjects (71.1% women, mean age 25.18 ± 6.5 years) were analyzed. The incidence of SIBO after 7 days of PPI administration was 7.8% (95% CI 1.6-21.3%). The patients that developed SIBO had a greater prevalence of bloating (p = 0.0002) and flatulence (p = 0.004) after 7 days of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a short-term 7-day PPI course produced SIBO in 7.8% of healthy subjects. Although, inappropriate use of PPIs should be discouraged, but since more than 90% of subjects who received PPIs for one week did not develop SIBO, the advantages of PPI administration seem to outweigh the disadvantages.

Diagnostic differences in high-resolution esophageal motility in a large Mexican cohort based on geographic distribution.

High-resolution esophageal manometry [HRM] has become the gold standard for the evaluation of esophageal motility disorders. It is unclear whether there are HRM differences in diagnostic outcome based on regional or geographic distribution. The diagnostic outcome of HRM in a diverse geographical population of Mexico was compared and determined if there is variability in diagnostic results among referral centers. Consecutive patients referred for HRM during 2016-2020 were included. Four major referral centers in Mexico participated in the study: northeastern, southeastern, and central (Mexico City, two centers). All studies were interpreted by experienced investigators using Chicago Classification 3 and the same technology. A total of 2293 consecutive patients were included. More abnormal studies were found in the center (61.3%) versus south (45.8%) or north (45.2%) P < 0.001. Higher prevalence of achalasia was noted in the south (21.5%) versus center (12.4%) versus north (9.5%) P < 0.001. Hypercontractile disorders were more common in the north (11.0%) versus the south (5.2%) or the center (3.6%) P.001. A higher frequency of weak peristalsis occurred in the center (76.8%) versus the north (74.2%) or the south (69.2%) P < 0.033. Gastroesophageal junction obstruction was diagnosed in (7.2%) in the center versus the (5.3%) in the north and (4.2%) in the south p.141 (ns). This is the first study to address the diagnostic outcome of HRM in diverse geographical regions of Mexico. We identified several significant diagnostic differences across geographical centers. Our study provides the basis for further analysis of the causes contributing to these differences.

The inability to belch: a neglected disease in the era of high-resolution esophageal manometry.

Retrograde upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction (R-UESD) is characterized by the inability to belch. Evidence of using high-resolution manometry (HRM) in diagnosing R-UESD has emerged in recent years. We describe the clinical picture and HRM patterns of two patients with R-UESD. Case 1: A 23-year-old female presented with a two-year complaint of inability to belch. We performed HRM with a belch provocation test for which the patient drank 500 ml of carbonated water. The study revealed increased esophageal pressure, an absence of UES relaxation and secondary peristalsis once the patient mentioned the need to belch. Case 2: A 21-year-old male presented to our medical office with a history of an incapacity to belch during the last three years. We performed HRM with a belch provocation test. During the study, he reported an incapacity to belch and his symptoms coincided with increased esophageal pressure, an absence of UES relaxation, and secondary peristalsis. Retrograde upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction is a rare condition characterized by a lack of UES relaxation during esophageal distension. The incapacity to belch is the hallmark of the disease. We encourage the use of HRM, looking for an increase in esophageal pressure to the level of gastric pressure, failure of UES relaxation with consequently no venting of air across the UES, and secondary peristalsis. In conclusion, diverse R-UESD clinical presentations represent a diagnostic challenge for physicians. This case series highlights the need to actively search for typical HRM findings when encountering patients referring an incapacity to belch.

Efficacy of the regional Mexican diet versus the Mediterranean diet in patients with MASLD: a 24-week non-inferiority trial.

In the present manuscript we present evidence of the improvement of MASLD with dietary intervention. It is known that the Mediterranean diet is the best intervention for this pathology, however, it cannot be established in all countries due to the diversity of foods. We create a Mexican diet with the nutrients of the Mediterranean diet for the treatment of our population.

Psyllium reduces inulin-induced colonic gas production in IBS: MRI and in vitro fermentation studies.

OBJECTIVE: Health-promoting dietary fibre including inulin often triggers gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS, limiting their intake. Our aim was to test if coadministering psyllium with inulin would reduce gas production. DESIGN: A randomised, four-period, four-treatment, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in 19 patients with IBS. Subjects ingested a 500 mL test drink containing either inulin 20 g, psyllium 20 g, inulin 20 g+ psyllium 20 g or dextrose 20 g (placebo). Breath hydrogen was measured every 30 min with MRI scans hourly for 6 hours. Faecal samples from a subset of the patients with IBS were tested using an in vitro fermentation model. Primary endpoint was colonic gas assessed by MRI. RESULTS: Colonic gas rose steadily from 0 to 6 hours, with inulin causing the greatest rise, median (IQR) AUC(0-360 min) 3145 (848-6502) mL·min. This was significantly reduced with inulin and psyllium coadministration to 618 (62-2345) mL·min (p=0.02), not significantly different from placebo. Colonic volumes AUC(0-360 min) were significantly larger than placebo for both inulin (p=0.002) and inulin and psyllium coadministration (p=0.005). Breath hydrogen rose significantly from 120 min after inulin but not psyllium; coadministration of psyllium with inulin delayed and reduced the maximum increase, AUC(0-360 min) from 7230 (3255-17910) ppm·hour to 1035 (360-4320) ppm·hour, p=0.007.Fermentation in vitro produced more gas with inulin than psyllium. Combining psyllium with inulin did not reduce gas production. CONCLUSIONS: Psyllium reduced inulin-related gas production in patients with IBS but does not directly inhibit fermentation. Whether coadministration with psyllium increases the tolerability of prebiotics in IBS warrants further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03265002.

Body composition and phase angle by bioimpedance in patients with MAFLD. / Análisis de la composición corporal y ángulo de fase por bioimpedancia en pacientes con MAFLD.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the body components and phase angle (PhA) of patients with MAFLD according to those different to fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational and descriptive study in a cohort of 585 volunteers from our center with MAFLD criteria. The risk of liver fibrosis was determined by APRI, NAFLD score and FIB-4; at an indeterminate and high risk of fibrosis, a transient elastography (Fibroscan®) were realized. Bioimpedance body composition analysis (SECA®) was performed. Patients with ET and SECA® registry were included. Bioimpedance body composition analysis (SECA®) was performed. Patients with ET and SECA® registry were included. RESULTS: 125 participants (21.4%) were evaluated, age 53.9±13.9 years, 62.1% women, BMI 33.2±5.8kg/m2. The SECA® analysis showed mean fat mass of 42%±7.32 and muscle mass 21.18kg±6.6. The PhA was 5.1±0.69, in women 4.92±0.62 and men 5.41±0.70. PhA in patients without fibrosis was 5.091 vs with fibrosis 5.121 (P=.813). In advanced fibrosis, it reported a low value compared to the rest of the groups (P=.031). The PhA in S3 was higher compared to S1 and S2 (5.3 vs 4.82, 4.81) (P=.027). CONCLUSIONS: In MAFLD, the PhA was lower than the healthy Mexican population. In patients without fibrosis and severe steatosis, PhA rises proportionally to the increase in fat mass and BMI and in advanced liver fibrosis, PhA decreases.

Normal values and regional differences in oesophageal impedance-pH metrics: a consensus analysis of impedance-pH studies from around the world.

OBJECTIVE: Limitations of existing impedance-pH thresholds include small sample size of normative studies, inclusion of artefactual pH drops and incorrect identification of impedance reflux events. We aimed to obtain new impedance-pH thresholds from expert consensus analysis of tracings from a large number of healthy subjects. DESIGN: Of 541 studies performed worldwide using two different systems (Diversatek, USA, and Laborie, Netherlands), 150 tracings with oesophageal diagnoses, behavioural disorders and study-related artefacts were excluded. The remainder studies were subject to two reviewer consensus analysis, in-person or through video conference, consisting of editing meals and pH drops, identification of impedance reflux and postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) using strict pre-established criteria and measurement of distal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI). RESULTS: Consensus analysis was performed in 391 tracings (age 32.7 years, range 18-71, 54.2% female). Normative thresholds were significantly different between Diversatek and Laborie (total acid exposure time: 2.8% and 5%; reflux episodes: 55 and 78; MNBI at 3 cm: 1400 and 1500 ohms, at 5 cm: 1400 and 1800 ohms). Males had higher acid exposure, more reflux episodes and lower MNBI. Significant regional differences were identified, including higher PSPW scores in Western countries, and higher MNBI in Asia using Diversatek, and higher acid exposure in the Netherlands, higher MNBI in Asia and South Africa, and lower MNBI in Turkey using Laborie. CONCLUSION: Normal impedance-pH monitoring thresholds have regional and system-related differences. Clinical interpretation needs to use normal thresholds valid for the system used and world region, following careful editing of the tracings.

Efficacy of the Combination of Pinaverium Bromide 100 mg Plus Simethicone 300 mg in Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.

GOALS: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PB+S (pinaverium bromide 100 mg plus simethicone 300 mg) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). BACKGROUND: IBS is a multifactorial disorder; thus, combination therapy with different mechanisms of action is expected to be useful. PB+S has shown effectiveness in an open-label clinical study in IBS. However, there are no placebo-controlled trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IBS-Rome III patients with abdominal pain/discomfort for at least 2 days within the week prior to baseline assessment were included in this 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of PB+S versus placebo, bid. The primary endpoint was overall symptom improvement, evaluated weekly by the patient (Likert Scale). Secondary endpoints included the weekly improvement in the severity of abdominal pain and bloating assessed both by patients (10-cm Visual Analogue Scale) and investigators (Likert Scale); frequency of Bristol Scale stool types (consistency) evaluated by patients and the IBS Quality of Life scores. RESULTS: A total of 285 patients (female: 83%; 36.5±8.9 y old) received at least 1 dose of PB+S (n=140) or placebo (n=145). No difference was observed in overall symptom improvement between the groups (P=0.13). However, PB+S was superior in abdominal pain (effect size: 31%, P=0.038) and bloating (33%, P=0.019). Patients with IBS-C and IBS-M showed the best improvement in the frequency of stool types with PB+S. No differences were observed in IBS Quality of Life scores and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: PB+S was superior to placebo in improving abdominal pain and bloating in patients with active IBS. The effect on the frequency of stool consistency was particularly significant in IBS-C and IBS-M.

Faecal immunochemical test-based colorectal cancer screening in Mexico: an initial experience.

BACKGROUND: In middle-income countries, the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in parallel with resources for diagnosis and treatment. There is a potential benefit of CRC screening programs in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: Since there are no organized screening programs in the country, we explored the willingness of individuals to complete a faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) based CRC screening program and its potential benefit in Mexico. METHODS: We conducted a CRC screening program pilot in Veracruz, Mexico, during 2015-16 using FIT. Individuals with FIT results >100 ng of haemoglobin/ml buffer were referred for diagnostic colonoscopy. RESULTS: Of 473 FIT kits distributed to adults aged 50-75, 85.8% (406) were completed by participants and analysed in the laboratory. Of these, 5.9% (24/406) of test results showed >100 ng haemoglobin/ml. Twenty-one participants completed colonoscopy. The positive predictive value of FIT >100 ng haemoglobin/ml for premalignant lesions was 33%. CONCLUSION: These results provide preliminary evidence of the willingness of individuals to complete FIT-based CRC screening program in Mexico. However, further evaluation of health systems resources will be needed prior to large-scale implementation of CRC screening programs.

High-resolution and high-definition anorectal manometry: rediscovering anorectal function.

Anorectal motor and functional disorders are common among the general population. Anorectal manometry allows the study of anorectal motor activity both at rest and mimicking different physiological situations. High-resolution anorectal manometry (HR-ARM) and high-definition anorectal manometry (HD-ARM) are increasingly used in clinical practice. In comparison with the conventional technique, HR-ARM and HD-ARM catheters provide a higher number of recording points because of their many, closely packed circumferential sensors. This allows time-space visualization (topographic or 2-3-plane mode) as spatially continuous measurements are obtained by interpolation between near sensors. HR-ARM and HD-ARM allow a more standardized, reproducible technique, and a better assessment and understanding of the functional anatomy of the sphincter complex. Newer specific parameters are now being developed for use with these systems. They are being currently assessed by multiple research teams, and many of them remain unavailable for clinical practice as of today. However, they provide highly relevant information, which is now prompting a redefinition of anorectal anatomy and physiology. The goal of the present review was to describe the currently available HR-ARM and HD-ARM techniques, to discuss the normal values so far reported, and to analyze the newer parameters that may be assessed with these techniques, and which will likely be highly useful for clinical practice in the upcoming future.

Characteristics and factors related to quality of life in Mexican Mestizo patients with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is a global health problem and its prevalence is underestimated, especially in Latin American populations. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical features, psychological factors, and health-related quality of life (QoL), before and after diagnosis, in a representative sample of adult Mexican Mestizo patients presenting with CD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on patients seen at two tertiary referral centers in Mexico. QoL before and after CD diagnosis was evaluated using the EuroQoL 5D, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the disease-specific Celiac Symptom Index (CSI) questionnaires. RESULTS: We included 80 patients (80% were women, with a mean age of 48.6 ± 14.1 years). The most common symptoms were diarrhea (86%), bloating (77.5%), and abdominal pain (71.3%). Mean symptom duration was 10.33 ± 6.3 years. Fifty-one patients (63.8%) had a previous diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and 23 (28.8%) had one of functional dyspepsia. Questionnaire respondents rated their health status at 50% before diagnosis (0 = worst imaginable state, 100 = best imaginable state) and there was a significant improvement of 26% after diagnosis. Thirty-nine percent of the patients had a CSI score > 45 and they were the ones that had been previously diagnosed most often with IBS (p = 0.13) or dyspepsia (p = .036). CONCLUSIONS: At the time of diagnosis, Mexican Mestizo patients with CD had poor QoL. Long-standing symptoms and a previous diagnosis of functional disorders were associated with worse QoL. As in other populations, our results support the need for a detailed examination of cost-effective strategies for increasing CD awareness in clinical practice.

Pruebas neurofisiológicas en trastornos anorrectales.

Neurophysiological studies of anorectal function provide useful information about the integrity of innervation and neuromuscular function. This information helps to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to severe anorectal disorders function, such as fecal incontinence, pelvic floor disorders and dyssynergic defecation. These tests are commonly performed in patients referred to third level medical centers having negative evaluations or no response to conventional therapy. Proper use of these tests may reveal significant new knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that can lead to better management of these disorders. These techniques are complementary to other types of research such as imaging of the pelvic floor. In this review, the most accomplished neurophysiological studies, indications and clinical utility are analyzed. Several techniques are emerging and provide us with a better understanding of the brain-gut interactions.

Dental erosion, an extraesophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The experience of a center for digestive physiology in Southeastern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Dental erosion (DE) is the loss of the hard tissues of the tooth produced by the action of gastric juice, pepsin and acid on the dental enamel, its frequency ranges from 5 to 53.41 %. In Mexico there are no reports on the frequency and possible association. OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of dental erosion and its relationship to GERD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational, descriptive and comparative study was conducted in 60 patients diagnosed with GERD and 60 healthy patients at the Institute of Medical and Biological Research of the Universidad Veracruzana in Veracruz city. Anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene, alcohol consumption, smoking, ED index and Index of decayed/missing dental pieces/sealed and correlation between severity of ED and GERD were analyzed. RESULTS: 78.67 % of patients with GERD had ED, 23.33 % corresponded to grade 0, 41.67 % to N1, N2 and 23.33 % to 11.67 % to N3. Predominance of females (2,3:1). The mean age was 50.92 +/- 13.52 years. The severity of dental erosion was significantly related to the severity of reflux, halitosis, CPO index and poor eating habits. There was no statistically significant difference in the other variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Dental erosion has a high frequency in patients with GERD and reflux characteristics are directly related to their severity and therefore should be considered as a manifestation of GERD extraesophageal.

Identifying the Hiccup-Induced Esophagogastric Waveform: A Case Series Report Using High-Resolution Manometry.

Hiccups result from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, driven by a complex neuromuscular reflex. Three patients with persistent hiccups underwent esophageal high-resolution manometry during hiccup episodes, revealing a consistent finding: sustained contraction of the esophagogastric junction with intermittent pressure peaks. This pattern, termed the "Hiccup-Induced Esophagogastric Waveform," shows significant esophageal pressure changes linked to hiccup reflex. It may reflect a compensatory mechanism to expel excess esophageal residue or gas. These findings suggest hiccups could exacerbate symptoms of esophageal disorders, such as dysphagia and chest pain, and highlight the need for targeted therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to explore these mechanisms.

Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet on Whole Gut Transit Time in Celiac Disease (CD) and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) Patients: A Study Using the Wireless Motility Capsule (WMC).

Background: This study explores the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on regional gastrointestinal (GI) transit times in individuals with celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While a GFD is established for managing CD and wheat allergy, its effects on NCGS remain controversial due to inconclusive evidence. Methods: Utilizing a wireless motility and pH capsule (WMC) to assess regional (measurements of gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit times) and whole gut transit, newly diagnosed CD (n = 12) and NCGS (n = 12) patients underwent evaluations at baseline and 4 weeks after having a GFD. Results: At baseline conditions, individuals diagnosed with CD exhibited prolonged colonic and intestinal transit times when compared to those with NCGS (p < 0.05). Following a 4-week GFD, CD patients experienced significant reductions in both intestinal and colonic transit times, along with enhanced small intestine contractility. NCGS individuals showed improvements in intestinal transit time and contractility with a GFD, although the colon exhibited no discernible effect. The GFD did not significantly impact intragastric, intestinal, or colonic pH. Conclusions: This study, employing WMC for the first time, provides novel insights into the positive effects of a GFD on intestinal and colonic transit, as well as contractility, in CD patients, and to a lesser extent, in those with NCGS.