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Abstract
This review presents a detailed definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and data on its prevalence, etiological and pathogenetic factors. The clinical picture of the disease, its clinical “masks” and complications including Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal carcinoma are discussed. Various diagnostic methods, such as oesophagofibroscopy, targeted biopsy, morphological studies, multichannel 24 hr pH-metry, etc. are considered. Classifications of GERD is presented with special reference to the original clinico-pathogenetic classification developed by one of the authors. The effectiveness of modern methods of GERD pharmacotherapy and surgical treatment is discussed.
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Lopez-Alvarenga JC, Vargas JA, Lopez LH, Fass R, Sobrino-Cossio S, Higgins P, Comuzzie A. Effect of body weight and esophageal damage on the severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Mexican GERD working group. Arch Med Res 2010; 40:576-81. [PMID: 20082872 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2009.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Several studies have demonstrated overweight and obesity are strong independent risk factors of GERD symptoms and esophageal erosions. Our aim was to analyze the joint effect of BMI with the grade of esophageal damage over symptoms' intensity of GERD. METHODS We used a questionnaire with a Likert scale for severity of symptoms related to GERD. The distal portion of the esophagus was evaluated to determine the presence of mucosal injury, classified by Los Angeles criteria (LA). RESULTS We included 917 subjects (53.76% females) with average age 36.8+/-7 years. Males had higher BMI than females (26.8+/-3.5 vs. 25.2+/-4.5, p<0.001). Severe damage (C-D ulcers) was associated with overweight (BMI 25-30), severity of heartburn,retching, halitosis, regurgitation, and chest oppression. BMI >30 had high score for heartburn and retching, but low score for nausea, compared with lower weight. The model with interaction showed a non-linear association between BMI and LA. Overweight (but not obese) patients with damage scored C-D had the highest score for intensity of heartburn and retching. CONCLUSIONS BMI and LA do not have additive effects on the severity of symptoms of GERD. Those with BMI between 25 and 30 had severe symptoms score, but those with BMI >30 showed lower scores. These findings could explain controversial results found in other studies.
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Tokunaga M, Hiki N, Ohyama S, Nunobe S, Miki A, Fukunaga T, Seto Y, Sano T, Yamaguchi T. Effects of reconstruction methods on a patient's quality of life after a proximal gastrectomy: subjective symptoms evaluation using questionnaire survey. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2008; 394:637-41. [PMID: 19066939 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-008-0442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Proximal gastrectomy is typically indicated in early gastric cancer of the upper third of the stomach. Esophagogastrostomy (EG) and jejunum interposition (JI) are often selected as reconstruction methods, although the more appropriate method of the two is unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and seven patients, who underwent a proximal gastrectomy followed by either an EG or a JI, were sent a questionnaire of 33 questions about subjective symptoms. Eighty-three patients (45 in the JI group and 38 in the EG group) returned the questionnaire. Results were compared between the two groups to identify the appropriate reconstruction method after a proximal gastrectomy. Also, changes in a patient's body weight after surgery were compared. RESULTS Early and late dumping syndromes and gastroesophageal reflux associated symptoms were equally observed between the two groups. However, abdominal discomfort after meals (P = 0.008), continuous gastric fullness (P = 0.028), and hiccups between meals (P = 0.022) were often observed in the JI group. The loss of body weight was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION EG is a better reconstruction method compared to a JI after a proximal gastrectomy when evaluating subjective symptoms. Prospective study is warranted to clarify the better reconstruction method following proximal gastrectomy in terms of both subjective and objective symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-10-6 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
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Use of oesophageal stress response proteins as potential biomarkers in the screening for Barrett's oesophagus. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 20:961-5. [PMID: 18787461 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0b013e3282ffd9bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is an increasingly common diagnosis and cause of death; risk factors include 'Barrett's epithelium' (BE). Endoscopic surveillance is most commonly used but is expensive. Other methods of surveillance have been suggested including nonendoscopic balloon cytology, but are handicapped by relying on cytological techniques; hence the need for a partner technology such as a biomarker. From earlier work we know the most commonly expressed oesophageal stress response proteins are SEP 53, SEP70 and anterior gradient-2 (AG-2). We set out to map the expression of these stress response proteins and explore their potential as prototype biomarkers of BE. METHODS Patients (n=192) presenting to the endoscopy unit of a large teaching hospital with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or a known BE were recruited, endoscopically examined and the biopsies obtained were examined for heat shock protein expression. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Normal controls and those with oesophagitis predominantly expressed SEP 53 (76.9/91.95%) and SEP 70 (79.48/89.65%). Although those with BE expressed AG-2; using this expression as a marker for BE, gives a sensitivity of 65.15% and specificity of 89.68% (positive predictive value of 76.78% and negative predictive value of 84.9%) and in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease a sensitivity of 65.15% and specificity of 90.80% (positive predictive value of 84.31% and negative predictive value of 77.45%). We confirmed that AG-2 is preferentially expressed in BE; suggesting its use would allow a screening tool with specificity of around 90%.
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Pedrazzani C, Catalano F, Festini M, Zerman G, Tomezzoli A, Ruzzenente A, Guglielmi A, de Manzoni G. Endoscopic ablation of Barrett’s esophagus using high power setting argon plasma coagulation: A prospective study. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:1872-5. [PMID: 15793884 PMCID: PMC4305894 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i12.1872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: This prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of 90 W argon plasma coagulation (APC) for the ablation of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) that is considered to be the main risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
METHODS: The results from 25 patients, observed at the First Department of General Surgery, University of Verona, Italy, from October 2000 to October 2003, who underwent APC for histologically proven BE were prospectively analyzed.
RESULTS: The ablation treatment was completed in all the patients but one (96%). The mean number of APC sessions needed to complete ablation was 1.6 (total number: 40). The eradication was obtained in the majority of cases by one session only (60%), two sessions were required in 24% of the cases and three or more in 16%. About 43% of the sessions were complicated. Retrosternal pain (22.5%) and fever (17.5%) were the most frequent symptoms. Only one major complication occurred, it was an hemorrhage due to ulcer formation on the treated esophagus that required urgent endoscopic sclerosis and admission. The follow-up was accomplished in all the patients with a mean period of 26.3 mo and 20 patients (84%) with a follow-up period longer than 24 mo. Only one patient showed a relapse of metaplastic mucosa 12 mo after the completion of ablation. The patient was hence re-treated and now is free from recurrence 33 mo later.
CONCLUSION: High power setting (90 W) APC showed to be safe and effective. The effects persist at a mean follow-up period of two years with a comparable cost in term of complications with respect to standard power settings. Further studies with greater number of patients are required to confirm these results and to assess if ablation reduces the incidence of malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pedrazzani
- Chirurgia Clinicizzata, Ospedale di Borgo Trento, Piazzale Stefani 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
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6
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Abstract
In Asia, oesophageal diseases, such as Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal carcinoma, have traditionally been less common than in America and Europe. In recent years, however, the number of reported cases of these conditions in Japan has increased. Two large prospective studies, the Sendai Barrett's Esophagus Study (S-BEST) and the Far East Study (FEST), on the geographic prevalence of Barrett's oesophagus, have recently investigated the epidemiology of Barrett's oesophagus in Japan. Results from both studies showed that overall prevalence of the condition is lower than in the West: 0.9-1.2% in Japan compared with 1-4% in Europe and 5-12% in USA. Similar to the situation in the West, the condition was shown to be most prevalent in elderly male patients and least prevalent in patients with Helicobacter pylori. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is still rare in this region, although there has been an increase in the annual death rate from 3.7 (1960) to 6.9 (1995) per 100,000 population. Risk factors for oesophageal carcinoma include a strong association with the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With the increasing prevalence of GERD in the Japanese population, continued surveillance of changes in the epidemiology of columnar-lined oesophagus (a precursor of Barrett's oesophagus), Barrett's oesophagus and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hongo
- Department of Comprehensive Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan.
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Johnson DA, Fennerty MB. Heartburn severity underestimates erosive esophagitis severity in elderly patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology 2004; 126:660-664. [PMID: 14988819 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2003.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common in adults of all ages, but its complications are more frequent in elderly patients. Although heartburn is the most common symptom of reflux disease, it is unclear whether the severity of heartburn reliably indicates the severity of erosive esophagitis. We therefore assessed the relationship between age, severe heartburn symptoms, and severe erosive esophagitis. METHODS This post hoc analysis of baseline data on the severity of both heartburn and erosive esophagitis pooled data from 5 prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trials that assessed the effect of proton pump inhibitors on healing of erosive esophagitis and symptom resolution. The clinical trials were conducted in 683 private and academic offices and hospital-based gastroenterology practices and involved 11,945 patients aged 18 years and older with gastroesophageal reflux disease and erosive esophagitis. RESULTS A progressive increase in the prevalence of severe erosive esophagitis was observed with each decade of age, ranging from 12% in patients aged <21 years to 37% in patients aged >70 years. Among patients with severe esophagitis, severe heartburn was less frequent in the older age groups: ranging from 82% of patients aged <21 years to 34% of those aged >70 years. Each of these associations was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although the prevalence of severe erosive esophagitis increases with age, the severity of heartburn is an unreliable indicator of the severity of erosive disease. More aggressive investigation and treatment may be necessary for elderly patients, regardless of the reported severity of heartburn.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Johnson
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Division of Gastroenterology, Norfolk, 23505, USA.
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Pagani M, Granelli P, Chella B, Antoniazzi L, Bonavina L, Peracchia A. Barrett's esophagus: combined treatment using argon plasma coagulation and laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Dis Esophagus 2003; 16:279-83. [PMID: 14641289 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2003.00347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of Barrett's esophagus is still controversial. Actually, the only method to prevent the development to cancer is endoscopic surveillance, which ensures good results in terms of long-term survival. An ideal treatment capable of destroying columnar metaplasia, followed by squamous epithelium regeneration could potentially result in a decrease of the incidence of adenocarcinoma. Recently most ablative techniques were used, such as photodynamic therapy, ablation therapy with Nd-YAG laser or argon plasma coagulation and endoscopic mucosal resection. We started a prospective study in January 1998, enrolling 94 patients affected by Barrett's esophagus and candidates for antireflux repair in order to assess the effectiveness and the results of endoscopic coagulation with argon plasma combined with surgery in the treatment of uncomplicated Barrett's esophagus. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment with argon plasma; we observed complete response in 68 patients (72.34%), 27 of them (39.7%) underwent antireflux surgery and the other 41 continued medical therapy. Post-operatively 19 patients (70%) underwent regular surveillance endoscopies and in two cases metaplasia recurred. The final objective of these combined treatments should be the complete eradication of metaplastic mucosa. Our experience was that argon plasma coagulation combined with antireflux surgery or proton pump inhibitor therapy gave satisfactory results, even if follow-up is too short to evaluate the potential evolution of metaplasia to cancer. For this reason, we recommend that this technique should be done only in specialized centres and that these patients continue their endoscopic surveillance program.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pagani
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, IRCCS, Policlinico S. Donato Institute, Humanitas Clinical Institute, University of Milan, Italy.
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Sánchez-Fayos P, Martín MJ, González A, Bosch O, Polo B, Arocena C, Porres JC. [Barrett's esophagus: the biological reality of a premaligmant columnar metaplasia]. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2002; 25:254-66. [PMID: 11975875 DOI: 10.1016/s0210-5705(02)70256-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Sánchez-Fayos
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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Pereira-Lima JC, Busnello JV, Saul C, Toneloto EB, Lopes CV, Rynkowski CB, Blaya C. High power setting argon plasma coagulation for the eradication of Barrett's esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol 2000; 95:1661-8. [PMID: 10925965 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.02197.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The term Barrett's esophagus refers to a premalignant condition that is characterized by the replacement of the esophageal squamous mucosa by a columnar-lined one. Preliminary studies have demonstrated reversal of Barrett's mucosa after endoscopic coagulation with different techniques associated with acid inhibition. However, most of these studies have shown that residual Barrett's glands are found underneath the new squamous epithelium in up to 40% of patients. The goal of our study is to verify whether complete restoration of Barrett's mucosa can be achieved by the combination of high power setting argon plasma coagulation and omeprazole. METHODS A total of 33 patients (mean age: 55.2 yr, range: 21-84 yr; 21 men and 12 women) with histologically demonstrated Barrett's esophagus (mean length: 4.05 cm, range: 0.5-7 cm) were treated. Fourteen cases presented with low-grade dysplasia and one with high-grade dysplasia. All of the extent, or until a maximum of 4 cm, of the Barrett's mucosa was cauterized in each session using argon beam coagulation at a power setting of 65-70 W. All patients received 60 mg omeprazole during the treatment period. RESULTS Complete restoration of squamous mucosa was obtained in all 33 cases after a mean of 1.96 sessions (range, 1-4). Endoscopic results were histologically confirmed. Nineteen (57.5%) patients experienced moderate to severe chest pain and odyno-dysphagia lasting for 3-10 days after the procedure. Five of these cases experienced high fever and a small volume of pleural effusion, and three patients developed esophageal strictures that needed to be dilated. Another patient developed pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema without evidences of perforation. After a mean follow-up of 10.6 months there was one endoscopic, as well as histological, recurrence of Barrett's mucosa in a patient with an ineffective laparoscopic fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS High power setting argon plasma coagulation combined with intensive acid suppression is an effective treatment for the total endoscopic ablation of Barrett's esophagus, at least in the short term. Long-term follow-up of treated patients in whom gastroesophageal reflux is surgically or medically alleviated seems mandatory before drawing definitive conclusions about this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Pereira-Lima
- Endoscopy Unit of the Rio Grande do Sul Foundation of Gastroenterology (FUGAST), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Walker SJ, Byrne JP, Birbeck N. What's new in the pathology, pathophysiology and management of benign esophageal disorders? Dis Esophagus 2000; 12:219-37. [PMID: 10631918 DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-2050.1999.00056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S J Walker
- Department of Surgery, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Lancs, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- J Van Dam
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus is a major risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, a tumor whose incidence rate has more than tripled in the United States over the past 2 decades. Studies have identified a number of molecular abnormalities that may be involved in the progression from dysplasia to cancer in Barrett's esophagus, including altered expression of cadherins and catenins; inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes, such as p53, p21, p27, and p16; and increased activity of the enzymes cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Studies on the role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of intestinal metaplasia at the gastroesophageal junction have yielded contradictory results. It appears, however, that gastric infection with strains of H. pylori containing a cagA gene associated with cytotoxin expression may protect against the development of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus. The role of ablation therapy for Barrett's esophagus remains controversial, largely because thermal and photochemical ablative techniques often leave foci of intestinal metaplasia behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Spechler
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75216, USA
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