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©2010 Baishideng. All rights reserved
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2010; 16(30): 3750-3756
Published online Aug 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i30.3750
Published online Aug 14, 2010. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i30.3750
Advances in diagnostic testing for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Andrew J Gawron, Ikuo Hirano, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611-2951, United States
Author contributions: Gawron AJ and Hirano I contributed to the writing of this review manuscript.
Supported by The Physician Scientist Training Program at Northwestern University, Department of Medicine (to Gawron AJ)
Correspondence to: Ikuo Hirano, MD, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St Clair Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611-2951, United States. i-hirano@northwestern.edu
Telephone: +1-312-6954036 Fax: +1-312-6953999
Received: April 24, 2010
Revised: June 7, 2010
Accepted: June 14, 2010
Published online: August 14, 2010
Revised: June 7, 2010
Accepted: June 14, 2010
Published online: August 14, 2010
Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) contributes substantially to morbidity and to costs in the United States health care system. The burden of this disease has resulted in attempts at improving diagnosis and characterizing patients. Numerous research and technical advances have enhanced our understanding of both the utility and limitations of a variety of diagnostic modalities. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in GERD diagnostic testing and to discuss their implications for use in clinical practice. Topics addressed include esophageal pH monitoring, impedance testing, symptom association analyses, narrow-band imaging, and histopathology.