Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease:Updated examination of mechanisms,pathophysiology,treatment,and association with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD)is an inflammatory condition in the laryngopharynx and upper aerodigestive tract mucosa caused by reflux of stomach contents beyond the esophagus.LPRD commonly presents with symptoms such as hoarseness,cough,sore throat,a feeling of throat obstruction,excessive throat mucus.This complex condition is thought to involve both reflux and reflex mechanisms,but a clear understanding of its molecular mechanisms is still lacking.Currently,there is no standardized diagnosis or treatment protocol.Therapeutic strategies for LPRD mainly include lifestyle modifications,proton pump inhibitors and endoscopic surgery.This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the mechanisms,pathophysiology and treatment of LPRD.We also provide an in-depth exploration of the association between LPRD and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

New aspects in the pathomechanism and diagnosis of the laryngopharyngeal reflux-clinical impact of laryngeal proton pumps and pharyngeal p H metry in extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM:To determine the laryngeal H+K+-ATPase and pharyngeal p H in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)-symptoms as well as to assess the symptom scores during PPI therapy.METHODS:Endoscopy was performed to exclude neoplasia and to collect biopsies from the posterior cricoid area(immunohistochemistry and PCR analysis).Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal mouse antibodies against human H+K+-ATPase.Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for each of the H+K+-ATPase subunits was performed.The p H values were assessed in the aerosolized environment of the oropharynx(Dxp H Catheter) and compared to a subsequently applied combined p H/MII measurement.RESULTS:Twenty patients with LPR symptoms were included.In only one patient,the laryngeal H+K+-ATPase was verified by immunohistochemical staining.In another patient,real-time RT-PCR for each H+K+-ATPase subunit was positive.Fourteen out of twenty patients had pathological results in Dxp H,and 6/20 patients had pathological results in p H/MII.Four patients had pathological results in both functional tests.Nine out of twenty patients responded to PPIs.CONCLUSION:The laryngeal H+K+-ATPase can only be sporadically detected in patients with LPR symptoms and is unlikely to cause the LPR symptoms.Alternative hypotheses for the pathomechanism are needed.The role of pharyngeal p H-metry remains unclearand its use can only be recommended for patients in a research study setting.

Nissen fundoplication vs proton pump inhibitors for laryngopharyngeal reflux based on p H-monitoring and symptom-scale

AIM To compare the outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication(LNF)and proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)therapy in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)and typeⅠhiatal hernia diagnosed by oropharyngeal p H-monitoring and symptom-scale assessment.METHODS From February 2014 to January 2015,70 patients who were diagnosed with LPR and type I hiatal hernia and referred for symptomatic assessment,oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled in this study.All of the patients met the inclusion criteria.All of the patients underwent LNF or PPIs administration,and completed a2-year follow-up.Patients’baseline characteristics and primary outcome measures,including comprehensive and single symptoms of LPR,PPIs independence,and satisfaction,and postoperative complications were assessed.The outcomes of LNF and PPIs therapy were analyzed and compared. RESULTS There were 31 patients in the LNF group and 39patients in the PPI group.Fifty-three patients(25 in the LNF group and 28 in the PPI group)completed reviews and follow-up.Oropharyngeal p H-monitoring parameters were all abnormal with high acid exposure,a large amount of reflux,and a high Ryan score,associated reflux symptom index(RSI)score.There was a significant improvement in the RSI and LPR symptom scores after the 2-year follow-up in both groups(P<0.05),as well as typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.Improvement in the RSI(P<0.005)and symptom scores of cough(P=0.032),mucus(P=0.011),and throat clearing(P=0.022)was significantly superior in the LNF group to that in the PPI group.After LNF and PPIs therapy,13 and 53 patients achieved independence from PPIs therapy(LNF:44.0%vs PPI:7.14%,P<0.001)during follow-up,respectively.Patients in the LNF group were more satisfied with their quality of life than those in the PPI group(LNF:62.49±28.68 vs PPI:44.36±32.77,P=0.004).Body mass index was significantly lower in the LNF group than in the PPI group(LNF:22.2±3.1kg/m^2 vs PPI:25.1±2.9 kg/m^2,P=0.001).CONCLUSION Diagnosis of LPR should be assessed with oropharyngeal p H-monitoring,manometry,and the symptom-scale.LNF achieves better improvement than PPIs for LPR with type I hiatal hernia.

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUNG For a long time,laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD)has been treated by proton pump inhibitors(PPIs)with an uncertain success rate.AIM To shed light the current therapeutic strategies used for LPRD in order to analysis the rationale in the LPRD treatment.METHODS Three authors conducted a PubMed search to identify papers published between January 1990 and February 2019 about the treatment of LPRD.Clinical prospective or retrospective studies had to explore the impact of medical treatment(s)on the clinical presentation of suspected or confirmed LPRD.The criteria for considering studies for the review were based on the population,intervention,comparison,and outcome framework.RESULTS The search identified 1355 relevant papers,of which 76 studies met the inclusion criteria,accounting for 6457 patients.A total of 64 studies consisted of empirical therapeutic trials and 12 were studies where authors formally identified LPRD with pH-monitoring or multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring(MII-pH).The main therapeutic scheme consisted of once or twice daily PPIs for a duration ranged from 4 to 24 wk.The most used PPIs were omeprazole,esomeprazole,rabeprazole,lansoprazole and pantoprazole with a success rate ranging from 18%to 87%.Other composite treatments have been prescribed including PPIs,alginate,prokinetics,and H2 Receptor antagonists.CONCLUSION Regarding the development of MII-pH and the identification of LPRD subtypes(acid,nonacid,mixed),future studies are needed to improve the LPRD treatment considering all subtypes of reflux.

Scintigraphy in laryngopharyngeal and gastroesophageal reflux disease:A definitive diagnostic test?

AIM: To investigate the utility of scintigraphic studies in predicting response to laparoscopic fundoplication(LF) for chronic laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.METHODS: Patients with upper aero-digestive symptoms that remained undiagnosed after a period of 2 mo were studied with conventional p H and manometric studies. Patients mainly complained of cough, sore throat, dysphonia and globus. These patients were imaged after ingestion of 99m-technetium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid. Studies were quantified with time activity curves over the pharynx, upper and lower oesophagus and background. Late studies of the lungs were obtained for aspiration. Patients underwent LF with post-operative review at 3 mo after surgery.RESULTS: Thirty four patients(20 F, 14 M) with an average age of 57 years and average duration of symptoms of 4.8 years were studied. Twenty four hour p H and manometry studies were abnormal in all patients. On scintigraphy, 27/34 patients demonstrated pharyngeal contamination and a rising or flat pharyngeal curve. Lung aspiration was evident in 50% of patients. There was evidence of pulmonary aspiration in 17 of 34 patients in the delayed study(50%). Pharyngeal contamination was found in 27 patients. All patients with aspiration showed pharyngeal contamination. In the 17 patients with aspiration, graphical time activity curve showed rising activity in the pharynx in 9 patients and a flat curve in 8 patients. In those 17 patients without pulmonary aspiration, 29%(5 patients) had either a rising or flat pharyngeal graph. A rising or flat curve predicted aspiration with a positive predictive value of 77% and a negative predictive valueof 100%. Over 90% of patients reported a satisfactory symptomatic response to LF with an acceptable sideeffect profile. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphic reflux studies offer a good screening tool for pharyngeal contamination and aspiration in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with reflux esophagitis

AIM: To assess the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in patients with reflux esophagitis and dis-close factors contributing to the development of LPR. METHODS: A total of 167 patients who proved to have reflux esophagitis by endoscopy were enrolled. They received laryngoscopy to grade the reflux find-ings for the diagnosis of LPR. We used validated ques-tionnaires to identify the presence of laryngopharyn-geal symptoms, and stringent criteria of inclusion to increase the specificity of laryngoscopic findings. The data of patients were analyzed statistically to find out factors related to LPR. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of LPR in studied sub-jects with reflux esophagitis was 23.9%. Age, hoarse- ness and hiatus hernia were factors significantly as-sociated with LPR. In 23 patients with a hiatus hernia, the group with LPR was found to have a lower trend of esophagitis grading. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal reflux is present in patients with reflux esophagitis, and three predicting factors were identified. However, the development of LPR might be different from that of reflux esophagi-tis. The importance of hiatus hernia deserves further study.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux and Helicobacter pylori

Laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) occurs when gastric contents pass the upper esophageal sphincter, causing symptoms such as hoarseness, sore throat, coughing, excess throat mucus, and globus. The pattern of reflux is different in LPR and gastroesophageal reflux. LPR usually occurs during the daytime in the upright position whereas gastroesophageal reflux disease more often occurs in the supine position at night-time or during sleep. Ambulatory 24-h double pH-probe monitoring is the gold standard diagnostic tool for LPR. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitor on a long-term basis is the mainstay of treatment. Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is found in many sites including laryngeal mucosa and interarytenoid region. In this paper, we aim to present the relationship between LPR and H. pylori and review the current literature.

Rikkunshito improves globus sensation in patients with proton-pump inhibitor-refractory laryngopharyngeal reflux

AIM: To investigate the effect of rikkunshito on laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR) symptoms and gastric emptying in patients with proton-pump inhibitor(PPI)refractory LPR.METHODS: In total,22 patients with LPR were enrolled.Following a 2-wk treatment with PPI monotherapy,PPI-refractory LPR patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups(rikkunshito alone or rikkunshito plus the PPI,lansoprazole).LPR symptoms were assessed using a visual analog scale(VAS) score,gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed using the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale(GSRS),and gastric emptying was assessed using the radio-opaque marker method prior to and 4 wk following treatments.RESULTS: The 4-wk treatment with rikkunshito alone and with rikkunshito plus the PPI significantly decreased the globus sensation VAS scores.The VAS score for sore throat was significantly decreased following treatment with rikkunshito plus PPI but not by rik kunshito alone.Neither treatment significantly changed the GSRS scores.Rikkunshito improved delayed gastric emptying.We found a significant positive correlation between improvements in globus sensation and in gastric emptying(r2= 0.4582,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Rikkunshito improved globus sensation in patients with PPI-refractory LPR,in part,because of stimulation of gastric emptying.Thus,rikkunshito is an effective treatment for PPI-refractory LPR.

How many cases of laryngopharyngeal reflux suspected by laryngoscopy are gastroesophageal reflux disease-related?

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) in patients with a laryngoscopic diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:Between May 2011 and October 2011,41 consecutive patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms(LPS) and laryngoscopic diagnosis of LPR were empirically treated with proton pump inhibitors(PPIs) for at least 8 wk,and the therapeutic outcome was assessed through validated questionnaires(GERD impact scale,GIS;visual analogue scale,VAS).LPR diagnosis was performed by ear,nose and throat specialists using the reflux finding score(RFS) and reflux symptom index(RSI).After a 16-d wash-out from PPIs,all patients underwent an upper endoscopy,stationary esophageal manometry,24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH(MII-pH) esophageal monitoring.A positive correlation between LPR diagnosis and GERD was supposed based on the presence of esophagitis(ERD),pathological acid exposure time(AET) in the absence of esophageal erosions(NERD),and a positive correlation between symptoms and refluxes(hypersensitive esophagus,HE).RESULTS:The male/female ratio was 0.52(14/27),the mean age ± SD was 51.5 ± 12.7 years,and the mean body mass index was 25.7 ± 3.4 kg/m 2.All subjects reported one or more LPS.Twenty-five out of 41 patients also had typical GERD symptoms(heartburn and/or regurgitation).The most frequent laryngoscopic findings were posterior laryngeal hyperemia(38/41),linear indentation in the medial edge of the vocal fold(31/41),vocal fold nodules(6/41) and diffuse infraglottic oedema(25/41).The GIS analysis showed that 10/41 patients reported symptom relief with PPI therapy(P < 0.05);conversely,23/41 did not report any clinical improvement.At the same time,the VAS analysis showed a significant reduction in typical GERD symptoms after PPI therapy(P < 0.001).A significant reduction in LPS symptoms.On the other hand,such result was not recorded for LPS.Esophagitis was detected in 2/41 patients,and ineffective esophageal motility was found in 3/41 patients.The MII-pH analysis showed an abnormal AET in 5/41 patients(2 ERD and 3 NERD);11/41 patients had a normal AET and a positive association between symptoms and refluxes(HE),and 25/41 patients had a normal AET and a negative association between symptoms and refluxes(no GERD patients).It is noteworthy that HE patients had a positive association with typical GERD-related symptoms.Gas refluxes were found more frequently in patients with globus(29.7 ± 3.6) and hoarseness(21.5 ± 7.4) than in patients with heartburn or regurgitation(7.8 ± 6.2).Gas refluxes were positively associated with extraesophageal symptoms(P < 0.05).Overall,no differences were found among the three groups of patients in terms of the frequency of laryngeal signs.The proximal reflux was abnormal in patients with ERD/NERD only.The differences observed by means of MII-pH analysis among the three subgroups of patients(ERD/NERD,HE,no GERD) were not demonstrated with the RSI and RFS.Moreover,only the number of gas refluxes was found to have a significant association with the RFS(P = 0.028 andP = 0.026,nominal and numerical correlation,respectively).CONCLUSION:MII-pH analysis confirmed GERD diagnosis in less than 40% of patients with previous diagnosis of LPR,most likely because of the low specificity of the laryngoscopic findings.

A combined treatment for patients with dry eye and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux:a real-life approach

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of administering a combined therapy in patients with dry eye syndrome(DES)and associated laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).METHODS:The study was retrospective,open,observational,and conducted in a real-life setting.Patients had pathological symptom assessment in dry eye(SANDE)and reflux symptom index(RSI)at baseline.Patients were re-assessed after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The treatment consisted of a three-month course based on the combined therapy:Gastroftal eye drops,one drop three times a day,and Gastroftal tablets,two tablets after lunch and two tablets after dinner.Tear break-up-time(TBUT)test,Schirmer test,RSI,and SANDE questionnaire were evaluated.RESULTS:The study included 253 patients.The mean age was 58±11.19y.TBUT test score and Schirmer’s test significantly increased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.The RSI score and SANDE scores significantly decreased(both P<0.001)after 1mo and at the end of treatment.CONCLUSION:The current,retrospective,and open study shows that combined therapy using Gastroftal eye drops and tablets could represent a valuable option in managing patients with DES associated with LPR.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease management for recurrent laryngeal contact granuloma:A case report

BACKGROUND Laryngeal contact granuloma(LCG)is difficult to treat and frequently associated with high persistence and recurrence,despite the availability of both surgical and pharmacological treatment options.An appropriate strategy is therefore needed to help patients with multiple recurrences of LCG to potentially avoid unnecessary surgery.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of a 34-year-old male patient with recurrent LCG in which a good response was achieved through successful management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease using a combination pharmacotherapeutic regimen consisting of anti-reflux therapy,pepsin secretion inhibition,bile acid neutralization,and lifestyle modifications.This patient underwent surgery to excise the granuloma,then relapsed,underwent a second surgery,which was followed by a second recurrence.The granuloma then disappeared after 9 mo of combined treatment with ilaprazole enteric-coated capsules(10 mg qd),mosapride tablets(5 mg tid)and compound digestive enzyme capsules(2 tablets).The drug regimen was discontinued after one year,and no recurrence of the lesion has been reported during the one-year follow-up period.CONCLUSION We report a combination of pharmacotherapeutics and lifestyle modifications for the management of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease to address recurring LCG.

Software improvement for evaluation of laryngopharyngeal pH testing(Restech)——a comparison between Data View 3 and 4

BACKGROUND When gastroesophageal reflux contents reach above the upper esophageal sphincter,patients may,in addition to typical reflux symptoms,present with atypical,extraesophageal symptoms related to laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR).Surgical treatment of LPR has shown to lead to 70%symptom improvement,however no gold standard for the diagnosis of LPR exists.In 2007,the Restech Dx-pH was released as a valid method to measure acid exposure above the upper esophageal sphincter.Recently,a new software update was introduced for analysis of measured pH data and calculation of composite scores.The effect of the changes applied to the new software version have not yet been analyzed.AIM To compare results generated by Data View 3 to the most recently released Data View 4.METHODS All patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were seen in a specialized surgical outpatient clinic for gastrointestinal function testing.Retrospective chart review was performed of all patients presenting with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease and extraesophageal reflux symptoms,who underwent laryngopharyngeal pH monitoring using the Restech Dx-pH system(Respiratory Technology Corp.,Houston,TX,United States)and simultaneous esophageal pH monitoring.Data View 3 and Data View 4 were used to evaluate Restech studies obtained.Diary entries such as mealtimes,supine and upright periods,and symptoms were entered manually to ensure accuracy and precise conversion of data between both software versions.Paired t test was performed for statistical analysis of results.RESULTS A total of 174 patients(63.8%female)met inclusion criteria,all suffering from extraesophageal reflux symptoms as well as typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.Mean RYAN score upright was 48.77 in Data View 3 compared to 22.17 in Data View 4,showing a significant difference(~aP=0.0001).Similar results were shown for supine period(mean RYAN Score Data View 35.29 vs 1.42 in Data View 4,~cP=0.0001).For upright periods 80 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of-58.9(mean 51.1%decrease).For supine position 25 patients showed a decrease of value of the RYAN score with a mean of-15.13[range(-153.44)–(-0.01)],which equals a mean decrease of value of 44.5%.Ten patients showed no oropharyngeal acid exposure in Data View 3,but mild/moderate(n=7)or severe(n=3)acid exposure in Data View 4.Correlation with positive esophageal pH measurement was improved in all 10 patients.CONCLUSION Results of both software versions cannot be compared to each other.However,our data suggests that Data View 4 may be an improvement of the Restech pH measurement in the evaluation of LPR.

Prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy:An update

Achalasia cardia,the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder,is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation.The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation(PD),Heller's myotomy,and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy(POEM).POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia.Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy,the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques.While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent,the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications.Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors,diagnostic methodologies,preventative strategies,and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM.This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux,potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk,and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Gastrointestinal function testing model using a new laryngopharyngeal pH probe(Restech)in patients after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy

BACKGROUND There is no established correlation between 24-h esophageal pH-metry(Eso-pH)and the new laryngopharyngeal pH-monitoring system(Restech)as only small case series exist.Eso-pH was not designed to detect laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR)and Restech may detect LPR better.We have previously published a dataset using the two techniques in a large patient collective with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Anatomically,patients after esophagectomy were reported to represent an ideal human reflux model as no reflux barrier exists.AIM To use a human reflux model to examine our previously published correlation in these patients.METHODS Patients after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy underwent our routine follow-up program with surveillance endoscopies,computed tomography scans and further exams following surgery.Only patients with a complete check-up program and reflux symptoms were offered inclusion into this prospective study and evaluated using Restech and simultaneous Eso-pH.Subsequently,the relationship between the two techniques was evaluated RESULTS A total of 43 patients from May 2016-November 2018 were included.All patients presented with mainly typical reflux symptoms such as heartburn(74%),regurgitation(84%),chest pain(58%),and dysphagia(47%).Extraesophageal symptoms such as cough,hoarseness,asthma symptoms,and globus sensation were also present.Esophageal 24-hour pH-metry was abnormal in 88%of patients with a mean DeMeester Score of 229.45[range 26.4-319.5].Restech evaluation was abnormal in 61%of cases in this highly selective patient cohort.All patients with abnormal supine LPR were also abnormal for supine esophageal reflux measured by conventional Eso-pH.CONCLUSION Patients following esophagectomy and reconstruction with gastric interposition can ideally serve as a human reflux model.Interestingly,laryngopharyngeal reflux phases occur mainly in the upright position.In this human volume-reflux model,results of simultaneous esophageal and laryngopharyngeal(Restech)pHmetry showed 100%correlation as being explicable by one of our reflux scenarios.

Association between physical activity and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Lifestyle plays an important role in preventing and managing gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).In response to the conflicting results in previous studies,we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this association.Methods:Relevant studies published until January 2023 were retrieved from 6 databases,and the prevalence of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux(GER)or GERD was determined from the original studies.A random effects model was employed to meta-analyze the association by computing the pooled relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(95%CIs).Furthermore,subgroup and dose-response analyses were performed to explore subgroup differences and the association between cumulative physical activity(PA)time and GERD.Results:This meta-analysis included 33 studies comprising 242,850 participants.A significant negative association was observed between PA and the prevalence of symptomatic GER(RR=0.74,95%CI:0.66-0.83;p<0.01)or GERD(RR=0.80,95%CI:0.76-0.84;p<0.01),suggesting that engaging in PA might confer a protective benefit against GERD.Subgroup analyses consistently indicated the presence of this association across nearly all subgroups,particularly among the older individuals(RR_(<40 years):RR_(≥40 years)=0.85:0.69,p<0.01)and smokers(RR_(smoker):RR_(non-smoker)=0.67:0.82,p=0.03).Furthermore,a dose-response analysis revealed that individuals who engaged in 150 min of PA per week had a 72.09%lower risk of developing GERD.Conclusion:Maintaining high levels of PA decreased the risk of GERD,particularly among older adults and smokers.Meeting the recommended PA level of 150 min per week may significantly decrease the prevalence of GERD.

Immunoglobulin G-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome influence the occurrence of reflux esophagitis in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients

BACKGROUND Reflux esophagitis has an increasing prevalence and complex and diverse symptoms.Identifying its risk factors is crucial to understanding the etiology,prevention,and management of the disease.The occurrence of reflux esophagitis may be associated with food reactions,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,and metabolic syndromes.AIM To investigate the risk factors for reflux esophagitis and analyze the effects of immunoglobulin(Ig)G-mediated food intolerance,H.pylori infection,and metabolic syndrome on reflux esophagitis.METHODS Outpatients attending the Second Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively enrolled.The patients’basic information,test results,gastroscopy results,H.pylori test results,and IgG-mediated food intolerance results were collected.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for reflux esophagitis.Statistical mediation analysis was used to evaluate the effects of IgG-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome on H.pylori infection affecting reflux esophagitis.RESULTS A total of 7954 outpatients were included;the prevalence of reflux esophagitis,IgG-mediated food intolerance,H.pylori infection,and metabolic syndrome were 20.84%,61.77%,35.91%,and 60.15%,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors for reflux esophagitis included IgG-mediated food intolerance(OR=1.688,95%CI:1.497-1.903,P<0.00001)and metabolic syndrome(OR=1.165,95%CI:1.030-1.317,P=0.01484),and the independent protective factor for reflux esophagitis was H.pylori infection(OR=0.400,95%CI:0.351-0.456,P<0.00001).IgG-mediated food intolerance had a partially positive mediating effect on H.pylori infection as it was associated with reduced occurrence of reflux esophagitis(P=0.0200).Metabolic syndrome had a partially negative mediating effect on H.pylori infection and reduced the occurrence of reflux esophagitis(P=0.0220).CONCLUSION Patients with IgG-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome were at higher risk of developing reflux esophagitis,while patients with H.pylori infection were at lower risk.IgG-mediated food intolerance reduced the risk of reflux esophagitis pathogenesis in patients with H.pylori infection;however,metabolic syndrome increased the risk of patients with H.pylori infection developing reflux esophagitis.

Causal associations between gastroesophageal reflux disease and essential hypertension: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Clinical studies have reported that patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)have a higher prevalence of hypertension.AIM To performed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis to investi-gate the causal link between GERD and essential hypertension.METHODS Eligible single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were selected,and weighted median,inverse variance weighted(IVW)as well as MR egger(MR-Egger)re-gression were used to examine the potential causal association between GERD and hypertension.The MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier analysis was used to detect and attempt to reduce horizontal pleiotropy by removing outliers SNPs.The MR-Egger intercept test,Cochran’s Q test and“leave-one-out”sen-sitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy,heterogen-eities,and stability of single instrumental variable.RESULTS IVW analysis exhibited an increased risk of hypertension(OR=1.46,95%CI:1.33-1.59,P=2.14E-16)in GERD patients.And the same result was obtained in replication practice(OR=1.002,95%CI:1.0008-1.003,P=0.000498).Meanwhile,the IVW analysis showed an increased risk of systolic blood pressure(β=0.78,95%CI:0.11-1.44,P=0.021)and hypertensive heart disease(OR=1.68,95%CI:1.36-2.08,P=0.0000016)in GERD patients.Moreover,we found an decreased risk of Barrett's esophagus(OR=0.91,95%CI:0.83-0.99,P=0.043)in essential hypertension patients.CONCLUSION We found that GERD would increase the risk of essential hypertension,which provided a novel prevent and therapeutic perspectives of essential hypertension.

An evaluation of ureteral diameter ratio and vesicoureteral reflux index in the treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux

Objective:Vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)index is a simple,validated tool that reliably predicts significant improvement and spontaneous resolution of primary reflux in children.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the ureter diameter ratio(UDR)and VUR index(VURx)of patients treated with endoscopic injection(EI)and ureteroneocystostomy(UNC)methods in the pediatric age group due to primary VUR.Methods:Patients under the age of 18 years old who underwent EI and UNC with the diagnosis of primary VUR between January 2011 and September 2021 were determined as the participants.The UDR was assessed using voiding cystourethrography,and the VURx score was determined prior to treatment based on hospital records included in the study.Results:A total of 255 patients,60(23.5%)boys and 195(76.5%)girls,with a mean age of 76.5(range 13.0e204.0)months,were included in the study.EI was applied to 130(51.0%)patients and UNC was applied to 125(49.0%)patients due to primary VUR.The optimum cut-off for the distal UDR was obtained as 0.17 with sensitivity and specificity of 73.0%and 63.0%,respectively.The positive and negative predictive values were 66.0%and 70.0%,respectively.Conclusion:When the UDR and VURx score are evaluated together for the surgical treatment of primary VUR in the pediatric age group,it is thought that it may be useful in predicting the clinical course of the disease and evaluating surgical treatment options.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Biling Weitong Granules Combined with Trimethoprim and Vonoprazan in The Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of Biling Weitong Granules(BLWTG)combined with trimethoprim and vonoprazan in treating reflux esophagitis.Methods:Sixty patients with reflux esophagitis admitted to our hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group,with 30 cases in each group.The control group received only the combination treatment of trimethoprim and vonoprazan,while the experimental group was treated with BLWTG based on the control group.The acid reflux and heartburn symptom scores,quality-of-life scores,clinical efficacy,Chinese medicine symptom incidences,and the occurrence of adverse reactions before and after treatment in the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the acid reflux and heartburn symptom scores of patients in the experimental group were lower than those of the treatment control group,and the quality-of-life scores were higher than those of the treatment control group(P<0.05).The total clinical efficacy of the experimental group was 96.66%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group(73.33%,P<0.05).After treatment,the incidence of Chinese medicine symptoms,such as nausea and vomiting,abdominal distension and abdominal pain,and loss of appetite of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).During the treatment period,there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups,which indicated that the safety of the two treatments was comparable(P>0.05).Conclusion:BLWTG combined with trimethoprim and vonoprazan was safe and reliable in treating reflux esophagitis,effectively relieving the symptoms and improving its clinical efficacy.This treatment is worthy of popularization.

Investigating causal links between gastroesophageal reflux disease and essential hypertension

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a prevalent global health concern with a rising incidence.Various risk factors,including obesity,hiatal hernia,and smo-king,contribute to its development.Recent research suggests associations bet-ween GERD and metabolic syndrome,cardiac diseases,and hypertension(HTN).Mechanisms linking GERD to HTN involve autonomic dysfunction,inflammatory states,and endothelial dysfunction.Furthermore,GERD medications such as pro-ton-pump inhibitors may impact blood pressure regulation.Conversely,antihy-pertensive medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can exacerbate GERD symptoms.While bidirectional causality exists between GERD and HTN,longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate the precise relationship.Treatment of GERD,including anti-reflux surgery,may positively influence HTN control.However,the interplay of lifestyle factors,comorbidities,and medications necessitates further investigation to comprehensively understand this relation-ship.In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Wei et al in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.We evaluate their claims on the causal association between GERD and HTN.