Upper aerodigestive tract disorders and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

A wide variety of symptoms and diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract are associated to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(GORD). These disorders comprise a large variety of conditions such as asthma, chronic otitis media and sinusitis, chronic cough, and laryngeal disorders including paroxysmal laryngospasm. Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is an extraoesophageal variant of GORD that can affect the larynx and pharynx. Despite numerous research efforts, the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux often remains elusive,unproven and controversial, and its treatment is then still empiric. Aim of this paper is to review the current literature on upper aerodigestive tract disorders in relation to pathologic gastro-oesophageal reflux, focusing in particular on the pathophysiology base and results of the surgical treatment of GORD.

Rabeprazole test for the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: Results of a study in a primary care setting

瞄准：为了决定病人的 rabeprazole 测试的诊断价值，由全科医生看。方法：有 GERD 暗示的症状的 83 个病人被全科医生在这个多中心注册，使随机化并且双窗帘学习。所有病人收到了 rabeprazole (20 mg 出价) 或安慰剂一个星期。GERD 的诊断在内视镜检查法或反常食道的 24-h pH 测试在粘膜裂缝的存在上被建立。如果病人们报导至少，“ 7 点 Likert 上的症状的清楚的改进”可伸缩，测试被认为阳性。结果：为 rabeprazole 和安慰剂的测试的敏感分别地是 83% 和 40% 。相应特性，积极、否定的预兆的价值是 45% 和 67% ， 71% 和 71% ，和 62% 和 35% 分别地。操作特征(巨鸟) 分析的接收装置证实最好差别对待截止对应于对“清楚的改进”的描述。结论：禁止者(PPI ) 测试的质子泵的差的特性不支持如此的一条途径在一个主要照顾背景建立 GERD 的诊断。

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and eosinophilic oesophagitis: What is the relationship?

Eosinophilic oesophagitis(EoE) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease(GORD) are the most common causes of chronic oesophagitis and dysphagia associated with oesophageal mucosal eosinophilia. Distinguishing between the two is imperative but challenging due to overlapping clinical and histological features. A diagnosis of EoE requires clinical, histological and endoscopic correlation whereas a diagnosis of GORD is mainly clinical without the need for other investigations. Both entities may exhibit oesophageal eosinophilia at a similar level making a histological distinction between them difficult. Although the term proton-pump inhibitor responsive oesophageal eosinophilia has recently been retracted from the guidelines, a relationship between Eo E and GORD still exists. This relationship is complex as they may coexist, either interacting bidirectionally or are unrelated. This review aims to outline the differences and potential relationship between the two conditions, with specific focus on histology, immunology, pathogenesis and treatment.

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.

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.

Therapeutic effect of Wendan Decoction combined with mosapride on gastroesophageal reflux disease after esophageal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common complication of esophageal cancer surgery that can affect quality of life and increase the risk of esophageal stricture and anastomotic leakage.Wendan Decoction(WDD)is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders,such as gastritis,functional dyspepsia,and irritable bowel syndrome.Mosapride,a prokinetic agent,functions as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 agonist,enhancing gastrointestinal motility.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects of WDD combined with mosapride on GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.METHODS Eighty patients with GERD were randomly divided into treatment(receiving WDD combined with mosapride)and control(receiving mosapride alone)groups.The treatment was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023.The primary outcome was improved GERD symptoms as measured using the reflux disease questionnaire(RDQ).The secondary outcomes were improved esophageal motility(measured using esophageal manometry),gastric emptying(measured using gastric scintigraphy),and quality of life[measured via the Short Form-36(SF-36)Health Survey].RESULTS The treatment group showed a notably reduced RDQ score and improved esophageal motility parameters,such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure,peristaltic amplitude,and peristaltic velocity compared to the control group.The treatment group showed significantly higher gastric emptying rates and SF-36 scores(in both physical and mental domains)compared to the control group.No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.CONCLUSION WDD combined with mosapride is an effective and safe therapy for GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.It can improve GERD symptoms,esophageal motility,gastric emptying,and the quality of life of patients.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Diagnostic value associated with the combination of saliva pepsin and microorganisms in functional heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Heartburn is a common symptom shared by both gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and functional heartburn(FHB),which can make it challenging to differentiate between the two conditions.However,examining oral manifestations of GERD can be a cost-effective and readily available method to aid in this differentiation process.It may serve as a valuable tool in distinguishing GERD from FHB.

Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Factors Associated with Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Population of Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a benign and chronic disease that can impair the quality of life. Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and factors associated with typical GERD in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection which took place from May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The study population consisted of any subject aged at least 15 years and living in Parakou. Subjects aged at least 15 years, present on the day of the survey and having given their free and informed verbal consent were included. The Short form of QRS®(Reflux-Qual Short form) questionnaire and the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression” score were used to assess the quality of life and anxiety/depression, respectively. The sampling was probabilistic through a 2-stage cluster sampling. The variable of interest was the presence of GERD. Results: Out of 390 subjects surveyed, 28 had symptoms of typical GERD, representing a prevalence of 7.18%. The average age of these subjects was 27.11 ± 7.88 years. Fifteen subjects (53.57%) were male, giving a sex ratio of 1.15. Fourteen (50%) had a secondary level of education, 12 (42.86%) were pupils/students, 18 (64.29%) were single. The monthly income of 22 subjects (78.57%) was lower than the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage (40,000 FCFA). The average duration of progression of symptoms was 15.89 ± 4.97 months. Symptoms occurred less than twice a week in 22 subjects (78.57%). The clinical manifestations were both diurnal and nocturnal in 12 subjects (42.86%). None of the 28 subjects with GERD had clinical warning signs. Asthma, diabetes, consumption of high fat or spice foods, carbonated drinks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco were statistically associated with the occurrence of GERD. Each of the 28 subjects had at least one associated factor. A significant impair in quality of life was observed in 27 patients (96.43%). Conclusion: Typical GERD is relatively common in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. It often affects young males. Among the risk factors identified, the most common are carbonated drinks, spicy meals and diabetes. GERD significantly impairs quality of life. Raising awareness about the disease and its associated factors is necessary among the general population.

Different effects of 24 dietary intakes on gastroesophageal reflux disease: A mendelian randomization

BACKGROUND In observational studies,dietary intakes are associated with gastroesophageal re-flux disease(GERD).AIM To conduct a two-sample mendelian randomization(MR)analysis to determine whether those associations are causal.METHODS To explore the relationship between dietary intake and the risk of GERD,we extracted appropriate single nucleotide polymorphisms from genome-wide asso-ciation study data on 24 dietary intakes.Three methods were adopted for data analysis:Inverse variance weighting,weighted median methods,and MR-Egger's method.The odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(CI)were used to eva-luate the causal association between dietary intake and GERD.RESULTS Our univariate Mendelian randomization(UVMR)results showed significant evidence that pork intake(OR,2.83;95%CI:1.76-4.55;P=1.84×10–5),beer intake(OR,2.70,95%CI:2.00-3.64;P=6.54×10–11),non-oily fish intake(OR,2.41;95%CI:1.49-3.91;P=3.59×10–4)have a protective effect on GERD.In addition,dried fruit intake(OR,0.37;95%CI:0.27-0.50;6.27×10–11),red wine intake(OR,0.34;95%CI:0.25-0.47;P=1.90×10-11),cheese intake(OR,0.46;95%CI:0.39-0.55;P=3.73×10-19),bread intake(OR,0.72;95%CI:0.56-0.92;P=0.0009)and cereal intake(OR,0.45;95%CI:0.36-0.57;P=2.07×10-11)were negatively associated with the risk of GERD.There was a suggestive asso-ciation for genetically predicted coffee intake(OR per one SD increase,1.22,95%CI:1.03-1.44;P=0.019).Multi-variate Mendelian randomization further confirmed that dried fruit intake,red wine intake,cheese intake,and cereal intake directly affected GERD.In contrast,the impact of pork intake,beer intake,non-oily fish intake,and bread intake on GERD was partly driven by the common risk factors for GERD.However,after adjusting for all four elements,there was no longer a suggestive association between coffee intake and GERD.CONCLUSION This study provides MR evidence to support the causal relationship between a broad range of dietary intake and GERD,providing new insights for the treatment and prevention of GERD.

Navigating reflux disease after achalasia treatments:Balancing risks and benefits

The peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)procedure has revolutionized the management of achalasia in many centres around the world as it offers patients a minimally invasive endoscopic solution to their dysphagia caused by achalasia.Alongside its success in alleviating dysphagia,concerns regarding postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease have emerged as a pertinent issue which are not fully resolved.In this study,Nabi et al have comprehensively reviewed the topic of the prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after POEM.POEM is a purely endoscopic procedure which is usually performed without any anti-reflux procedure.Certain patients may be better served by a laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy and fundoplication and it is important that gastroenterologists and surgeons provide comprehensive risks and benefits of each achalasia treatment option so that patients can decide what treatment is best for them.This article by Nabi et al provides a comprehensive review of the current status of this issue to allow these discussions to occur.

Socioeconomic traits and the risk of Barrett’s esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Previous observational studies have shown that the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and Barrett’s esophagus(BE)is associated with socioeconomic status.However,due to the methodological limitations of traditional observational studies,it is challenging to definitively establish causality.AIM To explore the causal relationship between the prevalence of these conditions and socioeconomic status using Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS We initially screened single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)to serve as proxies for eight socioeconomic status phenotypes for univariate MR analysis.The inverse variance weighted(IVW)method was used as the primary analytical method to estimate the causal relationship between the eight socioeconomic status phenotypes and the risk of GERD and BE.We then collected combinations of SNPs as composite proxies for the eight socioeconomic phenotypes to perform multivariate MR(MVMR)analyses based on the IVW MVMR model.Furthermore,a two-step MR mediation analysis was used to examine the potential mediation of the associations by body mass index,major depressive disorder(MDD),smoking,alcohol consumption,and sleep duration.RESULTS The study identified three socioeconomic statuses that had a significant impact on GERD.These included household income[odds ratio(OR):0.46;95% confidence interval(95%CI):0.31-0.70],education attainment(OR:0.23;95%CI:0.18-0.29),and the Townsend Deprivation Index at recruitment(OR:1.57;95%CI:1.04-2.37).These factors were found to independently and predominantly influence the genetic causal effect of GERD.Furthermore,the mediating effect of educational attainment on GERD was found to be mediated by MDD(proportion mediated:10.83%).Similarly,the effect of educational attainment on BE was mediated by MDD(proportion mediated:10.58%)and the number of cigarettes smoked per day(proportion mediated:3.50%).Additionally,the mediating effect of household income on GERD was observed to be mediated by sleep duration(proportion mediated:9.75%)CONCLUSION This MR study shed light on the link between socioeconomic status and GERD or BE,providing insights for the prevention of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication along with argon plasma coagulation for treatment of proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND Most endoscopic anti-reflux interventions for gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)management are technically challenging to practice with inadequate data to support it utility.Therefore,this study was carried to evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer endoscopic full-thickness fundoplication(EFTP)device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer EFTP device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.METHODS This study was a single-center comparative analysis conducted on patients treated at a Noble Institute of Gastroenterology,Ahmedabad,hospital between 2020 and 2022.The research aimed to retrospectively analyze patient data on GERD symptoms and proton pump inhibitor(PPI)dependence who underwent EFTP using the GERD-X system along with argon plasma coagulation(APC).The primary endpoint was the mean change in the total gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life(GERD-HRQL)score compared to the baseline measurement at the 3-month follow-up.Secondary endpoints encompassed enhancements in the overall GERD-HRQL score,improvements in GERD symptom scores at the 3 and changes in PPI usage at the 3 and 12-month time points.RESULTS In this study,patients most were in Hill Class II,and over half had ineffective esophageal motility.Following the EFTP procedure,there were significant improvements in heartburn and regurgitation scores,as well as GERDHRQL scores(P<0.001).PPI use significantly decreased,with 82.6%not needing PPIs or prokinetics at end of 1 year.No significant adverse events related to the procedures were observed in either group.CONCLUSION The EFTP along with APC procedure shows promise in addressing GERD symptoms and improving patients'quality of life,particularly for suitable candidates.Moreover,the application of a lone clip with APC yielded superior outcomes and exhibited greater cost-effectiveness.

Research on the Progress of Treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Modified Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a high-incidence digestive system disease. Western medicine mainly uses drugs such as proton pump inhibitors to inhibit gastric acid secretion, but some patients are accompanied by symptoms such as non-acid reflux and gas reflux, which cannot effectively treat the disease. It is necessary to actively explore other treatment schemes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of research on gastroesophageal reflux disease, which emphasizes the treatment based on syndrome differentiation as a whole. Through the treatment of various and multi-component TCM prescriptions, the patient’s body condition can be adjusted, and the treatment effect on gastroesophageal reflux disease is reliable, which has obvious therapeutic advantages. To further clarify the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, this study reviewed and analyzed the research progress of the treatment of liver disease with modified prescriptions, and the report is as follows.

Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux is a pathogenic factor of some benign biliary diseases and gallbladder cancer

Background:Pancreaticobiliary maljunction(PBM)is a well-known high-risk factor for biliary malignant tumors because of constant pancreaticobiliary reflux(PBR).However,the impact of occult pancreaticobiliary reflux(OPR),which is characterized by high bile amylase levels in individuals with anatomically normal pancreaticobiliary junction,on biliary diseases remains unclear.The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between OPR and biliary diseases.Methods:We enrolled 94 consecutive patients with normal pancreaticobiliary junction and primary biliary diseases confirmed by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.We prospectively collected patients’bile samples and measured bile amylase levels.We investigated the incidence of OPR and the difference in bile amylase levels among these patients and assessed the correlation between high bile amylase levels(HBAL)and benign or malignant biliary diseases,as well as the OPR risk factors.Results:The incidence of OPR was 36.6%in patients with benign biliary diseases,26.7%in those with cholangiocarcinoma and 62.5%in those with gallbladder cancer.The median bile amylase level tended to be higher in patients with gallbladder cancer than in those with benign biliary diseases,but there was no significant difference(165.5 IU/L vs.23.0 IU/L,P=0.212).The prevalence of an HBAL with bile amylase levels of 1000-7500 IU/L was similar in patients with gallbladder cancer and benign biliary diseases.However,the incidence of HBAL with bile amylase levels greater than 7500 IU/L was significantly higher in patients with gallbladder cancer than in those with benign biliary diseases(37.5%vs.4.2%,P=0.012).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that choledocholithiasis was an independent risk factor for OPR.Conclusions:OPR can occur in benign and malignant biliary diseases,and it may be a pathogenic factor for some benign biliary diseases and a high-risk factor for gallbladder cancer.There is a correlation between choledocholithiasis and OPR.

Evaluating the causal relationship between human blood metabolites and gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)affects approximately 13% of the global population.However,the pathogenesis of GERD has not been fully elucidated.The development of metabolomics as a branch of systems biology in recent years has opened up new avenues for the investigation of disease processes.As a powerful statistical tool,Mendelian randomization(MR)is widely used to explore the causal relationship between exposure and outcome.AIM To analyze of the relationship between 486 blood metabolites and GERD.METHODS Two-sample MR analysis was used to assess the causal relationship between blood metabolites and GERD.A genome-wide association study(GWAS)of 486 metabolites was the exposure,and two different GWAS datasets of GERD were used as endpoints for the base analysis and replication and meta-analysis.Bonferroni correction is used to determine causal correlation features(P<1.03×10^(-4)).The results were subjected to sensitivity analysis to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.Using the MR Steiger filtration method to detect whether there is a reverse causal relationship between metabolites and GERD.In addition,metabolic pathway analysis was conducted using the online database based MetaboAnalyst 5.0 software.RESULTS In MR analysis,four blood metabolites are negatively correlated with GERD:Levulinate(4-oxovalerate),stearate(18:0),adrenate(22:4n6)and p-acetamidophenylglucuronide.However,we also found a positive correlation between four blood metabolites and GERD:Kynurenine,1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolamine,butyrylcarnitine and guanosine.And bonferroni correction showed that butyrylcarnitine(odd ratio 1.10,95% confidence interval:1.05-1.16,P=7.71×10^(-5))was the most reliable causal metabolite.In addition,one significant pathways,the"glycerophospholipid metabolism"pathway,can be involved in the pathogenesis of GERD.CONCLUSION Our study found through the integration of genomics and metabolomics that butyrylcarnitine may be a potential biomarker for GERD,which will help further elucidate the pathogenesis of GERD and better guide its treatment.At the same time,this also contributes to early screening and prevention of GERD.However,the results of this study require further confirmation from both basic and clinical real-world studies.

Management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease:Practice-oriented answers to clinical questions

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a condition which is frequently faced by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists.Improving management of GERD is crucial to maximise both patient care and resource utilization.In fact,the management of patients with GERD is complex and poses several questions to the clinician who faces them in clinical practice.For instance,many aspects should be considered,including the appropriateness of indication to endoscopy,the quality of the endoscopic examination,the use and interpretation of ambulatory reflux testing,and the choice and management of anti-reflux treatments,i.e.,protonpump inhibitors and surgery.Aim of the present review was to provide a comprehensive update on the clinical management of patients with GERD,through a literature review on the diagnosis and management of patients with GER symptoms.In details,we provide practice-oriented concise answers to clinical questions,with the aim of optimising patient management and healthcare resource use.

Dental evaluation is helpful in the differentiation of functional heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND Heartburn is identically the key symptom of both,gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)and functional heartburn(FHB),making the differential diagnosis resource-intensive.Oral manifestations of GERD can be easily examined;therefore,their exploration might be a cheap,widely available,and useful tool in the differentiation of GERD and FHB.AIM To evaluate the prevalence of dental erosions(DE)and periodontal diseases(PD)in patients with heartburn and their association with GERD and FHB.METHODS A total of 116[M/F:51/65,mean age:54(17-80)years]consecutive patients with heartburn were enrolled for detailed esophageal function and orodental examinations.RESULTS Dental disorders were detected in 89%(103/116).Patients with PD+DE had significantly more often pathologic reflux(90.0%vs 27.8%;P<0.05),higher esophagitis scores(1.8 vs 0.9;P<0.05),and a significantly different mean impedance curve(P=0.04)than those without any dental diseases.The opposite approach established that patients with GERD had significantly higher prevalence of DE and PD,especially if both were present(28.9%vs 2.0%;P<0.01),more severe PD(1.5 vs 1.0;P<0.01),and longer history of heartburn(15 years vs 9 years;P<0.01)than those with FHB.CONCLUSION The dental evaluation of patients with heartburn seems to be useful in the differential diagnosis of GERD and FHB.Among the studied parameters,the co-appearance of DE and PD seems to be the best predictor of GERD,whereas the absence of dental disorders was mostly observed in FHB.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: What’s new right now?

Gastroesophageal reflux(GER)in children is very common and refers to the involuntary passage of gastric contents into the esophagus.This is often physiological and managed conservatively.In contrast,GER disease(GERD)is a less common pathologic process causing troublesome symptoms,which may need medical management.Apart from abnormal transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter,other factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of GERD include defects in esophageal mucosal defense,impaired esophageal and gastric motility and clearance,as well as anatomical defects of the lower esophageal reflux barrier such as hiatal hernia.The clinical manifestations of GERD in young children are varied and nonspecific prompting the necessity for careful diagnostic evaluation.Management should be targeted to the underlying aetiopathogenesis and to limit complications of GERD.The following review focuses on up-to-date information regarding of the pathogenesis,diagnostic evaluation and management of GERD in children.

Rifaximin in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A New Idea Based on the Relationship between Intestinal Microecology and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Rifaximin in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common clinical disorder, the most common symptom of which is a burning sensation behind the breastbone (heartburn) or reflux of stomach contents into the upper pharynx (acid reflux). The prevalence in China is increasing year by year, which can affect the quality of life of patients and also increase the economic burden on families and society. The pathogenesis of GERD is still unclear, and some studies suggest that intestinal microecology may be closely related to the development of GERD. Rifaximin is not readily absorbed orally and acts locally in the intestine, so it has mild adverse effects and good safety, and can be used to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this paper focuses on intestinal microecology as a possible pathogenesis of GERD and further explores the feasibility of rifaximin for the treatment of GERD.

Left lateral decubitus sleeping position is associated with improved gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND A limited number of studies have demonstrated that sleeping in the left lateral decubitus(LLD)decreases nocturnal reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)compared to right lateral decubitus(RLD)and supine.AIM This systematic review summarizes the association between sleeping in the LLD position and nocturnal reflux in patients with GERD.METHODS Studies published up to July 17,2023,in MEDLINE,EMBASE,and CENTRAL were searched.Eligible studies were randomized and nonrandomized studies assessing the effect of sleeping in LLD compared to RLD and supine in reducing nocturnal reflux in GERD patients.Outcomes include the acid exposure time(AET)(%time in pH<4),acid clearance time(ACT)(in sec/episode),number of reflux episodes,and improvement in N-GSSIQ scores.RESULTS Two nonrandomized studies showed decreased AET and ACT in LLD sleep position in comparison to RLD(mean difference[MD]-2.03[95%CI:-3.62 to-0.45];-81.84[95%CI:-127.48 to-36.20],respectively)and supine position(MD-2.71[95%CI:-4.34 to-1.09];-74.47[95%CI:-116.26 to-32.69],respectively).There was no difference in AET and ACT between RLD sleep position and supine.Furthermore,one randomized controlled trial investigating the use of electronic sleep positional therapy,which increased the duration of LLD sleep and decreased the duration of RLD sleep compared to sham,showed nocturnal symptoms improvement(improved N-GSSIQ score,increased reflux-free nights,and resolution of nocturnal reflux symptoms).CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests that sleeping on the left side could reduce nocturnal reflux and improve GERD-related quality of life,therefore warranting interventions that promote LLD sleep position.