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New acid reflux disease research from University of Ulsan outlined

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"The aim of the present study was to estimate endoscopic reflux esophagitis in patients with upper abdominal pain as a predominant symptom in the absence of heartburn or regurgitation. Two hundred and sixty-three consecutive patients presenting dyspepsia without heartburn or regurgitation were enrolled. Patients with heartburn or regurgitation were excluded using the symptom interviewer method. Dyspepsia was categorized into pain-predominant or dysmotility-predominant groups according to the Rome II proposal. Endoscopic reflux esophagitis was graded using the Los Angeles classification. One hundred and five patients were included in the pain-predominant group and 119 in the dysmotility-predominant group. Reflux esophagitis was found in 18.8% (42/224) of all dyspeptic patients. Grade A esophagitis was noted in 27.6% (29/105) of the pain-predominant group and in 7.6% (9/119) of the dysmotility-predominant group. Grade B was noted in two patients in each group. A total of 29.5% (31/105) and 9.3% (11/119) had reflux esophagitis, respectively (P < 0.001). Comparing patients with or without reflux esophagitis, there was no difference in body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, or Helicobacter pylori infection status. A significant proportion of patients presenting dyspepsia, especially pain-predominant dyspepsia, have endoscopic reflux esophagitis," wrote H.J. Song and colleagues, University of Ulsan.

The researchers concluded: "In view of GERD, pain-predominant dyspepsia should be investigated and managed differently from dysmotility-predominant dyspepsia."

Song and colleagues published the results of their research in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Endoscopic reflux esophagitis in patients with upper abdominal pain-predominant dyspepsia. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2007;22(12):2217-2221).

For additional information, contact H.Y. Jung, University of Ulsan, Dept. of Internal Medical, College Medical, Asan Med Center, 388-1 Pungnap Dong, Seoul 138736, South Korea.

The publisher of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology can be contacted at: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

Keywords: South Korea, Seoul, Acid Reflux Disease, Abdominal Pain, Acid Reflux, Dyspepsia, Endoscopy, Esophagitis, Gastroenterology, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Heartburn, Hepatology, Surgery, University of Ulsan.

This article was prepared by Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Medical Devices & Surgical Technology Week via NewsRx.com.