Performances of Diagnostic Methods in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal ailments worldwide, with a high prevalence and extremely costly diagnostic and therapeutic management. A hygienic-dietary regimen, accompanied by weight loss, are important factors for improving the symptoms of reflux disease. Various ways of correct diagnosis and for therapeutic management have been attempted over the years, of which themost widely used diagnostic method is empirical therapy with proton pump inhibitors. Also, questionnaires, upper digestive endoscopy with biopsies, barium radiography, ambulatory monitoring of esophageal pH, pH-impedance and esophageal manometry are widely used. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has a good specificity, but a low sensitivity for GERD. Also, the GERQ questionnaire has a good sensitivity and specificity in the accuracy of GERD diagnostic. Barium swallow use belongs to the past, and is recommended mostly for the detection of anatomical anomalies and not for the diagnosis of reflux disease. 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of esophageal pH is the study of choice to confirm the diagnosis of reflux disease in patients without endoscopic modifications suggestive of GERD. The association of impedance to esophageal pH monitoring is the gold standard for diagnosing GERD, making it possible to differentiate between acid reflux, weakly acid and non-acid episodes, and is also useful for diagnosing other conditions that mimic the GERD's clinical symptoms.