LEADING ARTICLE

Relevance of volume and proximal extent of reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

D Sifrim

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
Professor Daniel Sifrim
Faculty of Medicine KU Leuven, Lab G-I Physiopathology, O&N Gasthuisberg, 7th floor, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Daniel.Sifrim{at}med.kuleuven.ac.be

In patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), oesophageal and extraoesophageal symptoms are traditionally attributed to increased contact time between the mucosa and refluxates. However, the volume of reflux may be important by increasing the total amount of highly concentrated damaging substances, either by prolonging distal mucosal exposure or by expanding to more proximal areas. To date, it has not been possible to accurately measure the volume of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Determination of the volume of reflux will help to better understand the pathophysiology of GORD and to evaluate the efficacy of antireflux treatments.

Abbreviations: GORD, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Keywords: gastro-oesophageal reflux; heartburn; asthma; chronic cough; oesophageal motility

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Article

Effect of endoscopic augmentation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (Gatekeeper reflux repair system) on intraoesophageal dynamic characteristics of acid reflux

M Cicala, A Gabbrielli, S Emerenziani, M P L Guarino, M Ribolsi, R Caviglia, and G Costamagna
Gut 2005 54: 183-186. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Fox, M., Schwizer, W. (2008). Making sense of oesophageal contents. Gut 57: 435-438 [Full Text]  
• Bredenoord, A J, Weusten, B L A M, Curvers, W L, Timmer, R, Smout, A J P M (2006). Determinants of perception of heartburn and regurgitation. Gut 55: 313-318 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• Fox, M., Forgacs, I. (2006). Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. BMJ 332: 88-93 [Full Text]