11-20 DSA Peptic Ulcer Disease & GERD (Tieman) Flashcards
What are some epidemiological characteristics of GERD?
Most common and costly GI disease (10 billion dollars/year in 2000)
Impairs quality of life similar to arthritis, CHF, HTN and MI
Occurs across all age groups and both sexes, although complications increase with age and male sex
What is the pathophysiology of GERD?
Failure of the body’s normal protective mechanisms to prevent reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus with resultant damage to the esophagus
What are the clinical SXs of GERD?
Symptoms:
- asymptomatic sometimes
- heartburn
- effortless regurgitation of gastric conetnts
- sleep disturbances due to coughing or heartburn
- water brash - sudden salivation
- dysphagia (alarm sx)
- odynophagia (alarm sx)
What are the extra-esophageal manifestations of GERD?
Asthma
Laryngitis, laryngeal ulcer
chronic cough
recurrent pneumonitis
non-cardiac chest pain (mimics angina)
Why is asthma considered an extra-esophageal manifestation of GERD?
◦Reflux often silent and asymptomatic
◦Significant co-existence between GERD and asthma in adults
◦Any adult with new-onset asthma, without allergic component, and with poor response to bronchodilators or steroids should be investigated for GERD
In addition to asthma, what are some other conditions that are associated with causing GERD?
◦Pregnancy
◦Scleroderma
◦Prolonged nasogastric intubation
◦Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
How is GERD usually dx’ed?
PE is usually non-specific, labs aren’t helpful
Diagnostic testing:
- trial of PPIs
EGD
Ba esophogram/swallow (for alarm Sx)
esophageal pH monitoring
Sx recording
Esophageal motility studies - if dx is in doubt
How effective is a PPI trial in dx of GERD?
◦Trial of PPI’s
80% sensitivity and specificity for GERD if response in 2 weeks or less
What sorts of information is provided by a Ba swallow test? What kinds of conditions is it helpful for diagnosis?
Anatomic information, eg. Diverticulae, stricture, hiatal hernia, webs, Schatzki’s ring,
Physiologic information, eg. Esophageal motility, reflux
How is an EGD useful for GERD? When is it indicated?
EGD, abbr for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Visualizes mucosa and allows biopsy
High specificity for esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, cancer
Indicated in “alarm symptoms” of odynophagia, dysphagia, bleeding, weight loss, abnormal barium swallow, or long-standing symptoms
What is this?
EGD Esophagitis
How is intraesophageal pH monitoring done?
Probe secured 5 cm above LES
Records time and pH
Pt goes about ADL and marks episodes of symptoms
}8-24 hours
When is an intraesophageal pH monitoring test considered abnormal?
}if pH<4 more than 5% of time
When is intraesophageal pH monitoring useful in establishing a Dx of GERD?
◦Symptoms resistant to medical therapy
◦Extra-esophageal manifestations with asymptomatic GERD
◦Before surgery in questionable cases
◦After surgery if symptoms persist or recur
Describe the 3 intraesophageal test results shown below:
- physiologic - WNL
- upright reflux pattern
- Combined reflux pattern
What does esophageal manometry test? What is it useful in Dx of?
Measures and records amplitude of peristaltic contractions and LES pressures
}
Useful in diagnosis of dysphagia and motility disorders
Below is an image of a normal esophageal manometry. Describe how it would be different for achalasia.
What are the 2 basic subsets of GERD?
Non-erosive
Erosive
What is the prevalence and and typical symptoms of non-erosive GERD?
}Non-erosive (typical GERD symptoms, but EGD normal or mild esophagitis)
◦70-80%
What are the 3 subsets of non-erosive GERD?
Abnormal pH monitoring—respond to PPI’s
Normal reflux pattern on pH monitoring, but symptoms correlate with reflux (increased sensitivity)
Normal reflux pattern with poor symptom correlation - need to look for another cause for symptoms
What is the prevalence and typical presentation of erosive GERD?
Erosive (severe esophagitis or ulceration)
◦20-30%
◦High rates of relapse and complications
What is the goal of GERD treatment?
◦Relieve symptoms and prevent esophagitis and complications in a cost-effective manner
What are the lifestyle modifications that are helpful in controlling GERD?
Elevate head of bed
Avoid alcohol, large meals late at night, spices, chocolate
Weight loss
Avoid tight-fitting clothes
Stop smoking
Avoid esophagitic drugs
What classes of medications are helpful in controlling GERD?
antacids
prokinetics
H2RA
PPI
What is the most effective antacid for GERD?
Require frequent doses, Gaviscon most effective
What are some prokinetic meds that are helpful in controlling GERD? Are they frequently used?
Bethanacol, metaclopramide
Not used frequently because of side effects
What is the timeframe for the effectiveness of H2RAs? Does increased dosage increase their effectiveness?
Delayed onset (6-10 hours) but may be effective, especially if used for longer period (12 weeks)
6-8 hours of effectiveness, may require re-dosing
Increased dosage does not increase effectiveness
When used in combination with PPIs, what are H2RA really useful for?
suppress nocturnal acid reflux
What are some important DDIs to keep in mind with H2RAs?
Cimetidine and ranitidine raise levels of theophylline, phenytoin, lidocaine, quinidine and warfarin (Cytochrome P-450 system)
When should PPIs be taken?
◦Require active proton pump, therefore given before meals
How long are PPIs active for? What increases their effectiveness?
◦10-14 hours of action, may require second dose
◦Prolonged therapy and/or increased dosage increase effectiveness, as well as adding nighttime dose of H2RA
Almost 100% healing
What are the possible ROA for PPIs?
PO and IV