Treatment Response in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease With and without Endoscopy

Abstract

Background and Aim: The purpose of present study was to evaluate endoscopic features, prevalence of complications, response to treatment and necessity of the endoscopy in the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms.

Materials and Methods: We selected the patients with GERD symptoms in Amiralmomenin hospital from 1381 to 1382. 277 cases were tested in this study. Group 1, (116 cases) after endoscopy and RUT, Group 2, (161 Cases) without endoscopy were treated by nonpharmacological recommendations and omeprazole 20 mg - bid for three months. Multiple visits were performed after one, two and three months after initiation of treatment. The presence of GERD symptoms was mentioned in the questionnaire. The result of treatment (absence of heartburn, regurgitation) was evaluated in two groups.

Results: In the first group, Treatment responses after one, two and three months were 82.8%, 83.6%, 84.5% and in the second group were 83.9%, 83.2%, 85.7% (P= 0.810, P= 0.931, P= 0.776). Endoscopic features in the first group were normal esophagus (75%), esophagitis G.A (11.3%), esophagitis G.B (6%), esophagitis G.C (1.7%), esophageal ulcer (3.4%), and Barrett's esophagus (2.6%). Treatment responses in the patients with normal esophagus after one, two and three months were 83.9%, 85.1%, 86.2% and in the patients with abnormal esophagus was 79.3% (P= 0.570, P= 0.469, P= 0.374).

Conclusions: Normal esophagus was the most prevalent endoscopic feature in the GERD patients. Endoscopic findings have no role in the response to treatment in the patients with GERD symptoms. They can be treated without endoscopy and the successful result is usually obtained.