Resumen

CSENDES J, Attila et al. Relationship between gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and 24 h esophageal pH measurement in patients with normal or minimally abnormal upper endoscopies. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2004, vol.132, n.1, pp.19-25. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872004000100003.

Heartburn and regurgitation are considered highly specific symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. A considerable number of patients with these symptoms do not have endoscopic signs of esophagitis. Aim: To study the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and 24 h esophageal pH mesurement in patients with normal or near normal endoscopic findings. Patients and methods: One hundred eighty six patients with persistent reflux symptoms and absence of severe endoscopic esophagitis were studied. Pathological studies of esophageal biopsies, manometry and 24 h esophageal pH measurements were performed in all. Results: Abnormal acid reflux was found in 131 patients (70%). No differences in the frequency of symptoms, gender or pathologic findings were observed between patients with or without abnormal acid reflux. However, a higher frequency of esophageal erosions and a lower resting pressure of the inferior sphincter of the esophagus was observed in patients with abnormal acid reflux. Conclusions: Thirty percent of patients with heartburn and regurgitation did not have abnormal acid reflux. Therefore, these symptoms are not specific for gastroesophageal reflux (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 19-25).

Palabras clave : Esophagoscopy; Esophagitis; peptic; Gastroesophageal reflux.

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