Epithelial Damage in GERD

Characterisation of Esophageal Epithelial Damage in Patients With Non-erosive Reflux Disease (NERD) and Erosive Esophagitis (EE): Role of Epithelial Permeability

The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare epithelial damage in patients with erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Typical GERD-symptoms lasting for more than 6 months (recurrent episodes of heartburn or acid regurgitation)
• abnormal pH-parameters (pathological acid exposure and/or symptom association)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Previous esophageal or gastric surgery
• Severe esophageal motility disorder on manometry
• Histological evidence of Barrett's mucosa
• Severe co-morbidities (including cardiopulmonary disease, portal hypertension, collagen diseases, morbid obesity, coagulation disorders and co-morbidity hindering a gastroscopic procedure)
• Use of anticoagulant or immunosuppressive drugs
• Inability to stop medication that can influence the test results, like PPI, for at least 10 days before tests
• Excessive alcohol consumption (>20 units per week)
• Patients unable to give informed consent.