Modern diagnosis of GERD: The Lyon Consensus

C. Prakash Gyawali*, Peter J. Kahrilas, Edoardo Savarino, Frank Zerbib, Francois Mion, André J.P.M. Smout, Michael Vaezi, Daniel Sifrim, Mark R. Fox, Marcelo F. Vela, Radu Tutuian, Jan Tack, Albert J. Bredenoord, John Pandolfino, Sabine Roman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

960 Scopus citations

Abstract

Clinical history, questionnaire data and response to antisecretory therapy are insufficient to make a conclusive diagnosis of GERD in isolation, but are of value in determining need for further investigation. Conclusive evidence for reflux on oesophageal testing include advanced grade erosive oesophagitis (LA grades C and D), long-segment Barrett's mucosa or peptic strictures on endoscopy or distal oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) >6% on ambulatory pH or pH-impedance monitoring. A normal endoscopy does not exclude GERD, but provides supportive evidence refuting GERD in conjunction with distal AET <4% and <40 reflux episodes on pH-impedance monitoring off proton pump inhibitors. Reflux-symptom association on ambulatory reflux monitoring provides supportive evidence for reflux triggered symptoms, and may predict a better treatment outcome when present. When endoscopy and pH or pH-impedance monitoring are inconclusive, adjunctive evidence from biopsy findings (histopathology scores, dilated intercellular spaces), motor evaluation (hypotensive lower oesophageal sphincter, hiatus hernia and oesophageal body hypomotility on high-resolution manometry) and novel impedance metrics (baseline impedance, postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index) can add confidence for a GERD diagnosis; however, diagnosis cannot be based on these findings alone. An assessment of anatomy, motor function, reflux burden and symptomatic phenotype will therefore help direct management. Future GERD management strategies should focus on defining individual patient phenotypes based on the level of refluxate exposure, mechanism of reflux, efficacy of clearance, underlying anatomy of the oesophagogastric junction and psychometrics defining symptomatic presentations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1351-1362
Number of pages12
JournalGut
Volume67
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - May 16 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology

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