[Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease in asthmatics patients: a pHmetric study about 81 cases]

To determine the frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in asthmatics patients and to evaluate the clinical and pHmetric characteristics of nocturnal reflux in these patients.

We conducted a retrospective study based on results of 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring during a 10-year period in asthmatics patients with or without digestive symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

We studied 81 patients (37 men, 44 women; mean age: 32 years). Gastroesophageal reflux was found in 42 patients (52%). Nocturnal reflux was observed in 35 patients (43%), mostly in association with pathological reflux in the total period (32 cases). Presence of digestive symptoms was the only associated factor to gastroesophageal reflux during 24-hour, in nocturnal or in diurnal period. Compared to the diurnal period, the nocturnal period was characterized by fewer number of reflux episodes (22.69 + 23 vs 70.16 + 56.15; p<0.001), more longer duration of reflux episodes (25.92 + 23.34 minutes vs 15.52 + 16.27 minutes; p=0.02), fewer respiratory symptoms (2.24 + 1.89 vs 6.18 + 4.12; p=0.01) and better symptomatic correlation (13/17:76% vs 9/24:37%; p=0.02).

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is frequent in asthma. Nocturnal reflux is associated with overall reflux on the 24 hour examination. Nocturnal period is characterized by more longer reflux episodes and better symptomatic correlation.