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Prevalence of minimal change lesions in patients with non-erosive reflux disease: a case-control study

Jin Bae Kim1, Su Rin Shin, Woon Geon Shin

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Hallym University Medical College, Hallym University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. jbkim87@hallym.or.kr

Digestion
|May 11, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Minimal changes in the esophagus are linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). White mucosal turbidity may be a specific sign of GERD-induced damage, aiding diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Endoscopy
  • Reflux disease research

Background:

  • Minimal changes (MCs) are suspected to correlate with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
  • The specific diagnostic value of individual MCs remains unclear.
  • This study aimed to compare MC prevalence in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) versus healthy controls (HC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the overall and individual prevalence of minimal changes (MCs) between patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and healthy controls (HC).
  • To identify specific endoscopic findings associated with NERD.
  • To evaluate the potential of MCs as diagnostic markers for GERD.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective comparison of twelve endoscopic findings in the esophagogastric junction.
  • NERD patients (n=64) and healthy controls (n=104) were included.
  • Statistical analysis to determine significant differences and associations.

Main Results:

  • Overall MC frequency was higher in the NERD group (71.9%) than in controls (45.2%).
  • White mucosal turbidity, irregular Z-line, horizontal erosions, and mucosal protrusion were more common in NERD patients.
  • White mucosal turbidity was independently associated with NERD (OR 3.97) and linked to factors like male gender, reflux symptoms, height, smoking, alcohol intake, and hiatal hernia.

Conclusions:

  • Minimal changes (MCs) can serve as supportive markers for GERD diagnosis.
  • White mucosal turbidity shows potential as a GERD-specific sign, possibly indicating acid-induced mucosal damage.
  • Further research may validate MCs, particularly white mucosal turbidity, in GERD diagnostics.

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