[Familial forms of gastro-esophageal reflux]

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common disorder that can be responsible for respiratory disease and is not considered as an inherited condition. We report five families with several affected members. Other familial cases have been published and some authors have suggested that transmission occurs on an autosomal dominant basis. Only prospective studies could determine whether GER is an inherited disorder, but at present their feasibility is limited since currently available diagnostic investigations are not suitable for screening.