Influence of age and gender on gastroesophageal reflux in symptomatic patients

Studies have reported that normal males have significantly more physiologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER) than women but little difference in reflux parameters is seen between younger and older normal individuals. The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of age and gender on GER in symptomatic patients. We reviewed 353 24-h pH studies performed in patients with reflux symptoms. The following parameters were assessed: % time pH < 4 of total, upright and supine periods; total reflux episodes; total reflux episodes > 5 min; longest reflux episode. These parameters were analyzed according to age and gender using non-parametric tests. The median age was 47 years and this was used as the cutoff between younger and older patients. Also, an elderly group (age > or = 65) was analyzed. Age did not influence % time pH < 4 for total, upright and supine periods. However, older symptomatic patients had longer reflux episodes. As with normal subjects, male patients had significantly (P < 0.05) more reflux than females, comparing median values for the percentage times pH < 4: total 4.7 vs 2.7%; upright 5.2 vs 3.3%; supine 1.2 vs 0.4%; total reflux episodes 63 vs 45; episodes > 5 min (2 vs 0) and longest reflux episode 9 vs 5 min. Therefore, different cutoff values may be necessary for males and females in diagnosing abnormal reflux.