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Gastroesophageal reflux disease laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Laboratory findings consistent with diagnosis of GERD is the presence of acidic reflux in the esophagus through the ambulatory reflux monitoring.

Laboratory Findings

Ambulatory reflux monitoring

  • GERD is mostly diagnosed clinically by the presenting typical symptoms which include heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia.
  • Correlation of the GERD symptoms with confirmed acid presence by the ambulatory reflux monitoring is strongly suggestive of GERD.
  • Ambulatory reflux monitoring is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) as the only laboratory test to determine the presence of acidic reflux in the esophagus.[1]
  • Indications of ambulatory reflux monitoring include the following:[2]
    • GERD diagnosis if it is not confirmed
    • Determine the time of reflux occurrence
    • Refractory GERD symptoms
    • Preoperative for non-erosive disease
  • Ambulatory reflux monitoring is performed in either two ways which include:
    • Telemetry capsule (48 hours monitoring)
    • Transnasal catheter (24 hours monitoring)

References

  1. Katz PO, Gerson LB, Vela MF (2013). “Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease”. Am J Gastroenterol. 108 (3): 308–28, quiz 329. doi:10.1038/ajg.2012.444. PMID 23419381.
  2. Katz PO, Gerson LB, Vela MF (2013). “Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease”. Am J Gastroenterol. 108 (3): 308–28, quiz 329. doi:10.1038/ajg.2012.444. PMID 23419381.

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