Faculty Bibliography

A 96-hour ambulatory pH testing is a practical tool for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for concurrently evaluating two conditions: dietary variation and its effect on measured acid exposure time (AET) and reported symptoms. To date, it is unknown how consuming a diet of either low or high acidity can influence pathologic GERD. This study aimed to assess the effects of high- and low-acid diets on AET and the occurrence of laryngopharyngeal symptoms (LPS) during prolonged wireless pH monitoring. A retrospective review of 208 patients who underwent 96-hour wireless pH monitoring for GERD evaluation was completed. Patients consumed a primarily high-acid diet on 1 day and a primarily low-acid diet on a separate day during the 96-hour period. Patients were considered to have pathologic GERD if esophageal AET was >6% for the time with pH <4, and were considered normal on an individual day if the AET was <4%. Pathologic GERD was found in 78 patients (37.5%), of whom the majority (55%) recorded their lowest AET during the study on their low-acid day. Only 24.7% achieved normal AET on a low-acid diet day. Mean AET on a high-acid diet, compared with a low-acid diet, decreased by 41%, from 12.51 to 7.33, with a similarly proportional decrease in patients negative for GERD. There was no significant difference between patients with and without LPS with regard to esophageal acid exposure on high- and low-acid diet days (P = 0.73, P = 0.81). A low-acid diet may be a viable lifestyle modification when used as monotherapy or adjunctively with proton pump inhibitor in patients with or without pathologic GERD.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of reflux disease were the central focus of the inaugural Gatherings in Esophagology (GiE), which convened experts across gastroenterology, surgery, otolaryngology, pulmonology, and basic research. The sessions highlighted innovations in reflux monitoring-including high-resolution manometry, wireless pH monitoring, and novel salivary biomarkers-while critically evaluating their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Presentations explored the limitations of traditional proton-pump inhibitor therapy, the emergence of potassium-competitive acid blockers as a new class of acid suppressants, and the evolving role of adjunctive treatments such as mucosal protectants, reflux reducers, and neuromodulators for refractory symptoms. The discourse extended to advanced interventional procedures, including transoral incisionless fundoplication, magnetic sphincter augmentation, and the RefluxStop device, with discussion of patient selection, efficacy, and complication management. Discussants emphasized the pathophysiology and management of extraesophageal manifestations of reflux, the interplay between reflux and pulmonary disease, and the diagnostic challenges in pediatric populations. The meeting also addressed the integration of behavioral therapies, the role of the microbiome, and the application of artificial intelligence in reflux diagnostics. Collectively, these insights underscore a shift toward precision medicine in reflux disease, emphasizing individualized diagnostic strategies and tailored therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by abnormal esophagogastric junction residual pressures in the setting of intact esophageal body peristalsis. This manometric finding is most clinically relevant in patients with dysphagia and chest pain, and may arise from various mechanisms, including structural processes, catheter positioning artifact, and medications. Rarely, manometric EGJOO is a consequence of abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) akin to achalasia. Thus, it is critical in the evaluation of EGJOO to determine if a true pressure gradient exists across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) that warrants therapy. There are many unanswered questions in EGJOO diagnosis and management, which are addressed in this review in the context of the use of provocative maneuvers during high-resolution manometry, complementary and alternate testing, and therapeutic options.

OBJECTIVE:The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) is an evaluation of the anatomy and physiology of swallowing, and often includes a screening evaluation of the esophagus. How the esophageal screen translates to esophageal pathology remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine if abnormal esophageal clearance (EC) on VFSS correlates with esophageal function on high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:This is a retrospective review of 115 adult patients who underwent both VFSS with esophageal screen and HRM. EC on VFSS was scored with the modified barium swallow impairment profile (MBSImP) component 17. Motility was characterized using HRM metrics according to the Chicago Classification Version 4.0 (CCv4.0). Predictive metrics were calculated for the esophageal screen. RESULTS:An EC score o greater than or equal to 1 had a sensitivity of 66%, specificity of 57%, PPV of 52%, NPV of 70%, and OR of 2.55 (p = 0.027). EC weakly correlated with incomplete bolus clearance (rho = 0.331, p = 0.0004) and did not correlate with bolus transit time (rho = 0.17, p = 0.105). CONCLUSIONS:The esophageal screen as characterized by the MBSImP is not an effective predictor of esophageal function on HREM as defined by the CCv4.0. Future work may focus on a defining a standardized VFSS protocol for the esophageal screen and potentially a more nuanced assessment of esophageal findings on VFSS that may enhance the sensitivity of the modality to motility disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS/OBJECTIVE:Functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry provides assessment of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening and esophageal body contractile activity during an endoscopic procedure and is increasing being incorporated in comprehensive esophageal motility assessments. We aimed to provide a standardized approach and vocabulary to the procedure and interpretation and update the motility classification scheme. METHODS:A working group of 19 FLIP Panometry experts convened in a modified Delphi consensus process to produce and assess statements on the FLIP Panometry procedure and interpretation. Three rounds of voting were conducted on an agreement scale of 1-9 for appropriateness followed by face-to-face discussions and opportunity for revisions of statements. The "percent agreement" was proportion of votes with score ≥7 indicating level of agreement on appropriateness. RESULTS:A total of 40 statements were selected for final inclusion for the Dallas Consensus, including FLIP Panometry protocol, interpretation of EGJ opening and contractile response, and motility classification scheme. Key statements included: "FLIP Panometry should be interpreted in the context of the clinical presentation, the accompanying EGD findings and other relevant complementary testing". (Median response 9.0; 100% agreement). "A major motor disorder is unlikely in the setting of a "Normal" FLIP Panometry classification (Median response 9.0; 94% agreement). "Diminished or absent contractile response with reduced esophageal opening [i.e. "non-spastic obstruction] supports the diagnosis of a disorder of EGJ outflow. (Median response 8.5; 94% agreement). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The standardized approach for performance and interpretation of the Dallas Consensus can facilitate use of FLIP Panometry in broad clinical settings.

BACKGROUND:High-resolution manometry (HRM) tools, like esophagogastric junction contractile integral (EGJ-CI), assess EGJ barrier function. GOALS/OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between manometric EGJ metrics with esophageal acid exposure. STUDY/METHODS:We conducted a retrospective review of 284 patients who underwent HRM and ambulatory reflux testing between 11/2017-1/2020. EGJ-CI and total-EGJ-CI were manually calculated. Pathologic acid exposure was defined as pH  < 4 with esophageal acid exposure time (EAET) exceeding 6.0%. Pearson's correlation, univariable and multivariable regression models were utilized to assess the relationships between pathologic acid exposure and EGJ parameters. Sensitivity and specificity thresholds for EGJ-CI and total EGJ-CI were optimized with ROC analyses. RESULTS:On univariable analysis, patients with pathologic acid exposure had increased odds of having lower mean basal LES pressures, EGJ-CI, and total EGJ-CI than patients without pathologic acid exposure. On multivariable analysis, age, EGJ-CI and mean DCI were significant predictors of pathologic acid exposure. There were significant, though weak, correlations between EAET and EGJ-CI and total EGJ-CI (r =  - 0.18,  - 0.19, p < 0.01, respectively). An EGJ-CI cutoff of 44.16 as a predictor for pathologic acid exposure had a sensitivity of 46% and specificity of 42% (AUC 0.60). Total EGJ-CI cutoff of 11,461.3 for pathologic acid exposure had a sensitivity of 44% and a specificity of 43% (AUC 0.62). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:EGJ-CI can independently predict pathologic acid exposure. However, the poor correlation between EGJ-CI and acid exposure, as well as the low sensitivity and specificity of calculated thresholds, indicate that mechanisms other than EGJ barrier function may impact acid exposure.

BACKGROUND:Particulate matter exposure (PM) is a cause of aerodigestive disease globally. The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed first responders and inhabitants of New York City to WTC-PM and caused obstructive airways disease (OAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's Esophagus (BE). GERD not only diminishes health-related quality of life but also gives rise to complications that extend beyond the scope of BE. GERD can incite or exacerbate allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Disease features of the aerodigestive axis can overlap, often necessitating more invasive diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. This presents a need to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers of GERD, BE, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), treatment efficacy, and severity of symptoms. METHODS:Our observational case-cohort study will leverage the longitudinally phenotyped Fire Department of New York (FDNY)-WTC exposed cohort to identify Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett's and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BAD-BURN). Our study population consists of n = 4,192 individuals from which we have randomly selected a sub-cohort control group (n = 837). We will then recruit subgroups of i. AHR only ii. GERD only iii. BE iv. GERD/BE and AHR overlap or v. No GERD or AHR, from the sub-cohort control group. We will then phenotype and examine non-invasive biomarkers of these subgroups to identify under-diagnosis and/or treatment efficacy. The findings may further contribute to the development of future biologically plausible therapies, ultimately enhance patient care and quality of life. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:Although many studies have suggested interdependence between airway and digestive diseases, the causative factors and specific mechanisms remain unclear. The detection of the disease is further complicated by the invasiveness of conventional GERD diagnosis procedures and the limited availability of disease-specific biomarkers. The management of reflux is important, as it directly increases risk of cancer and negatively impacts quality of life. Therefore, it is vital to develop novel noninvasive disease markers that can effectively phenotype, facilitate early diagnosis of premalignant disease and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION/BACKGROUND:Name of Primary Registry: "Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett's and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BADBURN)". Trial Identifying Number: NCT05216133 . Date of Registration: January 31, 2022.

BACKGROUND:Particulate matter exposure (PM) is a cause of aerodigestive disease globally. The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed first responders and inhabitants of New York City to WTC-PM and caused obstructive airways disease (OAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's Esophagus (BE). GERD not only diminishes health-related quality of life but also gives rise to complications that extend beyond the scope of BE. GERD can incite or exacerbate allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Disease features of the aerodigestive axis can overlap, often necessitating more invasive diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. This presents a need to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers of GERD, BE, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), treatment efficacy, and severity of symptoms. METHODS:No GERD or AHR, from the sub-cohort control group. We will then phenotype and examine non-invasive biomarkers of these subgroups to identify under-diagnosis and/or treatment efficacy. The findings may further contribute to the development of future biologically plausible therapies, ultimately enhance patient care and quality of life. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:Although many studies have suggested interdependence between airway and digestive diseases, the causative factors and specific mechanisms remain unclear. The detection of the disease is further complicated by the invasiveness of conventional GERD diagnosis procedures and the limited availability of disease-specific biomarkers. The management of reflux is important, as it directly increases risk of cancer and negatively impacts quality of life. Therefore, it is vital to develop novel noninvasive disease markers that can effectively phenotype, facilitate early diagnosis of premalignant disease and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION/BACKGROUND:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05216133; January 18, 2022.