Histopathological Study of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Its Correlation with Endoscopic Finding

Background: Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common burden on health care resources in the Western world and deteriorates the health-related quality of life of those affected, but its manifestations in the general population are as yet unclear

Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to find out the Histopathological findings of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease and its correlation with Endoscopic finding.

Methods: This prospective research was carried out at the Department of Department of Anatomy, MD, MSc (Gastroenterology), Army Medical College Jashore, Jashore Cantonment, Bangladesh and different private Hospital in Jashore. The study spanned from July 2022 to July 2023.The study included 320 patients who provided informed consent for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. It meticulously documented various aspects, including baseline characteristics, medical history, and extensive investigations, such as complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), random blood sugar (RBS), urea, creatinine, serum electrolytes, electrocardiogram, abdominal ultrasonography (USG), and upper GI endoscopy.

Result: This prospective study involving 320 participants examined the population’s demographics, incidence rates, and clinical manifestations. Participants had an average age of 36.08 years, with 70% male and 30% female. 31.88% reported experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with associated symptoms like heartburn, reflux, burning sensation, chest pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, belching, and loss of appetite detailed. Dietary patterns revealed 62.50% following a vegetarian diet and 37.50% a mixed diet. The duration of symptoms varied, with 25% having symptoms for three months or less and 31.25% each for 4-6 months, 7-12 months, and over 12 months. Esophagitis and gastritis were common diagnoses (24.06% each), followed by ulcers (11.88%). Endoscopy showed no abnormalities (34.06%). GERD treatment yielded partial relief (50%), complete relief (37.5%), and no relief (12.5%).

Conclusion: The most common presenting complaint in patients of GERD was heartburn followed by regurgitation of gastric contents. Prevalence of GERD was found 32% in APD. In 12 (24%) of patients oesophagitis was seen on endoscopic examination. After medical treatment for 6-8 weeks, 37.5% of subjects become asymptomatic and 50% had partial symptomatic relief.

Keywords: Acid peptic disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Endoscopy, Heartburn.