Esophageal Nocturnal Baseline Impedance and Post-ref lux Swallow-induced Peristaltic Wave Index in Identifying Proton Pump Inhibitor-refractory Non-erosive Reflux Disease

Background/Aims Esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) levels and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index could increase the diagnostic value of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. This study aims to compare the MNBI and PSPW index in patients with no evidence of erosive reflux disease. Methods Impedance-pH monitoring tracings from 70 patients, 50 with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and 20 with functional heartburn (FH), were reviewed. According to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment response, NERD patients were divided into NERD/PPI responders and NERD/PPI nonresponders. MNBI, PSPW index, and intercellular spaces were measured and compared among each group. Results MNBI values and PSPW index were lower in NERD patients than in FH (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). MNBI positively correlated with PSPW index (r = 0.525, P < 0.001). NERD/PPI responders had lower MNBI values and PSPW index compared to NERD/PPI nonresponders (both P < 0.01). MNBI and PSPW index distinguished NERD from FH patients with an area under the curve of 0.914 and 0.677, respectively. Wider intercellular space could be identified in patients with NERD (P < 0.01). Conclusion MNBI and PSPW index may differentiate NERD from FH patients and relate to PPI treatment efficacy in patients with NERD. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021;27:525-532)

Automated summary

The study compared esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index in patients without evidence of erosive reflux disease. MNBI and PSPW index were found to differentiate between non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and functional heartburn (FH) patients and were related to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy in NERD patients.