Esophageal Reflux Hypersensitivity: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Reflux hypersensitivity (RH) is one of the phenotypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The latest Rome IV defines RH as a condition with typical reflux symptoms and positive reflux-symptom association despite normal acid exposure. Subsequently, the Lyon consensus proposed detailed cutoff values for the criteria on the basis of experts' consensus. Rome IV brought a clear-cut perspective into the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease and the importance of esophageal hypersensitivity. This perspective can be supported by the fact that other functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia often overlap with RH. Although several possible pathophysiological mechanisms of esophageal hypersensitivity have been identified, there is still unmet medical needs in terms of treatment for this condition. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding RH.

The Utility of Novel pH-Impedance Monitoring Parameters (PSPW Index and MNBI) in Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Phenotypes—A Systematic Review

“…These results are consistent with adult studies that have strong data supporting the use of the PSPW index in investigating GERD patients. The PSPW index has been found to be lower in acid reflux-predominant GERD phenotypes, such as erosive esophagitis (EE) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), compared to esophageal hypersensitivity-predominant phenotypes [ 48 ].…”