A Study on the Correlation Between Endoscopic Findings and Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder affecting a large section of the community. In addition, the numerous complications of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) necessitate adequate diagnosis and treatment of this common entity. Thus, to analyze the spectrum of GERD on the basis of symptoms and endoscopic findings along with the contributory effects of various risk factors including obesity, this specific study has been carried out. Study design A descriptive type of observational study was conducted on the patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), affiliated with Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS), Wardha, Maharashtra. The clinical symptoms, suspected risk factors, and endoscopic findings of the patients were studied, assessed, and correlated. Methods and material Patients, more than 18 years of age complaining of a minimum of two typical symptoms of GERD for at least one month, were included in the study. Demographic data, clinical symptomatology, and personal history of the patients were noted. All the patients were subjected to esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and findings were recorded. Correlation and analysis were done on clinical and endoscopic findings. Statistical analysis This descriptive study has been conducted after the approval of the Ethics Committee Department of Medical Education, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Deemed University, Sawangi (DMIMS(DU)/IEC/Sept-2019/8403). The outcomes were recorded and analyzed at the end of the study using a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet (version 16.40, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, USA). Results and conclusion A total of 100 patients were included in the study. A number of male patients (58%) were more than that of female patients. Most of the patients were in the age group of 30-60 years (70%). The most common symptoms were epigastric pain (78%), regurgitation (71%), and heartburn (63%). Forty-five percent of the patients had erosive lesions suggestive of reflux esophagitis on endoscopic evaluation.