Erosive Esophagitis Portends a Benign Clinical Course in the Majority of Patients

Danse Bi, David A. Katzka, Crystal J. Lavey, Debra M. Geno, Karthik Ravi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Indefinite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and endoscopic evaluation for Barrett’s esophagus is recommended for erosive esophagitis (EE). However, the clinical course of EE remains undefined. Methods: Adults with EE on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were identified at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 2003 and September 2005. Patients with repeat EGD performed after index endoscopy were included. Patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal surgery, esophageal cancer, achalasia, or Barrett’s on initial EGD were excluded. Results: Of 219 patients identified, 98 had LA grade A, 72 LA grade B, and 49 LA grade C esophagitis. Persistent EE was found in 27% on repeat endoscopy. No patients progressed to more severe grades of esophagitis. While discontinuation of PPI was associated with persistent esophagitis, long-term healing of esophagitis occurred in the majority of patients despite discontinuation of PPI. Grade A or B esophagitis and the absence of hiatal hernia were also independent predictors of esophagitis healing on multivariate analysis. The rate of Barrett’s esophagus was similar among patients with LA grade A/B and C esophagitis on initial EGD (5% vs. 14%, p = 0.6). Conclusion: The majority of patients with EE demonstrated healing at follow-up endoscopy regardless of continued PPI use. A small proportion developed Barrett’s esophagus, including those with LA grade A and B esophagitis, highlighting a potential role for repeat endoscopy in all grades of EE. A more conservative long-term PPI strategy may be reasonable in patients with LA grade A or B esophagitis in the absence of hiatal hernia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3244-3252
Number of pages9
JournalDigestive diseases and sciences
Volume65
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2020

Keywords

  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Erosive esophagitis
  • GERD
  • LA grade

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Gastroenterology

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