Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) continues to intrigue both clinicians and researchers alike because of its varied presentation, changing epidemiology, lack of gold standard for diagnosis, and evolving treatment. It affects a major proportion of the adult population in the Western World and appears to be on the increase even in areas such as Southeast Asia, suggesting a role of environmental factors and lifestyle. GERD has different manifestations from simple heartburn to esophageal chest pain, hoarseness of voice or even asthma-like symptoms. The question of whether the spectrum of GERD is continuous or discontinuous, and whether the entities of endoscopy-negative reflux, esophagitis and Barretts esophagus are truly distinct or entities in transition from less severe to more severe forms remains a source of contention. It is also unclear whether these entities differ greatly with respect to their pathophysiology and natural history even though their clinical management is similar - aimed at symptom resolution. Moreover, the classification of GERD, based on endoscopic criteria, really does not help in either diagnosis or treatment given that the majority of GERD patients have a normal endoscopy and that treatment is symptom driven. These and many more issues are addressed by the review and original articles collected in this publication, providing state-of-the-art information for both researchers and clinicians.
Editorial: Sharma, P.; Malfertheiner P. Review Articles (Selection)
Distinct Phenotypic Presentations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseas e: A New
View of the Natural History: Fass, R. Review of the Quality of Life and
Burden of Illness in Gastroesopha geal Reflux Disease: Wiklund, I.
Extra-Esophageal Disorders in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Jasp ersen, D.
Carditis at the Interface between GERD and Helicobacter pylori Infe ction:
Peitz, U.; Vieth, M.; Malfertheiner, P. Molecular Findings in Barrett's
Epithelium: Tannapfel, A. Autofluorescence-Based Detection of Early Neoplasia
in Patients wit h Barrett's Esophagus: Kara, M.; DaCosta, R.S.; Wilson, B.C.;
Marco n, N.E.; Bergman, J. Chromoendoscopy and Magnifying Endoscopy in
Patients with Gastroeso phageal Reflux Disease. Useful or Negligible?
Kiesslich, R.; Neurat h, M.F.; Galle, P.R. Surgery of Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease: A Competitive or Comple mentary Procedure? Lundell, L. Acid
Suppression and Chemoprevention in Barrett's Oesophagus: Raj, A.; Jankowski,
J. GERD: The Potential for Endoscopic Intervention: Triadafilopoulos, G.
Ablative Procedures for Prevention and Treatment of Esophageal Aden
ocarcinoma: Peitz, U.; Kahl, S.; Malfertheiner, P. Original Papers
(Selection) What Parameters Are Relevant for the Histological Diagnosis of
Gast roesophageal Reflux Disease without Barrett's Mucosa? Vieth, M.; Pe itz,
U.; Labenz, J.; Kulig, M.; Naucler, E.; Jaspersen, D.; Meyer-S abellek, W.;
Willich, S.; Lind, T.; Malfertheiner, P.; Stolte, M. Oesophageal Histology in
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease Is of Mi nor Pre- and Postoperative
Diagnostic Value: Rantanen, T.K.; Makine n, J.E.; Sipponen, P.I.; Sihvo,
E.I.T.; Leppaniemi, A.; Salo, J.A. Radial Distribution of Dilated
Intercellular Spaces of the Esophage al Squamous Epithelium in Patients with
Reflux Disease Exhibiting D iscrete Endoscopic Lesions: Vieth, M.; Fiocca,
R.; Haringsma, J.; D elarive, J.; Wiesel, P.H.; Tam, W.; Tytgat, G.N.J.;
Dent, J.; Edebo, A.; Lundell, L.; Stolte, M. Surgical Treatment of
Oesophageal Cancer: Hartel, M.; Wente, M.N.; Buchler, M.W.; Friess, H.
