Global Definition of GERD Set to Transform Current Clinical Practice

Global Definition of GERD Set to Transform Current Clinical Practice

August 04, 2006

    MADISON, Wis., Aug. 4 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- An
international consensus group of the world's leading
experts in gastroenterology today published the Montreal
Definition(1) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in
the August issue of the American Journal of
Gastroenterology. The global consensus definition is
intended to provide a universal international platform for
this common disease, aiming to support patient diagnosis
and disease management, in primary care practice in
particular.

    The consensus group, comprising 43 experts from 18
countries, developed an evidence-based definition of GERD
stating that this disease is "a condition which
develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes
troublesome symptoms and/or complications."[2] The
definition was developed over a two-year period using an
internationally accepted and scientifically sound process
(modified Delphi process).

    Professor Nimish Vakil, University of Wisconsin School
of Medicine and Public Health, who successfully chaired
this process, explains that the previous lack of a globally
accepted definition of GERD has led to increasing confusion
over the symptoms of this disease, resulting in both over-
and under-diagnosis.

    "The Global Montreal Definition of GERD brings the
broad range of symptoms and complications of GERD into one
framework with a patient centred approach. For the first
time, a global consensus on the definition of the disease
now exists, providing a basis for a universally accepted
terminology which bridges cultures and countries and will
simplify disease management, assisting physicians and
benefiting patients."

    In the publication of the Global Montreal Definition
the World Organization of Gastroenterology provides its
strong endorsement, stating it to be an "important
development in a critical area of gastroenterology
worldwide."

    Novel aspects of the new definition include a
patient-centred approach that is independent of endoscopic
findings, allowing GERD to be diagnosed on the basis of
symptoms alone. This is important in primary care settings,
as most GERD patients are managed in primary care. In
addition, the Global Montreal Definition includes
sub-classification of the disease into a range of distinct
syndromes (esophageal and extra-esophageal) and recognition
that chest pain, sleep disturbances, laryngitis, cough,
asthma and dental erosions have established association to
GERD. A new classification of Barrett's esophagus was also
developed by the consensus group

    (1) "Montreal" is in the title because the
results of the study were first 
        presented at the World Congress of Gastroenterology
in Montreal

    [2] Vakil N et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101:1-21

    For more information, please contact:

     Sarah Ballard
     Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd
     Tel:   [phone] 
            [phone] 

     Professor Nimish Vakil
     University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public
Health
     Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE  Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd.