Study of gastro-esophageal reflux disease among obstructive sleep apnea patients

BackgroundGastro-esophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are often co-morbid disorders. Frequency of GERD among OSAS patients and its response to CPAP treatment need to be clarified.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of GERD among OSAS patients and to assess its response to CPAP treatment.Methods30 patients were diagnosed as having OSAS and 15 healthy subjects selected as the controlled group underwent upper GI endoscopy. Then the effect of 6 months CPAP treatment on GERD in OSAS patients was assessed.ResultsThe frequency of GERD in patients with OSAS was significantly higher than in controls (43.3% versus 13.3%, p = 0.044). The heartburn and regurgitation in patients with OSAS were significantly higher than controls (p = 0.015 and 0.048 respectively), while the difference in dysphagia was non significant (p = 0.526).The differences in heartburn and regurgitation in OSAS patients with GERD were significantly higher than OSAS patients without GERD (p = 0.002 and 0.001 respectively), but the difference in dysphagia was non significant (p = 0.806). After CPAP treatment for 6 months, GERD was cured in 8 patients out of 13 patients (61.4%).ConclusionGERD occurs more common in OSAS patients as compared to controls. There was positive impact that CPAP treatment reduces GERD in patients with OSAS by 61.5%.