Reflux esophagitis and scleroderma.
Despite improvement in pharmacologic management, the reflux seen in patients who have scleroderma is significantly greater than the reflux seen in patients who have idiopathic reflux. Furthermore, even with significant symptom improvement, half of the patients who have scleroderma do not show complete healing of esophagitis, owing to residual gastroesophageal reflux. Acid and bile reflux monitoring and endoscopic control examination should be used routinely to provide quantitative information on reflux damage and control. These patients need repeated adjustment of maintenance drug doses.
Martin
J
J
Department of Surgery, Université de Montreal, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Ferraro
P
P
Duranceau
A
A
D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy