title: Stretta radiofrequency for gastroesophageal reflux disease-related respiratory symptoms: a prospective 5-year study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the Stretta radiofrequency (RF) treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) -related respiratory symptoms over a 5-years follow-up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 132 patients underwent the Stretta procedure between April 2007 and February 2009; 122 of the patients (92.4%) completed the 5-year follow-up. Symptom scores and PPI usage were evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 122 patients (age, 51.7 ± 13.0 years, M:F, 52: 70) were followed up for 5 years and their outcomes were analyzed. At 5 years after treatment, the symptom scores were significantly reduced (heartburn score, from 5.67 ± 1.52 to 2.41 ± 1.13; regurgitation score, from 5.43 ± 1.66 to 2.27 ± 1.33; chest pain score, from 4.45 ± 1.47 to 2.40 ± 0.88; cough score, from 6.62 ± 1.73 to 3.14 ± 1.43; and asthma score, from 6.83 ± 1.46 to 3.26 ± 1.53, P<0.001). Moreover, 56.6% of the patients were completely off PPIs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stretta RF significantly improves the symptoms and reduces PPI usage at 5 years. Therefore, it is a viable, effective, and minimally invasive endoluminal procedure for patients with GERD-related respiratory symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Xicheng District, Beijing, PR China - zhonggaowang@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: W T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Z W
authors.initials: ZW
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Z G
authors.initials: ZG
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors