title: [Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux. About a pH metric series].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux has been shown to be associated with the more severe forms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly with extraesophageal manifestations as well as complications of mucosal damage.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the frequency of nocturnal gastro esophageal reflux disease on 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in patients with digestives or extra-digestives symptoms and to evaluate the clinical and pHmetric characteristics of nocturnal reflux in these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study based on results of 24- hour esophageal pH monitoring during a 11-year period in patients with or without digestive symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nocturnal gastroesophgeal reflux was defined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We studied 696 patients (299 men, 397 women; mean age: 34.05 years). Gastroesophageal reflux was found in 350 patients (50%). Nocturnal reflux was observed in 240 patients (34.3%), mostly in association with pathological reflux in the total period (223 cases). Compared to the diurnal period, the nocturnal period was characterized by fewer number of reflux episodes (21.9±27.4 vs 67.4±5.,1 ; p<0.0001), more longer duration of reflux episodes (24.4±37.9 minutes vs 13.9± 17.5 minutes ; p<0.001), and a lower symptomatic correlation (26% vs 45% ; p=0.0005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nocturnal reflux is associated with overall reflux on the 24 hour examination. Nocturnal period is characterized by longer reflux episodes, less number of reflux episodes and less symptomatic correlation.
authors.forename: Nour
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Elleuch
authors.forename: Rania
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hefaiedh
authors.forename: Sami
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karoui
authors.forename: Monia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fekih
authors.forename: Lilia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zouiten
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matri
authors.forename: Azza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Filali
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D050782:Esophageal pH Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult