Clinical Features of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Elderly Patients in Korea

Background: Manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) range from mild episodes of heartburn and acid regurgitation to chronic mucosal inflammation with esophagitis. It has been suggested that elderly patients may present symptoms in a slightly different manner from younger patients. The aim of the present study was to compare symptoms and clinical characteristics of elderly patients to that of younger patients in a population with endoscopially- GERD. Methods: Three hundred sixty two patients with diagnosed GERD who underwent esophagogastroduedenoscopy were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to age (<65 years, n=181 and >= 65 years, n=181). Esophageal and other symptoms and clinical parameters including the status of endoscopic findings, Helicobacter pylori infection and pathologic findings. Results: Among esophageal symptoms, heartburn is less frequent in elderly group (21.5% vs. 31.5%, p=0.032). Dyspepsia is most common symptom in both group and more frequent in elderly group (42.5% vs. 32.0%, p=0.039). Other symptoms showed no differences between two groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection, hiatal hernia and nonerosive GERD also showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Elderly patients with GERD presented a higher frequency of atypical symptoms. Intensive history taking for atypical symptoms was needed in elderly patients with suspected GERD.