Characteristics of gastro-esophageal reflux in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrotic lung disease with a median survival rate ranging from 2 to 3years from diagnosis. Recent data have illustrated the role of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in the pathogenesis and potential management of IPF patients. Although it is recognized that GER is increased among IPF patients, its prevalence and characteristics had been poorly defined. Forty patients were recruited; 20 with a diagnosis of IPF and the other, 20 with interstitial lung disease other than IPF (non IPF patients). All patients underwent pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan and impedance-pH monitoring while off antisecretory therapy. The presence of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed using validated HRCT scores. Reflux features included distal esophageal acid exposure, number of acid/weakly acidic reflux episodes and their proximal migration. Seventeen (85%) patients out of 20 with IPF had an abnormal distal acid exposure, compared with 7 (35%) out of 20 non IPF patients (p=0.003). Percentage total acid exposure time (AET) with pH