Features of the Course of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Elderly People. Kyrgyzstan Experience

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract; however, the features of its course in elderly and senile patients in Kyrgyzstan remain insufficiently studied. Aim. To identify the clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease in elderly and senile patients in the Kyrgyz Republic. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the City Clinical Hospital No. 1, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 404 individuals of various age groups were enrolled, including 104 elderly patients (25.8%) and 12 senile patients (3%). The assessment included the GerdQ questionnaire, physical examination with body mass index measurement, quality of life evaluation using the SF-12 scale, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophagitis grading according to the Los Angeles classification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Results. Heartburn was detected in patients of all age groups, most frequently in elderly women (83%), as well as in young men (86%) and senile men (80%). Regurgitation was reported by 71% of elderly and 42% of senile patients. In senile patients, symptoms occurred daily more often, whereas in elderly patients they were less frequent. A trend toward an increased frequency of nocturnal symptoms and more severe esophageal lesions was observed: grade B erosive esophagitis was diagnosed in 38% of patients in older age groups versus 15% among young patients. According to the SF-12 scale, low and moderate quality of life was noted in 80% of elderly patients. Conclusions. In elderly and senile patients, GERD is characterized by a more severe course with a predominance of erosive forms of esophagitis and reduced quality of life. Body mass index did not show a significant effect on the development of the disease in the studied population.

Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, elderly, senile age, erosive esophagitis, quality of life, GerdQ, SF-12.