Loading...
Although many patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) obtain relief with acid-suppressive therapy, some have persistent symptoms. Given the low likelihood of esophageal cancer, when is upper endoscopy indicated for patients with chronic GERD symptoms? The American College of Physicians (ACP) issued “Best Practice Advice” on using endoscopy in patients with GERD. Highlights include the following:
1. Upper endoscopy is indicated in men and women who meet any of the following criteria:
Heartburn and alarm symptoms, including dysphagia, evidence of blood loss, weight loss, or recurrent vomiting
Typical GERD symptoms that persist after 4 to 8 weeks of twice-daily treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)
Severe esophagitis after a 2-…