Objective: [corrected] To investigate the differences and similarities between non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and reflux disease (RE).
Methods: This study covered 30 patients who were grouped by endoscopy into the cases of NERD (n=17) or RE (n=13). The two groups' symptom, mentality, and damage to life quality were compared. Biopsy was performed at 3 cm above LES in oesophagus. The patients were placed under ambulatory 24-h oesophageal pH and Bilitec2000 monitoring. And their responses to the same anti-reflux treatment were evaluated.
Results: (1) The proportion of female (58.82%) in NERD group was much higher than that (15.38%) in RE group (P<0.05). (2) There was no remarkable difference in symptom, damage to life quality between the NERD and RE groups (P>0.05). But in respect to mentality, the NERD group had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores than did the RE group (P<0.05). (3) No noticeable difference in the pathological results of biopsy was seen between the NERD and RE groups (P>0.05). (4) The NERD group had less abnormal reflux, compared with the RE group (P<0.05). (5) The NERD group gave less response to treatment, compared to the RE group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: NERD may be a kind of reflux disease different from RE.