Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Asian Countries: Results of a Questionnaire Survey

Introduction: The Asia-Pacific consensus on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the GERD treatment guidelines of 2015 drawn up by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology were proposed, and GERD management in Asian regions was assumed to be performed based on these consensuses. In this environment, the current status of GERD management in clinical practice among Asian regions is less well-known. Objective: This questionnaire-based consensus survey was performed to clarify the current status of management of GERD in clinical practice in Asian regions. Methods: A questionnaire related to management of GERD was distributed to members of the International Gastroenterology Consensus Symposium Study Group. We analyzed the questionnaire responses and compared the results among groups. Results: The frequencies of erosive GERD (ERD), non-ERD, uninvestigated GERD, and Barrett’s esophagus varied significantly among Asian countries. The most important factor in diagnosing GERD was the presence of symptoms in all countries. A proton pump inhibitor was the most commonly prescribed drug to treat GERD in all countries. Endoscopic surveillance for GERD was performed regularly. Conclusion: This questionnaire survey revealed the current status of management of GERD in clinical practice in various Asian countries.