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Lack of Correlation Between Subjective and Objective Measures of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Call for a Novel Validated Assessment Tool

Background. Objective measures including the DeMeester score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, acid exposure time, and body mass index (BMI) are used to determine gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) severity and eligibility for various antireflux surgical procedures. The GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) survey is widely used to evaluate patients’ subjective severity of symptoms and GERD-related quality of life. The purpose of this project was to identify whether or not the subjective measure (GERD-HRQL) correlated with objective measures (DeMeester score, LES, acid exposure time, and BMI) of GERD severity. Methods. A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who underwent antireflux surgery from 2013-2018 was completed. Patients’ GERD severity was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the GERD-HRQL. Statistical analysis included the calculation of Spearman correlation coefficients, Wilcoxon rank sum, sign, and chi-square tests. Results. 151 patients were included in the study; 64% were female. The mean age and BMI were 54.6 ± 14.6 years and 30.1 ± 4.1 kg/m2, respectively. The mean preoperative DeMeester score was 43.1 ± 36.1, LES pressure was 19.9 ± 18.4 mmHg, and acid exposure time was 11.4 ± 9.6. Mean GERD-HRQL scores decreased from 27.3 ± 9.2 preoperative to 5.3 ± 4.5 postoperative; P < .0001. Preoperative GERD-HRQL scores were not correlated with the DeMeester score (r = .11; P = .389), LES pressure (r = −.20; P = .089), acid exposure time (r = .05; P = .755), BMI (r = .10; P = .329), or age (r = −.16; P = .118). Conclusions. Total GERD-HRQL scores significantly decreased from pre- to postoperative. There was no correlation between subjective and objective GERD scoring. These data indicate the need for both physiologic evaluation and subjective assessment of patient symptoms during preoperative workup. There is a need for a contemporary, validated GERD questionnaire that correlates with objective pH testing.