Global Definition of GERD Set to Transform Current Clinical Practice

Madison, Wisconsin (ots/PRNewswire) - An international consensus
group of the world's leading experts in gastroenterology today
published the Montreal Definition(x) of gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD), in the August issue of the American Journal of
Gastroenterology. The global consensus definition is intended to
provide a universal international platform for this common disease,
aiming to support patient diagnosis and disease management, in
primary care practice in particular.

The consensus group, comprising 43 experts from 18 countries,
developed an evidence-based definition of GERD stating that this
disease is "a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach
contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications"[1]. The
definition was developed over a two-year period using an
internationally accepted and scientifically sound process (modified
Delphi process).

Professor Nimish Vakil, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
and Public Health, who successfully chaired this process, explains
that the previous lack of a globally accepted definition of GERD has
led to increasing confusion over the symptoms of this disease,
resulting in both over- and under-diagnosis.

"The Global Montreal Definition of GERD brings the broad range of
symptoms and complications of GERD into one framework with a patient
centred approach. For the first time, a global consensus on the
definition of the disease now exists, providing a basis for a
universally accepted terminology which bridges cultures and countries
and will simplify disease management, assisting physicians and
benefiting patients."

In the publication of the Global Montreal Definition the World
Organization of Gastroenterology provides its strong endorsement,
stating it to be an "important development in a critical area of
gastroenterology worldwide."

Novel aspects of the new definition include a patient-centred
approach that is independent of endoscopic findings, allowing GERD to
be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms alone. This is important in
primary care settings, as most GERD patients are managed in primary
care. In addition, the Global Montreal Definition includes
sub-classification of the disease into a range of distinct syndromes
(esophageal and extra-esophageal) and recognition that chest pain,
sleep disturbances, laryngitis, cough, asthma and dental erosions
have established association to GERD. A new classification of
Barrett's esophagus was also developed by the consensus group

This press release has been issued on behalf of Professor Nimish
Vakil and the international Consensus Group

[1] Vakil N et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101:1-21

(x) "Montreal" is in the title because the results of the study
were first presented at the World Congress of Gastroenterology in
Montreal

ots Originaltext: Hill & Knowlton (UK) Ltd
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
For further enquiries please contact: Sarah Ballard, Hill & Knowlton
(UK) Ltd, +44-(0)20-7413-3199
(direct), +44-(0)7989-689-283 (mobile). Professor Nimish Vakil,
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health,
nvakil@wisc.edu