A standardized method for measuring intercellular spaces in esophageal biopsies in patients with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (the intercellular space ratio).

Objective: Dilated intercellular space (DIS) in esophageal biopsies is regarded as a possible early sign of mucosal injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study presents a standardized approach of intercellular space measurement.

Material And Methods: Distal and proximal esophageal biopsies were taken from 19 patients with suspected GERD, and examined with TEM.

Airway symptoms and sleeping difficulties in operated and non-operated patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Introduction: Anti-reflux treatment studies have not succeeded in proving a causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), airway symptoms and sleeping difficulties. In a recent follow-up study we showed that patients operated for GERD have significantly less heartburn/acid regurgitation symptoms than matched non-operated patients. These two groups probably had different degrees of reflux over a long period of time.

Validation of the Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ).

Background: Airway symptoms and sleeplessness in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be of importance. This study validates a new questionnaire dealing with such symptoms.

Material And Methods: The Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ) is self-administered, asks about 18 symptoms or diagnoses possibly related to GERD answered on a seven-point Likert scale and with a 1-year recall period.

Activation of REG family proteins in colitis.

Aims: To do a genome-wide gene expression study of active and inactive ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease--IBD) and examine the most differentially expressed genes. As the study showed an extreme upregulation of all regenerating islet-derived genes (REG proteins) in active IBD, we further studied the expression of REGs on protein level in active and inactive IBD, as well as in non-IBD (pseudomembranous) colitis.

Methods: Microarray analysis was done on a total of 100 pinch biopsy samples from healthy controls and patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.