Does severe and chronic esophageal distension by air (observed in SGB and GB) affect the esophageal mucosa integrity (MNBI).

Background: Supragastric belching (SGB) and aerophagia are behavioral disorders characterized by air induced esophageal distension. SGB is known to be associated with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Low Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance (MNBI) values support GERD diagnosis. We aimed to assess if chronic esophageal distension by air affects the esophageal mucosa integrity by assessing changes in MNBI.

Methods: In a single-center database study, we searched retrospectively for patients with a diagnosis of pathological SGB (n = 146) or aerophagia (n = 34) based on impedance-pH reflux monitoring. During the examined period, patients with a conclusive negative diagnosis of SGB and no evidence of aerophagia were used as a control cohort (n = 191). MNBI at 3, 5, and 17 cm over Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) was evaluated. GERD was diagnosed if acid exposure time (AET) >6%. All impedance studies of included patients were prospectively reevaluated.

Results: GERD was diagnosed in 31.7% patients with SGB, a rate not different in comparison to patients without SGB (30.8%, p = 0.906). MNBI at 3 and 5 cm above the LES was significantly decreased among patients with SGB. SGB was not correlated with MNBI at 3 cm over the LES, (p: 0.086 OR: 1.000 95% CI: 0.999-1.001) when using multivariate analysis. Moreover no difference was spotted as far as MNBI at 3, 5, and 17 cm over the LES is concerned among patients with or without aerophagia.

Conclusion: Even if patients with SGB do show lower MNBI values, esophageal distention due to excessive air movement does not directly lead to impairment of esophageal mucosa integrity.