2.FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN ELDERLY PEOPLE. KYRGYZSTAN EXPERIENCE

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN ELDERLY
PEOPLE. KYRGYZSTAN EXPERIENCE

A.A. Smirnova
Asian International University named after Satkynbai Tentishev
Department of Therapeutic and Specialized Disciplines
Kant, Kyrgyzstan
N.A. Toktogulova
Kyrgyz State Medical Academy named after I.K. Akhunbaev
Department of Hospital Therapy with a Course of Hematology
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

ABSTRACT
Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common
pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract; however, the features of its course in elderly and
senile patients in Kyrgyzstan remain insufficiently studied.
Aim. To identify the clinical features of gastroesophageal reflux disease in elderly
and senile patients in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the City Clinical Hospital No.
1, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A total of 404 individuals of various age groups were enrolled,
including 104 elderly patients (25.8%) and 12 senile patients (3%). The assessment included
the GerdQ questionnaire, physical examination with body mass index measurement, quality
of life evaluation using the SF-12 scale, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with
esophagitis grading according to the Los Angeles classification. Statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS 16.0.
Results. Heartburn was detected in patients of all age groups, most frequently in
elderly women (83%), as well as in young men (86%) and senile men (80%). Regurgitation
was reported by 71% of elderly and 42% of senile patients. In senile patients, symptoms
occurred daily more often, whereas in elderly patients they were less frequent. A trend
toward an increased frequency of nocturnal symptoms and more severe esophageal lesions
was observed: grade B erosive esophagitis was diagnosed in 38% of patients in older age
groups versus 15% among young patients. According to the SF-12 scale, low and moderate
quality of life was noted in 80% of elderly patients.
Conclusions. In elderly and senile patients, GERD is characterized by a more severe
course with a predominance of erosive forms of esophagitis and reduced quality of life.
Body mass index did not show a significant effect on the development of the disease in the
studied population.
Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, elderly, senile age, erosive esophagitis,
quality of life, GerdQ, SF-12.