Description

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ranks among the many disease states with strong epidemiological and pathophysiological links to obesity. Data from multiple studies in adults illustrate the association between obesity and an increase in GERD and erosive esophagitis prevalence, more frequent and more severe GERD symptoms and manifestations, and an increase in the frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Obesity also is a risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, studies have shown a link between obesity/overweight and GERD symptoms in children and adolescents. Given the association between chronic GERD and the development of Barrett’s esophagus and adenocarcinoma,9 the implications of a such a large percentage of overweight and obese adults and adolescents on the current and future incidence and disease pathology of GERD are of great importance, as is the effect of the obesity epidemic on the diagnosis and management of GERD in the primary care setting.

Release Date: 12/11/2009
Expiration Date: 12/11/2010

Learning Objectives

• Review the evidence linking overweight and obesity with an increase in GERD symptoms and manifestations
• Describe the increased risk of severe complications of GERD associated with overweight and obesity
• Explore the effect of obesity on the changing profile of the patient with GERD presenting to the primary care physician
• Assess optimal diagnostic and treatment approaches to patients with GERD who are overweight or obese
• Review the current guidelines concerning lifestyle, medical, and surgical interventions for GERD, as well as the outcomes of these modalities
• Assess the effect of OTC PPIs on diagnostic and treatment approaches to the patient with heartburn in primary care
• Evaluate the importance of atypical symptoms and manifestations of GERD in its diagnosis and management
• Identify the indications for invasive testing and surgical treatment referral in patients with GERD

Faculty

Braden Kuo, MD
Gastrointestinal Unit
Massachusetts General Hospital

Accreditation

Release Date: 12/11/2009
Expiration Date: 12/11/2010

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship and St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals and Reed Medical Education. Beth Israel Medical Center & St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION
Beth Israel Medical Center designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

POLICY ON FACULTY AND PROVIDER DISCLOSURE
It is the policy of Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals that faculty and providers disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, and also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation(s). Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals have established policies in place that will identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to this educational activity.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest (COI)
It is the policy of Beth Israel Medical Center and St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals has implemented a process to resolve COI for each CME activity. In order to help ensure content objectivity, independence, fair balance, and that the content is aligned with the interest of the public,  MGH has resolved the conflict by Peer Review.

Supporters

Our evidence-based curriculum is supported by an educational grant from Takeda

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