The Comparison of Pepsin Level in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients with or without Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is often found around the world. GERD is a condition with disturbing symptoms and complications due to the rise of stomach contents into the esophagus. The presence of pepsin in the laryngopharynx has been shown to correlate with these reflux events, and pepsin levels tend to be elevated in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Objective: To determine the comparison of pepsin levels in GERD patients with or without chronic rhinosinusitis

Method: This research used a cross-sectional design conducted at RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Makassar from January to July 2023. The research samples included were GERD patients with or without CRS. All patient secretions were taken and pepsin levels were checked using the ELISA method. Data analysis used SPSS version 26.0.

Results: 46 people were included in this study (case group (n=23) and control group (n=23)). Most samples had fasting pepsin levels compared to those who did not have fasting pepsin levels (p=1.000), as well as pepsin levels 1 hour post-prandial (p=0.022). The median (min-max) fasting pepsin level in the case group was 150.12 (3.78–3236.89) and in the control group was 321.25 (5.46–5231.88) (p=0.160), while the 1 hour postprandial pepsin level in the case group was 106.75 (5.46-2691.91) and in the control group it was 388.13 (3.59–3420.89) (p=0.057).

Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between GERD and CRS with nasal pepsin examination.