查看文章

Rationale: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is considered a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of ILD.

Objectives: To characterize GER (acid and nonacid) in patients with SSc with and without ILD.

Methods: Patients with SSc underwent pulmonary high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scan and 24-hour impedance–pH monitoring off–proton pump inhibitor therapy. The presence of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed using validated HRCT-scores. Reflux monitoring parameters included number of acid and nonacid reflux episodes, proximal migration of the refluxate, and distal esophageal acid exposure. Unless otherwise specified, data are presented as median (25th–75th percentile).

Measurements and Main Results: Forty consecutive patients with SSc (35 female; mean age, 53 yr …