Does duodenal juice reflux into the esophagus of patients with complicated GERD?
The fiberoptic probe accurately detects esophageal bilirubin as a marker of duodenal juice. Esophageal exposure to bilirubin is uncommon in normal subjects. Patients with erosive esophagitis and Barrett's metaplasia have increased esophageal exposure to duodenal juice compared to normal subjects. Reflux of duodenal juice into the esophagus can occur when the esophageal pH is within its normal range and is undetectable by pH monitoring alone.
In Iran, patients who attempt suicide by self-immolation have distinct and specific risk factors compared to patients who commit suicide by poisoning. Results have implications for intervention development targeting at-risk populations.