PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF GERD IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND ITS EFFECT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES

Introduction: In accordance with the new Montreal criteria, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is classified as a disease that is related to troublesome symptoms and/or complications because of reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the prevalence and predictors of GERD in pregnant women and its effect on quality of life and pregnancy outcomes. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Nishtar medical university during 2021. The GerdQ was used to diagnose GERD. The GerdQ comprises four predictors of GERD: (1) heartburn and regurgitation (symptoms of GERD, Montreal definition); (2) sleep disturbance; (3) use of medication (predictors of GERD, DIAMOND study), and (4) epigastric pain and nausea. (1) and (2) are positive predictors. (3) and (4) are negative predictors. Results: There were no significant differences between the GERD and non-GERD groups in terms of mean age, gravidity, education, and trimester. Of the 94 pregnant women, 28 were diagnosed with GERD. Conclusion: It is concluded that the prevalence of GERD in late pregnancy is high in Pakistan and is associated with poor QoL in pregnant women