Paper

International Validation of ReQuest in Patients with Endoscopy-Negative Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
K.D. Bardhan^a, V. Stanghellini^b, D. Armstrong^c, P. Berghöfer^d, G. Gatz^d, H. Mönnikes<sup>e

a</sup>District General Hospital, Rotherham, UK;
^bS. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy;
^cMcMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada;
^dALTANA Pharma AG, Konstanz, and
^eCharité, Berlin, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Digestion 2007;75 (Suppl. 1):48-54 (DOI: 10.1159/000101082)

  Abstract

Background: Reflux Questionnaire (ReQuest), a newly developed gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-sensitive scale, can be used to reliably evaluate the effect of treatment on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Aim: International validation of this scale, in patients suffering from endoscopy-negative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Methods: In this open, multicentre and multinational clinical trial 840 endoscopy-negative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients received pantoprazole 20 mg daily for 28 days. The long and short versions of ReQuest were completed both in the pre-treatment and treatment phases. For scale development an item reduction analysis was performed. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and responsiveness were calculated for psychometric analysis. Construct validity was evaluated by comparison with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-being questionnaire by means of correlation coefficients. Results: Factor analyses confirmed the content validity of both long and short version of ReQuest. Psychometric calculations proved high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.9), test-retest reliability [Intraclass Correlation Coefficient: 0.9 (long vs. long) and 0.8 (short vs. short)], and responsiveness (Responsiveness Index 320.3) of the scale, for which also good construct validity was achieved (correlation coefficient: Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale 0.6; Psychological General Well-being -0.4). Conclusion: ReQuest proved valid, reliable, and responsive in this multinational clinical trial to evaluate treatment response in endoscopy-negative gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. K.D. Bardhan
District General Hospital
Moorgate Road
Rotherham S60 2UD (UK)
E-Mail bardhan.sec@rothgen.nhs.uk

  Article Information

Published online: May 4, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 25