Introduction: Current practice in acid-related disorders in Asian countries, and workshop background, design and goals

A workshop on acid-related disorders in paediatric and elderly populations was held in Asia in 2006 to raise awareness that: (i) these particular age groups require special consideration in their disease management; (ii) to clarify what issues need to be addressed in these populations and (iii) to reach a consensus on recommendations for the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and other acid-related disorders in children and the elderly. Of note, acid-related disorders, particularly gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in these populations are less well recognized and studied than those in the adult population between the ages of 20 and 60 years. A distinguished faculty of practicing gastroenterologists and key opinion leaders from several Asian countries and the United States were thus enlisted to address these issues in the workshop.