Gastro-esophageal reflux disease in northwestern Tabriz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diagnosed based on the presence of frequent heartburn, in the general population in northwest area of Tabriz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study performed during May 2000. 4207 persons were chosen by systematic randomized sampling from a total population of approximately 230,000 persons. Heartburn occurring at least thrice in the recent two weeks was taken as evidence of GERD. Symptoms were correlated with the individual's diet. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD was 2.7%. In 80% of them, specific types of food aggravated heartburn. Waterbrash (42.8%) was the most common associated symptom. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GERD in Tabriz is less than that reported from Western countries but is similar to that in other Asian countries.     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background and Aim: It is speculated that the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might increase with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of GERD in patients with asthma and COPD in an area representative of developing countries. Methods: A validated GERD questionnaire was conducted face‐to‐face with 308 consecutive asthma (240 women) and 133 COPD (35 women) patients in the tertiary referral pulmonary outpatient clinic, and 694 controls from the research area. Detailed histories of patients and pulmonary function tests were also recorded. Results: The prevalence of GERD (heartburn/regurgitation once a week or more) was 25.4%, 17.0%, 19.4% and occasional symptoms (less than weekly) were 21.2%, 16.3% and 27.0% of patients with asthma, COPD and controls, respectively. The prevalence was higher in the asthma group compared with the controls and the COPD group. No significant difference was found between the COPD group and the controls. Heartburn started following pulmonary disease in 24.1% of the asthma group, and 26.4% of the COPD group. The majority of additional symptoms were significantly higher in asthmatics compared with the controls. No difference was found in the consumption of pulmonary medications in asthmatic patients in groups with different symptom frequency. Heartburn was increased 13.8% by the consumption of inhaler medications. Conclusions: These results implicate that the prevalence of GERD in asthma and COPD are lower than in published reports in a tertiary referral center. These differences might be related to the characteristics of developing countries, increased consumption of powerful medications in GERD and pulmonary diseases, or methodological flaws in earlier studies.     

妊娠期胃食管反流病的症状特征研究

目的探讨妊娠期胃食管反流病（GERD）症状的发生率及严重程度。 方法选取2018年1月至2019年1月,新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院住院就诊的120例孕妇设定为研究组,进行了一项前瞻性纵向队列研究,通过GerdQ问卷调查妊娠期GERD的患病率。同期选取健康体检者40例非怀孕妇女作为对照组。2组每3个月均记录反流症状的频率和严重程度。 结果妊娠（早、中、晚期）和非孕妇GERD问卷调查结果表示,妊娠晚期的评分范围（3~7分、8~10分、11~14分及15~18分）均明显高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在孕妇中,5.0%的患者在怀孕前3个月（早期）至少每周有1次反流。在妊娠晚期,15.0%的孕妇每周至少有1次反流,2.50%的非孕妇每周发生1次以上的反流,各组间比较具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在孕妇中,5.0%的妊娠早期至少每周有1次烧心。妊娠中期为10.0%,晚期为17.5%,2.5%的非孕妇每周至少有1次烧心,在妊娠晚期,发生烧心的妇女占17.5%,各组间比较具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。从妊娠早期到妊娠中、晚期,个别症状（反流,烧灼感）的频率与非孕妇组比较均明显增加,在妊娠晚期症状出现的频率达到高峰,与非孕妇组以及妊娠早期比较,具有明显的统计学意义（P＜0.05）。根据症状诊断及发生情况,GERD在妊娠早期发病率为24.5%,在中期为37.5%,在妊娠晚期为52.5%,非孕妇（对照组）GERD患病率为7.5%。 结论妊娠晚期GERD症状发生率明显高于非孕妇,且在妊娠过程中发生率逐渐增高。     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in Japan

Background and Aim:  Epidemiological studies have shown that 10–48% of people in developed countries have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of GERD symptoms and GERD in Japanese subjects.
Methods:  A cross-sectional study of Japanese subjects who visited a clinic for a routine health check up was carried out. Subjects were asked to fill out a self-report questionnaire. GERD was defined as the presence of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation at least twice per week.
Results:  Of the 6035 eligible subjects, 2662 (44.1%) reported having had heartburn and/or acid regurgitation during the past year: 124 (2.1%) daily, 275 (4.6%) twice per week, 773 (12.8%) twice per month and 1490 (24.7%) less than twice per month. Three hundred and ninety-nine (6.6%) subjects were diagnosed as having GERD and there was no relationship between the prevalence of GERD and either sex or age. The prevalence of bothersome GERD symptoms was significantly higher in subjects with GERD than in those without GERD.
Conclusion:  Approximately 6.6% of Japanese have GERD and most persons with GERD described heartburn or acid regurgitation as bothersome.     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in Japan

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Epidemiological studies have shown that 10-48% of people in developed countries have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of GERD symptoms and GERD in Japanese subjects. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Japanese subjects who visited a clinic for a routine health check up was carried out. Subjects were asked to fill out a self-report questionnaire. GERD was defined as the presence of heartburn and/or acid regurgitation at least twice per week. RESULTS: Of the 6035 eligible subjects, 2662 (44.1%) reported having had heartburn and/or acid regurgitation during the past year: 124 (2.1%) daily, 275 (4.6%) twice per week, 773 (12.8%) twice per month and 1490 (24.7%) less than twice per month. Three hundred and ninety-nine (6.6%) subjects were diagnosed as having GERD and there was no relationship between the prevalence of GERD and either sex or age. The prevalence of bothersome GERD symptoms was significantly higher in subjects with GERD than in those without GERD. CONCLUSION: Approximately 6.6% of Japanese have GERD and most persons with GERD described heartburn or acid regurgitation as bothersome.     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in a low-income region in Turkey

OBJECTIVES: Detailed population-based data regarding the prevalence and symptom profile of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in underdeveloped and developing Caucasian countries are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of GERD in a low-income region in Turkey. METHODS: We used a previously validated reflux questionnaire, which was translated into Turkish and culturally adapted. The questionnaire was applied to 630 randomly selected participants greater than 20 yr old living in a population of 8,857 adults, with a low mean income of 75 dollars/person/month. The reliability and reproducibility of the questionnaire were calculated using the kappa statistic (test-retest). Endoscopy and/or 24-h intraesophageal pH monitoring were used to ascertain its validity in identifying patients with reflux. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 10% for heartburn, 15.6% for regurgitation, and 20% for either symptom experienced at least weekly (95% CI). Heartburn and regurgitation were associated with noncardiac chest pain (37.3%), dysphagia (35.7%), dyspepsia (42.1%), odynophagia (35.7%), globus, hoarseness, cough, hiccup, nausea, vomiting, belching, and NSAID use, but not with body mass index in both frequent and occasional symptom groups. The prevalence of heartburn symptoms, but not regurgitation, increased significantly with age. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD in a low-income population in Turkey was similar to that of developed countries, although with a different symptom profile, namely, a lower incidence of heartburn and a higher incidence of regurgitation and dyspepsia. These findings support the contention that there are a large number of patients worldwide in underdeveloped nations with poorly recognized and largely undertreated GERD.     

Prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux: a population-based study in Asan-si, Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study estimated the prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asan-si, Korea, as the prevalence is believed to be lower than in Western countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, using a reliable and valid questionnaire, was performed on randomly selected 2,240 Asan-si residents aged between 18 and 69 yr. All respondents were interviewed at their homes or offices by a team of interviewers. RESULTS: Of the 1,902 eligible subjects, 1,417 (78.4%: male 762; female 655) were surveyed. The prevalence of heartburn occurring at least once a month, at least once a week, and at least twice a week was 4.71% (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.6-5.8), 2.0% (95% CI, 1.2-2.7), and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.7-1.9), respectively. The corresponding figures for acid regurgitation were 4.4% (95% CI, 3.3-5.5) and 2.0% (95% CI, 1.3-2.8), respectively. The prevalence of GERD, defined as heartburn and/or acid regurgitation experienced at least weekly, was 3.5% (95% CI, 2.6-4.5). No significant difference was detected between sexes. The prevalence of heartburn was associated with increasing age (p < 0.001). Nineteen percent of our population reported at least one of the atypical symptoms, for instance, chest pain, dysphagia, globus sensation, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, or hoarseness. The frequency of frequent GERD among subjects reporting any of the atypical symptoms was 12.6%, which was higher than that of the subjects without atypical symptoms. Patients with typical reflux symptoms were more common among those with atypical symptoms, compared to those without such symptoms (p < 0.001). Using a logistic regression model after adjusting for age and sex, typical reflux symptoms were associated with chest pain (odds ratio (OR), 9.3; 95% CI, 5.9-14.7), dysphagia (OR, 6.4; 95% CI, 2.8-14.7), globus sensation (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5-9.7), hoarseness (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.4-13.1), asthma (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8), and bronchitis (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6-2.3). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of GERD was 3.5% in this Korean population. Heartburn and acid regurgitation were significantly associated with chest pain, dysphagia, globus sensation, hoarseness, and asthma.     

Association of body mass index with heartburn, regurgitation and esophagitis: results of the Progression of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease study

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are believed to be risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the severity and frequency of reflux symptoms and esophagitis in a large cohort of reflux patients. METHODS: As part of the Progression of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (ProGERD) study, 6215 patients with clinically assessed GERD were included in the present investigation (53% male, 52 +/- 14 years; 47% female, 56 +/- 14 years). Heartburn and regurgitation symptoms were assessed using the validated Reflux Disease Questionnaire. Endoscopies were performed and patients were subsequently classified as having non-erosive or erosive disease. To examine the association between BMI, GERD symptoms, and esophagitis, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: In patients with GERD, higher BMI was associated with more frequent and more severe heartburn and regurgitation, as well as with esophagitis. The effects were more pronounced for regurgitation than for heartburn. The strongest association was between obesity and severity of regurgitation symptoms (women: OR 2.11, 95%CI 1.60-2.77; men: OR 2.15, 95%CI 1.59-2.90). Obese women, but not men, had an increased risk of severe esophagitis compared to women with normal weight (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.53-4.12). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GERD, higher BMI was associated with more severe and more frequent reflux symptoms and esophagitis.     

Refractory Heartburn: A Challenging Problem in Clinical Practice

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Heartburn and regurgitation are the typical symptoms of GERD. The treatment of GERD encompasses lifestyle modifications, pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical therapy. The majority of the patients respond to 4–8 weeks of proton-pump inhibitors therapy, but 20–42% will demonstrate partial or complete lack of response to treatment. While these patients have been considered as having refractory heartburn, a subset of them does not have GERD or have not been adequately treated. The main causes of refractory heartburn include: poor compliance; inadequate proton-pump inhibitors dosage; incorrect diagnosis; comorbidities; genotypic differences; residual gastroesophageal reflux; eosinophilic esophagitis and others. Treatment is commonly directed toward the underlying cause of patients’ refractory heartburn.     

Belching: dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease?

OBJECTIVES: Eructation (belching) is a common symptom seen in clinical practice. Because either belching or heartburn may result from transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, it has been proposed that belching may be a manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this retrospective study we evaluated the prevalence of belching in dyspepsia and GERD and the relation of belching to acid reflux events documented by pH monitoring. METHODS: We examined the prevalence, frequency, and severity of belching and other GERD symptoms by use of standardized questionnaires in 180 GERD patients (group A) and 78 dyspeptic controls (group B) referred for evaluation at our institution. GERD was defined as either endoscopic esophagitis (or Barrett's esophagus) or positive DeMeester score (>14.2) on pH monitoring or both. Dyspeptic patients had normal endoscopy and pH studies. We also analyzed the relationship of belching to acid reflux events during the 24-h period of pH studies. RESULTS: Of 180 GERD patients, 132 (70%) reported belching during pH monitoring, versus 63 of 78 dyspeptic patients (80%) (p = ns). Similarly, 163 of 180 GERD patients (90%) reported heartburn versus 64 of 78 of dyspeptic patients (82%) (p = ns). Review of symptom questionnaires revealed no significant difference in belching severity between groups. However, heartburn and acid regurgitation were significantly more severe among GERD patients. There was a significantly higher correlation of both heartburn and belching with acid events in patients with GERD compared with patients with dyspepsia. In addition, although both belching and heartburn were significantly improved in patients with GERD, belching scores remained unchanged after proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in patients with dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS: Belching is as common and as severe in patients with dyspepsia as it is in patients with GERD. Belching and heartburn in GERD patients are more likely correlated with episodes of pathological acid reflux. Because belching cannot be clinically used as a discriminatory symptom, ambulatory pH monitoring should be considered to elucidate the relationship of belching to acid reflux in patients with dyspepsia or GERD.     

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms and Uninvestigated Dyspepsia in Korea: A Population-Based Study

Various reports on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and uninvestigated dyspepsia have been conducted in Western countries. We sought to determine the frequency of GERD symptoms and uninvestigated dyspepsia in Korea. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1,044 individuals. Of all subjects, 7.1% reported that GERD symptoms were present at least once a week, and 3.8% at least twice a week. The prevalence of heartburn according to educational level and acid regurgitation according to age was significantly different (P < 0.05). The prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia was reported as 12.2%. Dyspepsia was divided into subgroups of 34% ulcer-like, 56% dysmotility-like, and 10% nonspecific. The occurrence of dyspepsia did not vary according to age, gender, educational level and household income. As frequency of GERD symptoms increased, quality of life significantly decreased. We concluded that GERD symptoms and uninvestigated dyspepsia were prevalent in Korea. The prevalence was similar to that of other Asian countries.     

Efficacy of omeprazole for the treatment of symptomatic acid reflux disease without esophagitis

BACKGROUND: Up to three quarters of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have symptoms, such as heartburn, but no macroscopic evidence of erosive esophagitis, making symptomatic GERD a common clinical problem in the primary care setting. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of omeprazole, 20 mg once daily; omeprazole, 10 mg once daily; and placebo in the treatment of symptomatic GERD without erosive esophagitis. METHODS: Patients with a history of heartburn (> or =12 months) and episodes of moderate to severe heartburn on 4 or more of the 7 days before endoscopy were eligible to participate in this 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The absence of erosive esophagitis was established through endoscopy. Eligible patients were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups: omeprazole, 20 mg once daily; omeprazole, 10 mg once daily; or placebo. Patients were assessed at weeks 2 and 4. The efficacy of omeprazole for the treatment of heartburn was determined mainly through the following diary card data: daily resolution of heartburn and complete resolution of heartburn every day during 1 week of treatment. The efficacy of omeprazole for the treatment of acid regurgitation, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and nausea was also assessed. RESULTS: Of 359 randomized patients, 355 were included in the statistical analysis (intention-to-treat population). Daily proportions of patients with no heartburn were consistently greater in the 20-mg omeprazole group (62%, day 7; 74%, day 27) than in the 10-mg omeprazole group (41%, day 7; 49%, day 27) or the placebo group (14%, day 7; 23%; day 27). Complete resolution of heartburn every day during the last treatment week was significantly (P< or =.002) higher in the 20-mg omeprazole group (48%) than in the 10-mg omeprazole (27%) or placebo (5%) group. Omeprazole was significantly (P< or =.003) more effective than placebo for the treatment of acid regurgitation, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic GERD require profound acid suppression to achieve symptomatic relief. Omeprazole, 20 mg once daily, was superior to omeprazole, 10 mg once daily, and to placebo in providing early and sustained resolution of heartburn, as well as treatment of other troublesome GERD symptoms.     

Prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms in patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease.

This study evaluated the prevalence of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) among patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Seventy-four subjects with heartburn completed a URS questionnaire before dual-probe, 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. The URS questionnaire was also completed by 74 normal volunteers without previous or current symptoms of GERD. Esophageal pH monitoring results were classified as normal, distal, or proximal and distal gastroesophageal reflux using standardized criteria. Mean URS scores (+/- SD) were 8.31 +/- 3.98 in the 52 subjects with GERD and 4.57 +/- 3.57 in the 22 subjects with negative pH probe studies, p = 0.02. Subjects with negative pH probe studies and normal volunteers scored similarly on the URS questionnaire. Reflux episodes/24 h correlated with URS scores, r = 0.47, p = 0.0001. Seventy-five percent of subjects with upper reflux, 68% of subjects with lower reflux, 36% of subjects with normal esophageal pH studies, and 9% of normal volunteers reported laryngeal symptoms for at least 5 d/mo. Sixty-nine percent of subjects with upper reflux, 50% of subjects with lower reflux, 31% of subjects with normal pH studies, and 14% of normal volunteers reported nasal symptoms for at least 5 d/mo. URS are frequent among subjects with GERD. Keywords: rhinitis; upper airway; gastroesophageal reflux     

Increased prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux diseases in type 2 diabetics with neuropathy

AIM： To analyze the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） related symptoms in patients with diabetes mellitus （DM） and to find out the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and the prevalence of GERD symptoms.
METHODS： In this prospective questionnaire study, 150 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients attending the endocrine clinic were enrolled. A junior physician helped the patients to understand the questions. Patients were asked about the presence of five most frequent symptoms of GERD that included heartburn （at least 1/wk）, regurgitation, chest pain, hoarseness of voice and chronic cough. Patients with past medical history of angina, COPD, asthma, cough due to ACEI or preexisting GERD prior to onset of diabetes and apparent psychiatric disorders were excluded from the survey. We further divided the patients into two groups based on presence or absence of peripheral neuropathy. Out of 150 patients, 46 had neuropathy, whereas 104 patients did not have neuropathy. Data are expressed as mean ± SD, and number of patients in each category and percentage of total patients in that group. Normal distributions between groups were compared with Student t test and the prevalence rates between groups were compared with Chi-square tests for significance.
RESULTS： The average duration of diabetes were 12 ± 9.2 years and the average HbAlc level of this group was 7.7% ± 2.0%. The mean weight and BMI were 198 ± 54 Ibs. and 32 ± 7.2 kg/m^2. Forty percent （61/150） patients reported having at least one of the symptoms of GERD and thirty percent （45/150） reported having heartburn at least once a week. The prevalence of GERD symptoms is higher in patients with neuropathy than patients without neuropathy （58.7% vs 32.7%, P 〈 0.01）. The prevalence of heartburn, chest pain and chronic cough are also higher in patients with neuropathy than in patients without neuropathy （43.5% vs 24%; 10.9% vs 4.8% and 17.8% vs 6.7% respectively, P 〈 0.05）.
CONCLUSION： The prevalence     

Maintenance treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an evaluation of continuous and on-demand therapy with rabeprazole 20 mg.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate continuous therapy (COT) and on-demand therapy (ODT) with rabeprazole 20 mg for maintenance in uninvestigated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: This randomized, open-label study enrolled 331 GERD (heartburn-predominant) patients with a pre-existing proton pump inhibitor history of one month or longer, to an acute four-week trial with 20 mg rabeprazole daily for heartburn management. Patients who achieved satisfactory heartburn control during the acute phase (three days or less of heartburn, with no more than one episode rated as moderate, and heartburn rated satisfactorily or completely controlled with minimal rescue antacid use in the seven days preceding randomization) were randomly assigned to six months of rabeprazole 20 mg given as either daily COT or daily ODT, which was initiated upon symptom recurrence and stopped upon symptom resolution. Rescue antacid usage was permitted and tracked. Primary efficacy was measured as the proportion of heartburn-free days over six months. RESULTS: For the 268 patients, the mean percentage of heartburn-free days for the COT group and for the ODT group were 90.3%+/-14.8% and 64.8%+/-22.3%, respectively (P<0.0001). COT was associated with an increased number of medication intake days (154+/-40.2) versus ODT (68+/-46.1), with less heartburn episodes observed with COT versus ODT, respectively (n=7, n=26, P<0.0001). Ninety-two per cent of COT patients and 79% of ODT patients were either 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with treatment. The mean usage of antacids was low and similar in both groups. COT and ODT regimens were safe and well-tolerated, with a similar incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION: Results based on symptom assessments favour COT with rabeprazole 20 mg for maintenance therapy in patients with uninvestigated GERD; however, both therapy types are safe and acceptable treatment options for selected patients.     

Gastroesophageal reflux among different racial groups in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS: White people in the United States are several-fold more affected by esophageal adenocarcinoma than black people. It remains unknown whether this racial discrepancy reflects a higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms or a higher degree of esophageal damage. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey followed by endoscopy was performed among employees at a VA medical center. The association between race and GERD symptoms and erosive esophagitis was analyzed in logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic, clinical, and histologic variables. RESULTS: A total of 496 of 915 people (54%) returned interpretable questionnaires, and endoscopy was performed in 215 participants. The mean age was 45 years, and 336 (68%) were women. Racial distribution was 43% black, 34% white, and 23% other races. Heartburn occurring at least weekly was reported in 27%, 23%, and 24% of these racial groups, respectively. The age-adjusted prevalence of heartburn or regurgitation was not significantly different among the groups. Erosive esophagitis was found in 50 of 215 participants (23%); 31 of these cases were mild. Only one person had Barrett's esophagus (0.4%). For weekly heartburn or regurgitation, black participants had significantly less frequent erosive esophagitis than white participants (24% vs. 50%; P = 0.03). With multiple adjustments, black participants had a persistently lower risk of esophagitis (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22-0.46; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: White and black people in the United States have a similarly high prevalence of GERD symptoms. However, black people have a lower prevalence of esophagitis for the same frequency of GERD symptoms. Barrett's esophagus was rare in this study, even among those with frequent symptoms.     

On-demand therapy with pantoprazole 20 mg as effective long-term management of reflux disease in patients with mild GERD: the ORION trial

AIMS: To compare safety and efficacy of on-demand pantoprazole 20 mg/40 mg versus placebo in the long-term management of patients with mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after heartburn relief. METHODS: A total of 634 patients with endoscopically confirmed GERD grade 0/I and heartburn were included. During the acute phase, patients were treated with pantoprazole 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks. Those patients relieved from heartburn entered the long-term phase, and were randomly assigned to either treatment group pantoprazole 20 mg, 40 mg or placebo. Over 6 months, patients took study medication on demand (antacids as rescue medication) and discontinued the drug once symptoms abated. RESULTS: After 4 weeks a total of 87.1%/90.0% of patients were free of heartburn (ITT/PP), and entered the subsequent long-term phase. The perceived average daily symptom load (placebo: 3.93, pantoprazole 20 mg: 2.91, pantoprazole 40 mg: 2.71, ITT) and the number of antacid tablets taken (average number, placebo: 0.68, pantoprazole 20 mg: 0.45, pantoprazole 40 mg: 0.33, ITT) were significantly higher in the placebo than in both pantoprazole groups (p<0.0001), with no statistically significant difference between the two pantoprazole groups. The discontinuation rate due to insufficient control of heartburn was significantly lower in both pantoprazole groups compared to placebo (placebo: 10.9, pantoprazole 20 mg: 2.8, pantoprazole 40 mg: 0.9, ITT). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings favor on-demand treatment with pantoprazole 20 mg for the long-term management of heartburn in patients with uncomplicated GERD (grade 0/I) with superiority to placebo.     

Management of symptoms in step-down therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE: Majority of studies on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that include patients with or without erosive disease have documented the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as well as their superiority to H(2)-receptor antagonist (H(2)-RA). The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference in quality of GERD treatment with PPIs and H(2)-RA in step-down protocol using lansoprazole. METHODS: Forty-three patients with reflux esophagitis were randomly divided into three groups and assessed by severity score; group 1 received 30 mg lansoprazole initially and maintenance therapy with a standard dose H(2)-RA; group 2 received 30 mg of lansoprazole initially and maintenance therapy of 15 mg lansoprazole; and group 3 received 15 mg of lansoprazole once daily for 16 weeks. If the patients experienced symptomatic recurrence while on H(2)-RA, they were switched to PPI maintenance. RESULTS: Heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia were hardly found in any group at 8 weeks after 15 mg or 30 mg lansoprazole treatment. After 8 weeks, however, heartburn and regurgitation recurred at 50% and 78.6%, respectively, in the stepped down to famotidine group, and quality of life (QOL) was significantly impaired. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) analysis showed reduction of the submucosal layer without any change in the mucosal surface in the stepped down to famotidine group. CONCLUSIONS: Step-down lansoprazole therapy is considered very effective in terms of rapid effect, long-term effect and high quality GERD treatment.     

Clinical and demographic predictors of Barrett's esophagus among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a multivariable analysis in veterans

BACKGROUND: The subgroup of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that should undergo endoscopy to rule out Barrett's esophagus (BE) has not been well defined. GOALS: To examine demographic and clinical variables predictive of BE before endoscopy. STUDY: A validated GERD questionnaire was administered to 107 patients with biopsy-proven BE and to 104 patients with GERD but no BE shown by endoscopy. Frequent symptoms were defined as symptoms that occurred at least once or more each week. Severity of symptoms was rated on a scale from 1 to 4 (mild to very severe). Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine whether demographic characteristics and the duration, severity, and frequency of GERD symptoms were associated with the identification of BE. RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of the GERD patients and 82% of the BE patients completed the questionnaire. There was no difference between the groups in terms of race, gender, or proton pump inhibitor use. The BE patients were older (median age, 64 vs. 57 years, p = 0.04). In multivariable logistic regression, an age of more than 40 years ( p = 0.008), the presence of heartburn or acid regurgitation ( p = 0.03), and heartburn more than once a week ( p = 0.007) were all independent predictors of the presence of BE. Interestingly, patients with BE were less likely to report severe GERD symptoms ( p = 0.0008) and nocturnal symptoms ( p = 0.03). Duration of symptoms, race, alcohol, and smoking history were not associated with BE. CONCLUSIONS: Upper endoscopy should be performed in GERD patients more than 40 years of age who report heartburn once or more per week. The severity of symptoms and the presence of nocturnal symptoms are not reliable indicators of the presence of BE.