Efficacy and tolerability of pantoprazole 40 mg versus 80 mg in patients with reflux oesophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Pantoprazole is a substituted benzimidazole which is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion by its action upon H+, K+- ATPase. METHODS: Pantoprazole 40 mg and 80 mg were compared in a randomized double-blind study in 192 out-patients with stage II or III (Savary-Miller classification) reflux oesophagitis. Patients received either pantoprazole 40 mg (n = 97) or pantoprazole 80 mg (n = 95), once daily before breakfast for 4 weeks. Treatment was extended for a further 4 weeks if the oesophagitis had not healed. RESULTS: After 4 weeks complete healing of the reflux oesophagitis was seen in 78% of protocol-correct patients given pantoprazole 40 mg daily (n = 86), and in 72% in the 80 mg (n = 87) group. The cumulative healing rates after 8 weeks were 95 and 94%, respectively (P > 0.05, Cochran-Mantel- Haenszel), and time until healing of oesophagitis comparable in both groups. Differences between doses were also not significant in an intention-to-treat analysis. Both dosing schedules were well tolerated and the patients experienced remarkable symptom relief. No adverse event or changes in laboratory values of clinical significance could definitely be ascribed to the trial medication. CONCLUSION: The 40 mg pantoprazole dosage is comparable to 80 mg in reflux oesophagitis, both in efficacy and tolerability.     

Maintenance therapy with pantoprazole 20 mg prevents relapse of reflux oesophagitis

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors can be effective as maintenance therapy in reducing the relapse rate of reflux oesophagitis at a dose lower than that used for acute healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients (n=396, 18-88 years old) with healed reflux oesophagitis (grade II or III before healing) were included in this multinational, prospective, parallel-group, randomized double-blind study. They took oral pantoprazole 20 mg (n=203) or 40 mg (n=193), once daily for up to 12 months. Scheduled endoscopies were performed at entry, after 6 and 12 months, or when symptoms of at least moderate intensity were perceived on 3 consecutive days; symptoms were assessed every 3 months. The primary efficacy parameter was the time until endoscopically proven relapse of reflux oesophagitis occurred; the secondary parameters included tolerability, safety and time until symptomatic relapse occurred. RESULTS: Analysis was performed using the 'all-patients-treated' approach. Endoscopic relapse rates in the 20 mg group after 6 and 12 months were 16 and 29%, respectively; in the 40 mg group, they were 7 and 19%, respectively. Symptomatic relapse rates after 6 and 12 months were 14 and 21% in the 20 mg group and 10 and 17% in the 40 mg group, respectively. Pantoprazole 20 mg and 40 mg were well tolerated throughout the study; the type and frequency of adverse events reported were similar for both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The 20 mg dose was proven to be 'at least equivalent' to the 40 mg dose with respect to endoscopic and symptomatic relapse. The 20 mg once daily dose represents an effective and safe maintenance regimen for the majority of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis.     

A comparison of omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole in the maintenance treatment of severe reflux oesophagitis

Background:

Proton pump inhibitors are effective for the healing of oesophagitis. Standard doses of omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole are sufficient for healing in mild to moderate cases of oesophagitis.

Aim:

To compare the efficacy of double the standard doses of omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole for maintenance treatment of severe oesophagitis complicated by a stricture.

Methods:

Thirty-six patients with reflux oesophagitis and stricture confirmed by endoscopy were included in a prospective study comparing three maintenance therapies. In all cases weekly dilatation of the stenosis was performed and patients were treated with omeprazole 20 mg b.d. until healing of oesophagitis and dysphagia relief were achieved. Thirty participants responded to therapy and were then randomly assigned to 4 weeks of maintenance treatment with omeprazole (20 mg b.d.; n=10), lansoprazole (30 mg b.d.; n=10) or pantoprazole (40 mg b.d.; n=10). Subsequently, endoscopies were performed—the endoscopists were blinded to the therapy assignment. The endpoints were defined as the absence of oesophagitis, oesophageal stricture and complaints.

Results:

After 4 weeks of treatment, the number of patients remaining in remission (no oesophagitis or stricture and no symptoms) was nine out of 10 (90%) in the omeprazole group, two out of 10 (20%) in the lansoprazole group (P < 0.01) and three out of 10 (30%) in the pantoprazole group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

In our study omeprazole was superior to either lansoprazole or pantoprazole in the maintenance treatment of complicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

     

Does 40 mg omeprazole daily offer additional benefit over 20 mg daily in patients requiring more than 4 weeks of treatment for symptomatic reflux oesophagitis?

This study was designed to establish whether 40 mg omeprazole once daily exhibits sufficient additional efficacy over that of 20 mg omeprazole once daily in patients with symptomatic reflux oesophagitis requiring more than an initial 4-week course of 20 mg omeprazole once daily (o.m.) to warrant routine use of the higher dose. Three hundred and thirteen patients were randomized to receive either 20 mg omeprazole (4 weeks) then 20 mg (second 4 weeks if not both healed and symptom-free after 4 weeks), or 20 mg omeprazole (4 weeks) then 40 mg omeprazole o.m. (second 4 weeks). One hundred and twenty-seven patients were healed and symptom-free after 4 weeks and left the study at that point. Taking the second treatment period in isolation, the healing rate (64%vs. 45%, P < 0.02) and relief of heartburn (72%vs. 60%, P < 0.002) were greater among patients receiving 40 mg omeprazole o.m., demonstrating the existence of a dose–response relationship for omeprazole. However, on completion, there were no significant differences between the patients randomized to the 20/20 mg (healed 65%, asymptomatic 69%) or the 20/40 mg (healed 74%, asymptomatic 74%: both not significant differences compared with 20/20 mg) regimens. The magnitude of the difference in efficacy between 20 and 40 mg omeprazole in symptomatic reflux oesophagitis is insufficient to warrant the routine use of 40 mg in patients requiring more than 4 weeks' treatment with 20 mg omeprazole o.m.; continued treatment with 20 mg omeprazole for 4–8 weeks is the preferred option.     

A double-blind study of pantoprazole and omeprazole in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis : a multicentre trial

Background: Pantoprazole is a new substituted benzimidazole which is a potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion by its action upon H⁺,K⁺-ATPase. Aim:To compare pantoprazole 40 mg with omeprazol 20 mg as once daily dosing in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis (grades II and III). Methods: This double-blind, randomized, multicentre study included 286 patients. Patients were reendoscoped after 4 weeks, and continued to receive a further 4 weeks of treatment if they were not healed a this time. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, complete healing occurred in 126/170 (74%) patients in the pantoprazole group and in 67/86 (78%) patients in the omeprazole group (per-protocol analysis). At 8 weeks, the corresponding healing rates were 153/170 (90%) and 81/86 (94%). The differences between the treatment groups were not significant (P= 0.57 and 0.34). Improvement in the principal symptoms of reflux oesophagitis was also very similar between the treatment groups, with 59% and 69% at 2 weeks, and 83% and 86% at 4 weeks, respectively, being free from any individual symptom. Both treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions: This study has shown pantoprazole and omeprazole to be similarly effective and well tolerated in the treatment of mild to moderate reflux oesophagitis.     

Esomeprazole 20 mg and lansoprazole 15 mg in maintaining healed reflux oesophagitis: Metropole study results

AIM: To compare the efficacy of esomeprazole, 20 mg once daily, vs. lansoprazole, 15 mg once daily, for the maintenance treatment of patients with healed reflux oesophagitis. METHODS: During the initial open healing phase, 1391 patients with endoscopically verified reflux oesophagitis and a history of heartburn, with or without acid regurgitation, received esomeprazole 40 mg for 4-8 weeks. Patients who were healed (identified by endoscopy at 4 or 8 weeks) and symptom free were then randomized to receive 6 months of treatment with esomeprazole, 20 mg once daily, or lansoprazole, 15 mg once daily. RESULTS: Esomeprazole, 20 mg once daily, maintained a significantly higher proportion of patients in remission than lansoprazole, 15 mg once daily, over 6 months [83% (95% CI, 80-86%) of esomeprazole recipients compared with 74% (95% CI, 70-78%) of lansoprazole recipients; P < 0.0001; life table estimates]. When data were analysed according to baseline Los Angeles grade classification, esomeprazole, 20 mg once daily, achieved consistently higher remission rates across all grades of disease severity, whereas the efficacy of lansoprazole decreased to a greater extent with increasing severity of reflux oesophagitis. CONCLUSION: Esomeprazole, 20 mg once daily, is more effective than lansoprazole, 15 mg once daily, in maintaining remission in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis.     

Esomeprazole 20 mg vs. pantoprazole 20 mg for maintenance therapy of healed erosive oesophagitis: results from the EXPO study

BACKGROUND: Following initial healing of erosive oesophagitis, most patients require maintenance therapy to prevent relapse. AIM: To compare endoscopic and symptomatic remission rates over 6 months' maintenance therapy with esomeprazole or pantoprazole (both 20 mg once daily) in patients with healed erosive oesophagitis. METHODS: Patients with symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and endoscopically confirmed erosive oesophagitis at baseline were randomized to receive esomeprazole 40 mg or pantoprazole 40 mg for up to 8 weeks. Patients with healed erosive oesophagitis and free of moderate/severe heartburn and acid regurgitation at 4 weeks or, if necessary, 8 weeks entered the 6-month maintenance therapy phase of the study. RESULTS: A total of 2766 patients (63% men; mean age 50 years) received esomeprazole 20 mg (n = 1377) or pantoprazole 20 mg (n = 1389) and comprised the intention-to-treat population. Following 6 months of treatment, the proportion of patients in endoscopic and symptomatic remission was significantly greater for those receiving esomeprazole 20 mg (87.0%) than pantoprazole 20 mg (74.9%, log-rank test P < 0.0001). Esomeprazole 20 mg produced a higher proportion of patients free of moderate to severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms and fewer discontinuations because of symptoms than pantoprazole 20 mg (92.2% vs. 88.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Esomeprazole 20 mg is more effective than pantoprazole 20 mg for maintenance therapy following initial healing of erosive oesophagitis and relief of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms.     

Control of intragastric pH with omeprazole 20 mg, omeprazole 40 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg

BACKGROUND: Single daily doses of proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole and lansoprazole provide effective acid suppression and equal healing and symptom relief in patients with GERD. Despite this, controversy exists as to the efficacy of available proton pump inhibitors in the control of gastric acidity. AIM: To assess the efficacy of omeprazole 20 mg vs. lansoprazole 30 mg and omeprazole 40 mg vs. lansoprazole 30 mg in intragastric pH control. METHODS: Study I: 12 Helicobacter pylori-negative volunteers (mean age 33 years) were treated with omeprazole 20 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg in random order before breakfast for 7 days. Study II: 24 subjects (mean age 36 years) were similarly treated with omeprazole 40 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg for 7 days after a baseline pH study. One week washout was allowed between studies. Subjects had the same meal on each study day. On day seven, a 24-h intragastric pH study was performed. The percentage time for which gastric pH > 4 was analysed (Gastrosoft, Synectics Medical Inc.) and expressed as mean +/- s.d. RESULTS: (1) Omeprazole 20 mg and lansoprazole 30 mg showed no significant difference in the percentage time for which gastric pH > 4 in the daytime and night-time periods. (2) The percentage time for which pH > 4 with omeprazole 40 mg was significantly greater than lansoprazole 30 mg in both daytime (61 +/- 19% vs. 48 +/- 14%, P < 0.001), and night-time periods (34 +/- 21% vs. 26 +/- 14%, P < 0.05). (3) A large inter-subject variation existed in both studies. (4) In 10 subjects who participated in both studies, omeprazole 40 mg showed a significantly higher percentage time for which pH > 4 in the daytime (69 +/- 18% vs. 51 +/- 15%, P=0.015) than omeprazole 20 mg. CONCLUSION: These pH data support the therapeutic equivalency of FDA approved doses of omeprazole and lansoprazole.     

Comparison of IY81149 with omeprazole in rat reflux oesophagitis

1. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of IY81149[2-[[(4methoxy-3-methyl)-2-pyridinyl]methylsulfinyl]-5-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-1H-benzimidazole], a new proton pump inhibitor, on the development of the surgically induced reflux oesophagitis, on gastric secretion and on lipid peroxidation which is a marker of oxidative stress. Omeprazole was used as a reference drug. We furthermore investigated the influence of quercetin and desferrioxamine (DFO) on the development of the surgically induced reflux oesophagitis in rats on gastric secretion and on lipid peroxidation. 2. IY81149 and omeprazole significantly prevented the development of reflux oesophagitis and gastric secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The ED50 values of IY81149 for inhibition of oesophagitis and volume of gastric secretion were lower than of omeprazole (5.7 vs. 14.2 micromol, 15.3 vs. 24.0 micromol, respectively). IY81149 was also more potent in the acid output inhibition with an ED50 of 6.8 micromol compared with 20.8 micromol of omeprazole. 3. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) content, the end product of lipid peroxidation, increased significantly in the oesophageal mucosa after the induction of reflux oesophagitis. IY81149 and omeprazole significantly and dose-dependently prevented lipid peroxidation. Quercetin (200 mg kg-1, p.o.) and DFO (800 mg kg-1, i.d.) significantly prevented the development of reflux oesophagitis and inhibited the lipid peroxidation independent of their actions on gastric secretion. 4. This result suggests that IY81149 is comparable with omeprazole in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis.     

Pharmacodynamics and kinetics of omeprazole MUPS 20 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg during repeated oral administration in Helicobacter pylori-negative subjects

BACKGROUND: Omeprazole has become available in a tablet formulation, a Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) containing a large number of small individually enteric-coated micropellets. AIM: To compare the acid-inhibitory effect of omeprazole MUPS 20 mg with pantoprazole 40 mg and to describe the pharmacokinetics of both drugs following administration on day 1 and day 6. METHODS: Randomized, two-way crossover study. Sixteen Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy subjects, whose gastric acidity fell below pH 4 for 70% of a 24-h baseline period were included. Intragastric pH was measured continuously. RESULTS: On day 1 both drugs significantly raised median 24-h gastric pH compared to baseline. Median pH and percentages of time above pH 3 and 4 on day 1 and day 6 of administration were not significantly different, with the exception of median daytime pH on day 6, which was significantly higher with omeprazole (4.65 vs. 4.05). AUC and Cmax of omeprazole were significantly increased on day 6. AUC and Cmax of pantoprazole were not significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in acid-inhibitory effect on day 1. On day 6 median daytime pH was significantly higher with omeprazole MUPS, but the percentages of time spent above pH 3 and 4 were not significantly different. The significant increase in bioavailability of omeprazole may contribute to the increased effect on day 6.     

Influence of pantoprazole on oesophageal motility, and bile and acid reflux in patients with oesophagitis

BACKGROUND: Reflux of duodeno-gastric juice into the oesophagus appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of both reflux oesophagitis and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although proton pump inhibitors have been shown to decrease acid reflux and heal oesophagitis, their effect on biliary reflux and motility is less clear. AIM: To investigate whether pantoprazole also reduces bile reflux and whether this is paralleled by a change in oesophageal motility. METHODS: Combined 24-h measurements of intraoesophageal bilirubin concentration, pH and pressure were performed in 18 symptomatic patients with endoscopically proven reflux oesophagitis before and on day 28 of treatment with pantoprazole, 40 mg/day, under standardized conditions. A reflux symptom score was determined initially and every 2 weeks thereafter. After 56 days on medication, a control endoscopy was performed. RESULTS: The symptom score and the acid and bile reflux improved significantly, whereas the motility parameters did not change during the study period. Helicobacter pylori-positive patients had a significantly higher bile reflux time (32.1 +/- 4.3%) than H. pylori-negative patients (16.3 +/- 3.1%) (P=0.009). The endoscopic healing rate was 89%. The cough symptoms disappeared in three of four patients. CONCLUSIONS: The proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole decreases both acid and bile reflux. The decrease of bile reflux cannot be explained by increased oesophageal clearance as oesophageal motility did not improve with therapy. Interestingly, H. pylori infection of the stomach was associated with higher levels of oesophageal bile reflux.     

Effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on the safety and efficacy of omeprazole in Japanese patients with recurrent reflux oesophagitis

Background : The polymorphic enzyme cytochrome P450 2C19 affects omeprazole metabolism. This influence on metabolism might affect serum gastrin levels, and safety, during long‐term treatment of reflux oesophagitis. Aim : To examine the relationship between cytochrome P450 2C19 genotype and the safety profile of long‐term omeprazole treatment. Methods : A total of 119 Japanese patients with recurrent reflux oesophagitis underwent cytochrome P450 2C19 genotyping prior to receiving daily omeprazole 10 mg or 20 mg for 6–12 months, during which adverse event frequency, serum gastrin levels and endoscopic findings were monitored. Results : The incidences of adverse events, serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal did not differ between homozygous extensive metabolizer (n = 46), heterozygous extensive metabolizer (n = 53) or poor metabolizer (n = 20) groups. In all genotype groups, serum gastrin increased during the first 3 months of dosing but stabilized thereafter. No significant differences were seen either in the rate of reflux oesophagitis healing or symptom improvement among genotype groups. Conclusions : Long‐term treatment with omeprazole was well‐tolerated in Japanese patients, irrespective of their cytochrome P450 2C19 metabolic genotype, indicating that dose adjustment depending on metabolic genotype is not required during treatment with omeprazole.     

A randomized,double-blind trial of the efficacy and safety of 10 or 20 mg rabeprazole compared with 20 mg omeprazole in the maintenance of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease over 5 years

BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease has a chronic course, and often requires long-term treatment. Proton pump inhibitors are the treatment of choice for both acute and maintenance treatment, but little is known from randomized controlled trials of their effects beyond 1 year. AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of two doses of rabeprazole with 20 mg omeprazole in the maintenance treatment of erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease over 5 years. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-three patients who had previously responded to acute treatment for erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were prospectively randomized to receive 5 years of treatment with rabeprazole (10 or 20 mg daily) or omeprazole (20 mg daily). The primary outcome measure was endoscopically confirmed relapse of erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three patients (51%) completed all 5 years of the study, with similar completion rates in the three groups. Relapses occurred in nine of 78 (11.5%), eight of 82 (9.8%) and 11 of 83 (13.3%) patients in the rabeprazole 20 mg, rabeprazole 10 mg and omeprazole 20 mg groups, respectively. Gastric biopsy showed no evidence of any harmful effects. All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Rabeprazole 10 mg, rabeprazole 20 mg and omeprazole 20 mg all had similar efficacy in the maintenance treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. All three were safe and well tolerated during 5 years of treatment.     

Famotidine (20 mg) b.d. relieves gastrooesophageal reflux symptoms in patients without erosive oesophagitis

Previous clinical trials have evaluated a large number of symptomatic individuals with heartburn. Most studies have documented the need for multiple daily dosing with H2-antagonists to achieve clinical and statistical efficacy for symptom relief. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety profile and efficacy of famotidine oral dosing regimens, 40 mg nocte and 20 mg b.d. with placebo in the relief of symptoms in patients suffering from frequent heartburn found to have endoscopically normal oesophageal mucosa or mild non-erosive oesophagitis. Famotidine (20 mg) b.d. reduced and eventually completely relieved gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms in most patients during the 6-week trial. Global assessment of improvement at 2 and 6 weeks indicated significantly greater improvement with a b.d. treatment regimen than with either a 40 mg nocte or placebo treatment. No statistically significant differences between famotidine and placebo in the number of patients who experienced clinical adverse experiences were noted and no serious adverse events attributable to famotidine occurred. Based upon these findings, patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms experience good relief of their complaints with twice daily famotidine in standard doses.     

Lansoprazole 15 and 30 mg daily in maintaining healing and symptom relief in patients with reflux oesophagitis

Background: In patients with reflux oesophagitis, endoscopic healing and symptom relief are considered important treatment goals in long-term care.
Aim: To compare the effect of lansoprazole 15 and 30 mg daily on maintaining endoscopic healing and symptom relief in patients with moderate reflux oesophagitis.
Patients and methods: In a single-centre, double-blind randomized clinical trial, 103 patients with grade 1 or 2 reflux oesophagitis who were endoscopically healed and asymptomatic after lansoprazole 30 mg daily for 12 weeks, were randomized to maintenance therapy with either lansoprazole 15 mg or 30 mg o.m. Endoscopy was repeated after 3, 6 and 12 months, and symptom relief assessed after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Relapse of oesophagitis or symptoms were considered end-points.
Results: After 12 months, 14/50 patients (28%) receiving lansoprazole 15 mg daily had suffered an endoscopic relapse compared to 8/53 patients (15%) treated with lansoprazole 30 mg daily. A life table analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( P =0.086). Significantly more patients were kept in complete symptomatic remission in the 30 mg group ( P <0.01). In the 15 mg group, 23/50 (46%) had suffered either an endoscopic or symptomatic relapse on completion of the study, compared to 12/53 (23%) in the 30 mg group. A life table analysis showed this difference to be statistically significant ( P =0.010). Lansoprazole 15 and 30 mg daily were equally well tolerated.
Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found in endoscopic relapse rate or occurrence of adverse events, while lansoprazole 30 mg proved superior to 15 mg in maintaining patients in symptomatic relief and combined endoscopic and symptomatic remission.     

Pharmacodynamic effects of single doses of rabeprazole 20 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg in patients with GERD and nocturnal heartburn

BACKGROUND: Rabeprazole and pantoprazole are both used for symptomatic treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Speed and duration of acid suppression and intensity of effect after a single dose may be important pharmacodynamic properties in clinical use. AIM: To compare antisecretory effects of single doses of rabeprazole and pantoprazole in patients with GERD and a history of nocturnal heartburn. METHODS: An open-label, randomized, two-way crossover, clinical pharmacology study was conducted. Twenty-nine Helicobacter pylori-negative GERD patients (17 men, mean age 44 years), with a history of nocturnal heartburn (mean frequency 4.7 episodes/week), received a single dose of rabeprazole 20 mg or pantoprazole 40 mg, with a 14-day 'washout'. Intragastric pH was recorded continuously from 24 h before to 24 h after dosing. RESULTS: Mean area under the intragastric pH-time curve (AUC) was significantly higher after dosing with rabeprazole 20 mg than with pantoprazole 40 mg in all time intervals analysed, including night (P 3 and >4 was significantly greater after rabeprazole than pantoprazole in all time intervals (P 相似文献   

Safety and efficacy of pantoprazole 40 mg daily as relapse prophylaxis in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis—a 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Pantoprazole is a benzimidazole derivative which selectively inhibits the proton pump H+, K+-ATPase, necessary for the final step in gastric acid secretion. AIM: To assess safety and efficacy of oral pantoprazole (40 mg o.d.) used as a prophylaxis against relapse in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis during an open-label, 2-year study. METHODS: Outpatients (n=157) with healed stage II or III reflux oesophagitis (Savary-Miller classification) were enrolled into a long-term, multicentre maintenance study. Endoscopy was performed at entry into the study, after 12 and 24 months, or when disease-specific symptoms occurred on more than three consecutive days. Symptoms were assessed at 3-monthly intervals. Endoscopically confirmed relapses (at least stage I) were evaluated as treatment failures. RESULTS: Of the 178 adverse events, experienced by 88 (56%) patients (intention-to-treat population), 12 (7%) were assessed by the investigators as possibly related to the study medication. Median serum gastrin levels increased from a baseline of 46 ng/L to 90 ng/L, reaching a plateau after 9 months. For the intention-to-treat population the endoscopic remission rates after 12 and 24 months were 87% and 76%, respectively (Life-Table survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier). CONCLUSION: Pantoprazole 40 mg proved to be safe and efficacious during a 2-year prophylaxis treatment in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis.