Short-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists and prokinetics for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-like symptoms and endoscopy negative reflux disease

Temporal trends in use of antisecretory agents among patients administered clopidogrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Antisecretory drugs are commonly prescribed with clopidogrel-based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in high-risk patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, omeprazole and esomeprazole (inhibiting proton pump inhibitors [PPIs]) may increase cardiovascular event rates on co-administration with clopidogrel. This study aimed to examine trends in the use of antisecretory agents in patients administered clopidogrel-based DAPT and the concomitant use of clopidogrel and inhibiting PPIs.

METHODS

We used National Inpatient Sample data compiled by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2009 to 2020. Further, we identified patients who were prescribed clopidogrel-based DAPT after PCI and investigated the concomitant use of antisecretory agents with clopidogrel. To verify the annual trend of drug utilization, we used the Cochran-Armitage trend test.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2020, the percentage of H2 receptor antagonist users decreased steadily (from 82.5% in 2009 to 25.3% in 2020); instead, the percentage of PPI users increased (from 23.7% in 2009 to 82.0% in 2020). The use of inhibiting PPI also increased (from 4.2% in 2009 to 30.7% in 2020). Potassium competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) were rarely used before 2019; however, in 2020, it accounted for 7.8% of the antisecretory users.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the use of inhibiting PPIs increased steadily in patients administered clopidogrel-based DAPT therapy. This is a major concern since the concomitant use of inhibiting PPIs with clopidogrel could increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Managing gastrointestinal manifestations in systemic sclerosis, a mechanistic approach

INTRODUCTION

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with heterogeneous presentation. Gastrointestinal (GI) complications of SSc are characterized by esophageal reflux, abnormal motility, and microbiome dysbiosis, which impact patient quality of life and mortality. Preventative therapeutics are lacking, with management primarily aimed at symptomatic control.

AREAS COVERED

A broad literature review was conducted through electronic databases and references from key articles. We summarize the physiology of gastric acid production and GI motility to provide context for existing therapies, detail the current understanding of SSc-GI disease, and review GI medications studied in SSc. Finally, we explore new therapeutic options. We propose a management strategy that integrates data on drug efficacy with knowledge of disease pathophysiology, aiming to optimize future therapeutic targets.

EXPERT OPINION

SSc-GI complications remain a challenge for patients, clinicians, and investigators alike. Management presently focuses on treating symptoms and minimizing mucosal damage. Little evidence exists to suggest immunosuppressive therapy halts progression of GI involvement or reverses damage, leaving many unanswered questions about the optimal clinical approach. Further research focused on identifying patients at risk for GI progression, and the underlying mechanism(s) that drive disease will provide opportunities to prevent long-term damage, and significantly improve patient quality of life.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Cognitive Health: Review on Unraveling the Dementia Connection and Co-morbid Risks

Dementia, an international health issue distinguished by the impairment of daily functioning due to cognitive decline, currently affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with the majority residing in low-income and middle-income countries. Globally, dementia entails significant economic burdens in 2019, amounting to a cost of 1.3 trillion US dollars. Informal caregivers devote considerable hours to providing care for those affected. Dementia imposes a greater caregiving and disability-adjusted life-year burden on women. A recent study has established a correlation between prolonged Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) usage and dementia, in addition to other neurodegenerative conditions. PPIs are frequently prescribed to treat peptic ulcers and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by decreasing stomach acid secretion. They alleviate acid-related symptoms through the inhibition of acid-secreting H+, K+ ATPase. In a number of observational studies, cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly have been linked to the use of PPIs. The precise mechanism underlying this relationship is unknown. These drugs might also alter the pH of brain cells, resulting in the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the compelling evidence supporting the association of PPIs with dementia, the results of studies remain inconsistent. The absence of a correlation between PPI use and cognitive decline in some studies emphasizes the need for additional research. Chronic PPI use can conceal underlying conditions, including cancer, celiac disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, and renal injury, highlighting dementia risk and the need for further investigations on cognitive health.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread chronic gastrointestinal condition with an increasing worldwide prevalence. This research was a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness plication (EFTP) for the treatment of GERD. Methods A comprehensive search of databases was conducted for studies published up to April 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies that examined the use of EFTP in treating GERD among adult patients. We calculated pooled effect estimates using a random-effects model. Results EFTP significantly improved GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up intervals. A considerable proportion of patients discontinued proton pump inhibitors, with cessation rates of 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.71), 68% (95% CI: 0.58-0.78), and 67% (95% CI: 0.46-0.89,) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. At 3 and 6 months, 61% (95% CI: 0.54-0.68) and 66% (95% CI: 0.56-0.76) of patients experienced ≥50% improvement in GERD-HRQL scores. EFTP demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with a low rate of severe adverse events. We observed a 6.76% reduction (95% CI: -14.53-1.02) in the percentage of time with esophageal pH <4, a decrease in DeMeester scores, and fewer total reflux episodes. The average procedure time was 22.75 minutes (95% CI: 22.03-23.48). Subgroup analyses suggest that both the GERDx system and the NDO Plicator are effective and safe in treating GERD. Conclusions The findings from our study reveal that EFTP is a safe and effective treatment for GERD patients who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. Given its minimally invasive nature, effectiveness, and limited adverse effects, EFTP emerges as a compelling alternative to conventional surgical procedures.

Guidelines on optimizing the use of proton pump inhibitors: PPI stewardship

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been available for over three decades and are among the most commonly prescribed medications. They are effective in treating a variety of gastric acid-related disorders. They are freely available and based on current evidence, use of PPIs for inappropriate indications and duration appears to be common. Over the years, concerns have been raised on the safety of PPIs as they have been associated with several adverse effects. Hence, there is a need for PPI stewardship to promote the use of PPIs for appropriate indication and duration. With this objective, the Indian Society of Gastroenterology has formulated guidelines on the rational use of PPIs. The guidelines were developed using a modified Delphi process. This paper presents these guidelines in detail, including the statements, review of literature, level of evidence and recommendations. This would help the clinicians in optimizing the use of PPIs in their practice and promote PPI stewardship.

How safe are heartburn medications and who should use them?

INTRODUCTION

Heartburn is a frequent symptom occurring in daily clinical practice and is mainly associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, it can be stimulated by various factors and diseases other than GERD can present with heartburn. Therefore, physicians must be very careful in distinguishing GERD from non-GERD conditions in their patients, particularly when heartburn is refractory to anti-reflux medications.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the medical literature regarding the prevalence of heartburn and the various clinical disorders which can be present with this symptom. The type of medications usually adopted for treating heartburn and their grade of safety have been reviewed using an extensive computerized (Medline/PubMed) search with particular focus on the last 20 years.

EXPERT OPINION

Many drugs can be used for relieving heartburn in patients with GERD, although PPIs are the pharmacological agents with the greatest efficacy. However, it must be highlighted that many non-GERD conditions may present clinically with this symptom whose intensity does not differ between GERD and functional esophageal disorders, which represent about 50% of all patients with suspected GERD. It is very important to identify these functional conditions because their treatment differs completely from that of GERD.

Comparison of acid-lowering drugs for endoscopy negative reflux disease: Systematic review and network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The comparative efficacy and safety of medical therapies for gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms in endoscopy-negative reflux disease is unclear. We conducted a network meta-analysis to evaluate efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2-receptor antagonists, potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs), and alginates in patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMBASE Classic, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials from inception to February 1, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing efficacy of all drugs versus each other, or versus a placebo, in adults with endoscopy-negative reflux disease. Results were reported as pooled relative risks with 95% confidence intervals to summarize effect of each comparison tested, with treatments ranked according to P-score.

KEY RESULTS

We identified 23 RCTs containing 10,735 subjects with endoscopy-negative reflux disease. Based on failure to achieve complete relief of symptoms between ≥2 and <4 weeks, omeprazole 20 mg o.d. (P-score 0.94) ranked first, with esomeprazole 20 mg o.d. or 40 mg o.d. ranked second and third. In achieving adequate relief, only rabeprazole 10 mg o.d. was significantly more efficacious than placebo. For failure to achieve complete relief at ≥4 weeks, dexlansoprazole 30 mg o.d. (P-score 0.95) ranked first, with 30 ml alginate q.i.d. combined with omeprazole 20 mg o.d., and 30 ml alginate t.i.d. second and third. In terms of failure to achieve adequate relief at ≥4 weeks, dexlansoprazole 60 mg o.d. ranked first (P-score 0.90), with dexlansoprazole 30 mg o.d. and rabeprazole 20 mg o.d. second and third. All drugs were safe and well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results confirm superiority of PPIs compared with most other drugs in treating endoscopy-negative reflux disease. Future RCTs should aim to better classify patients with endoscopy-negative reflux disease, and to establish the role of alginates and PCABs in achieving symptom relief in both the short- and long-term.

The Spectrum of Treatment Modalities for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A Narrative Review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease that is encountered and treated by physicians all over the world. It is a chronic and non-progressive condition. Symptoms can range from mild heartburn to chronic, recurrent, and severe symptoms like constant acid regurgitation, laryngitis, bad breath, otitis media, and severe heartburn, which can be debilitating to the patient. Hence, the administration of appropriate therapy according to the patient's severity of symptoms is imperative, more so because over-the-counter drugs like antacids are very common to treat GERD. Often, in some instances, mere changes in lifestyle prove highly effective in reversing GERD symptomatology. Depending on the severity, response to treatment, and presence or absence of complications, treatment with medical or surgical modalities can be decided. It has now been found that although the gold standard in medical therapy for GERD has been proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), there has been increasing research about their side effects and recurrence after treatment. Hence, newer anti-GERD drugs have been under trial, which has been discussed in detail in the review. The use of surgical fundoplications has drastically decreased and is being widely replaced by incisionless laparoscopic fundoplications and newer endoluminal techniques such as the LINX device. This review aims to compile the vast spectrum of treatment modalities for GERD, ranging from more contemporary diagnostic methods, lifestyle modifications, medical therapy, and surgical and endoluminal techniques, with a particular focus on newer directions.

Concise Review: Applicability of High-resolution Manometry in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Manometry, particularly high-resolution manometry is the preferred diagnostic tool used to evaluate esophageal motor function. This investigation is strongly indicated in the setting of dysphagia, but is also useful in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially in case of failure of conventional treatment to exclude alternative diagnoses and prior to anti-reflux surgery. Moreover, ineffective esophagogastric junction barrier function and esophageal motor dysfunction are pathophysiological mechanisms in GERD and can be identified by manometry. The recent international guidelines have positioned high-resolution manometry as an important part of functional diagnostic work up in GERD in order to identify the GERD phenotype to guide specific treatment. The proposed manometric identification and measurement is based on the Chicago classification version 4.0 adding with new established metrics for GERD evaluation.

Esophagoprotective therapy in patients with erosive esophagitis

Aim. To evaluate the advantages of using combined therapy of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and esophagoprotector in comparison with basic therapy of PPIs for 4 weeks based on the results of changes in the endoscopic picture.To compare the effectiveness of 4-week PPI therapy and 4-week combination therapy with PPI and esophagoprotector Alfasoxx (sodium hyaluronate, chondroitin sulfate, poloxomer 407) in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) of any degree according to the Los Angeles Endoscopic Classification. Materials and methods. 81 patients with EE AC according to the Los Angeles endoscopic classification (1994) was enrolled in the study on the basis of the clinic of Peter the Great, Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University. By computer randomization, patients were divided into the control group 40 patients (pantoprazole 40 mg 1 time per day) and the intervention group 41 patients (pantoprazole 40 mg 1 time per day + Alfasoxx 1 sachet qid). The therapy was carried out for 4 weeks. In all patients before and after therapy, the frequency and severity of the main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were assessed, esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed. Results. The advantage of combination therapy over standard PPI monotherapy in patients with EE was revealed. According to the results of the control endoscopy, healing of erosions of the esophageal mucosa was observed in 39 out of 41 (95.1%) patients in the intervention group and 32 out of 39 (82.1%) in the control group. The proportion of patients who showed an improvement in the endoscopic picture before and after treatment for 4 weeks by at least 1 level according to the Los Angeles classification was significantly higher in the comparison group 41 patients (100%), while in the control group 33 patients (85%); p0.009. After treatment, the combination therapy group had a lower incidence (p0.01) and severity of heartburn (p0.01). The same results are demonstrated by combination therapy regarding the symptom belching of air: in the study group after treatment, this symptom occurred less frequently (p=0.014), its severity was significantly less than in the control group (p0.01). There was a statistically significant decrease in the need for on-demand antacid therapy in the study group. Conclusion. In this study involving 81 patients with erosive GERD, the benefits of combination therapy were demonstrated. The addition of Alfasoxx medical device to PPI therapy increases the clinical and endoscopic efficacy of therapy. This positive effect is associated with the esophagoprotective properties of the drug, based on unique pharmacodynamic characteristics. Combination therapy for GERD is preferred in patients with EE. Studies have shown the expediency of using Alfasoxx in case of insufficient effectiveness of classical acid-suppressive therapy for GERD.

Herbal Medicine Hewei Jiangni Decoction Is Noninferior to Oral Omeprazole for the Treatment of Nonerosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Double-Dummy Controlled Trail

Objectives. Conventional approaches for patients with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) were not satisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicine Hewei Jiangni Decoction (HWJND) as a novel and promising regimen for NERD. Methods. A total of 128 patients with NERD were randomly assigned to the Treatment group and Control group. The patients from the Treatment group were administered HWJND (81 g) plus dummy omeprazole (20 mg) daily for 8 weeks, and the others were given dummy HWJND granules (81 g) plus omeprazole (20 mg). The clinical efficacy was assessed using the gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERD-Q) scale, patient reported outcomes (PRO) scale, and short form health survey 36 (SF-36) scale at week 4. Moreover, its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms were elucidated based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Results. Due to case shedding and other reasons, 109 patients, including 56 in the Treatment group and 53 in the Control group completed this study. Our results showed that HWJND significantly improved heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain, nausea, and sleep disturbance, which led to a significant reduction of GERD-Q scores in NERD patients. In addition, PRO scores of NERD patients with HWJND administration were improved, and sufficient relief of physical role, body pain, general health, social function, and mental health on the SF-36 scale was also observed in patients after HWJND treatment. We further showed that the curative effect of HWJND was close to that of omeprazole, except for the better improvement of general health and social function. What’s more, the main active ingredients of HWJND included quercetin, beta-sitosterol, naringenin, baicalein, and kaempferol were retrieved, and the protective effects of HWJND against NERD may be closely related to targets such as TNF, IL6, IL1B, MMP9, CXCL8, and EGFR, which were mainly enriched in IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate that HWJND is noninferior to oral omeprazole for the treatment of patients with NERD, plays a therapeutic role through multiple targets and diverse pathways, and holds promise for complementary and alternative therapy for the treatment of NERD. This trial is registered with http://www.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trials Registry [ChiCTR2200055960].

Review article: rethinking the "ladder" approach to reflux-like symptom management in the era of PPI "resistance" - a multidisciplinary perspective

BACKGROUND

Despite widespread adoption of potent acid suppression treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) for reflux-like symptoms, persistent symptoms are commonly reported in primary care and community studies.

AIMS

This multidisciplinary review critically evaluates how the management of reflux-like symptoms could better reflect their multifactorial pathophysiology.

METHODS

A panel of experts (from general practice, gastroenterology and gastropsychology) attended a series of workshops to review current management and propose a framework for the provision of more individualised care.

RESULTS

It was agreed that the perceptual (as well as the physiological) causes of reflux-like symptoms should be considered at the start of management, not as a last resort when all else has failed. A short course of PPI is a pragmatic approach to address reflux-like symptoms, but equally important is counselling about the gut-brain axis and provision of symptom-specific behavioural interventions for those who show signs of somatisation, hypervigilance or co-existing disorders of gut-brain interaction. Other low-harm interventions such as lifestyle and dietary advice, should also be better integrated into care at an early stage. Multidisciplinary care management programmes (including dietary, weight loss, exercise and behavioural intervention) should be developed to promote greater self-management and take advantage of the general shift toward the use of remotely accessed health care resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of reflux-like symptoms should be adapted to reflect the advances in knowledge about the multifactorial aetiology of these symptoms, addressing both acid-related and behavioural components early in management. The time has come to treat the patient, not the "disease".

Thailand guideline 2020 for medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most prevalent and bothersome functional gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, including in Thailand. After a decade of the first Thailand GERD guideline, physician and gastroenterologist encountered substantially increase of patients with GERD. Many of them are complicated case and refractory to standard treatment. Concurrently, the evolution of clinical characteristics as well as the progression of investigations and treatment have developed and changed tremendously. As a member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which are developing countries, we considered that the counterbalance between advancement and sufficient economy is essential in taking care of patients with GERD. We gather physicians from university hospitals, as well as internist and general practitioners who served in rural area, to make a consensus in this updated version of GERD guideline focusing in medical management of GERD. This clinical practice guideline was constructed adhering with standard procedure. We categorized the guideline in to four parts including definition, investigation, treatment, and long-term follow up. We anticipate that this guideline would improve physicians' proficiency and help direct readers to choose investigations and treatments in patients with GERD wisely. Moreover, we wish that this guideline would be applicable in countries with limited resources as well.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in healing lesions and improving symptoms in most cases, although up to 40% of GERD patients do not respond adequately to PPI therapy. Refractory GERD (rGERD) is one of the most challenging problems, given its impact on the quality of life and consumption of health care resources. The definition of rGERD is a controversial topic as it has not been unequivocally established. Indeed, some patients unresponsive to PPIs who experience symptoms potentially related to GERD may not have GERD; in this case the definition could be replaced with “reflux-like PPI-refractory symptoms.” Patients with persistent reflux-like symptoms should undergo a diagnostic workup aimed at finding objective evidence of GERD through endoscopic and pH-impedance investigations. The management strategies regarding rGERD, apart from a careful check of patient's compliance with PPIs, a possible change in the timing of their administration and the choice of a PPI with a different metabolic pathway, include other pharmacologic treatments. These include histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), alginates, antacids and mucosal protective agents, potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs), prokinetics, gamma aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) antagonists, and pain modulators. If there is no benefit from medical therapy, but there is objective evidence of GERD, invasive antireflux options should be evaluated after having carefully explained the risks and benefits to the patient. The most widely performed invasive antireflux option remains laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), even if other, less invasive, interventions have been suggested in the last few decades, including endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) or radiofrequency therapy (Stretta). Due to the different mechanisms underlying rGERD, the most effective strategy can vary, and it should be tailored to each patient. The aim of this paper is to review the different management options available to successfully deal with rGERD.

Role of Neuromodulators for the Management of Post-Gastric-Fundoplication Dyspepsia: A Retrospective Series

Post-fundoplication dyspepsia is a common complication of gastric fundoplication surgeries. This can be attributable to the loss of fundal relaxation, decreased gastric accommodation, and/or alterations in gastric motility and sensitivity following fundoplication. The role of neuromodulators in the management of such symptoms is unknown. We retrospectively assessed the efficacy of neuromodulators such as tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone, and mirtazapine for the management of post-fundoplication dyspepsia.

2020 Seoul Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which gastric contents regurgitate into the esophagus or beyond, resulting in either troublesome symptoms or complications. GERD is heterogeneous in terms of varied manifestations, test findings, and treatment responsiveness. GERD diagnosis can be established with symptomatology, pathology, or physiology. Recently the Lyon consensus defined the “proven GERD” with concrete evidence for reflux, including advanced grade erosive esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grades C and or D esophagitis), long-segment Barrett’s mucosa or peptic strictures on endoscopy or distal esophageal acid exposure time > 6% on 24-hour ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring. However, some Asian researchers have different opinions on whether the same standards should be applied to the Asian population. The prevalence of GERD is increasing in Asia. The present evidence-based guidelines were developed using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. In GERD with typical symptoms, a proton pump inhibitor test can be recommended as a sensitive, cost-effective, and practical test for GERD diagnosis.

Based on a meta-analysis of 19 estimated acid-exposure time values in Asians, the reference range upper limit for esophageal acid exposure time was 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.9%) in the Asian countries. Esophageal manometry and novel impedance measurements, including mucosal impedance and a post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave, are promising in discrimination of GERD among different reflux phenotypes, thus increasing its diagnostic yield. We also propose a long-term strategy of evidence-based GERD treatment with proton pump inhibitors and other drugs.

The Medical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Narrative Review

OBJECTIVE

The medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to evolve. Our aim was to systematically assess the literature to provide an updated review of the evidence on lifestyle modifications and pharmacological therapy for the management of GERD.

BACKGROUND

The cornerstones of GERD medical management consist of lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic agents. Most recently, evidence has emerged linking anti-reflux pharmacologic therapy to adverse events, such as kidney injury, metabolic bone disease, myocardial infarction, and even dementia, among others.

METHODS

A systematic search of the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library was performed for articles on the medical management of GERD between inception and March 1, 2021.

CONCLUSION

Although pharmacological therapy has been associated with potential adverse events, further research is needed to determine if this association exists. For this reason, lifestyle modifications should be considered first-line, while pharmacologic therapy can be considered in patients in whom lifestyle modifications have proven to be ineffective in controlling their symptoms or cannot institute them. Naturally, extra-esophageal causes for GERD-like symptoms must be considered on suspected high-risk patients and excluded before considering treatment for GERD.

Impaired Mucosal Integrity in Proximal Esophagus Is Involved in Development of Proton Pump Inhibitor-Refractory Nonerosive Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Weakly acidic reflux reaching to the proximal esophagus is closely related to the perception of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with nonerosive reflux disease despite treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). However, little is known about the involvement of the patients' mucosal integrity of the proximal esophagus.

METHODS

We recruited 15 symptomatic nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with a positive symptom index despite PPI treatment and 11 healthy asymptomatic volunteers as controls. The biopsy specimens obtained from the proximal and distal esophagus were applied to a mini-Ussing chamber system to measure transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) against a pH 4 weak acid. The esophageal biopsy samples were subjected to quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

In the proximal esophagus, the weak acid exposure reduced the TEER in the PPI-refractory patients compared to that in the controls. The frequency of the reflux extending to the proximal esophagus had a significant correlation with the reduction in the proximal esophageal TEER in the patients. The reduced TEER in the proximal esophagus was accompanied by an increase in IL-8 and IL-1β mRNA and a decrease in occludin mRNA levels. The proximal esophageal mucosa in the patients presented infiltration of CD3-positive lymphocytes and an increased expression of solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1), a passage gate of reflux symptom-evoking molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

The reflux perception is related to an impairment of the proximal esophageal mucosal integrity in patients with nonerosive reflux disease despite PPI.

Dysphagia and medicine regimes in patients following lung transplant surgery: A retrospective review

PURPOSE

Dysphagia is reported following lung transplantation. Characteristics and trajectory for dysphagia are poorly understood. This retrospective study explored dysphagia and medicine regimes in patients following lung transplant.

METHOD

Medical records and endoscopic recordings of 101 patients (M:50yrs, range 20-67yrs, SD 13yrs) were reviewed. Standardised endoscopic swallowing measures were reported. Discharge reports were analysed for medicines known to cause dysphagia.

RESULT

All patients received bilateral sequential single-lung transplant. Prevalence of referral to speech pathology was 65% with 37 requiring more than one instrumental assessment. Twenty-nine patients were referred to otorhinolaryngology with suspected laryngeal abnormalities. Seventy-five percent of patients (n = 49/65) who received an instrumental assessment aspirated; of whom 63% aspirated silently (31/49). Diet on first day transferred from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was significantly associated with intubation duration, ICU and hospital length of stay, tracheostomy and vocal fold paralysis (p < 0.001). In contrast, pre-operative reflux was significantly associated with diet on discharge (p < 0.05). Only three patients remained enterally fed on discharge. Polypharmacy (concurrent use of 5+ medicines) was prevalent.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic, radiographic and/or manometric assessment of dysphagia in patients prior to, and following, lung transplant may allow for early management and prevention of secondary complications. Teams must consider pre-surgical reflux, length of stay in ICU and current medicine regimes when managing patients.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: Combination Treatment With Proton Pump Inhibitor Plus Prokinetic for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background/Aims

Prokinetics can be used for treating patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), who exhibit suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. We conducted a systematic review to assess the potential benefits of combination treatment with PPI plus prokinetics in GERD.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for publications regarding randomized controlled trials comparing combination treatment of PPI plus prokinetics to PPI monotherapy with respect to global symptom improvement in GERD (until February 2020). The primary outcome was an absence or global symptom improvement in GERD. Adverse events and quality of life (QoL) scores were evaluated as secondary outcomes using a random effects model. Quality of evidence was rated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

This meta-analysis included 16 studies involving 1446 participants (719 in the PPI plus prokinetics group and 727 in the PPI monotherapy group). The PPI plus prokinetics treatment resulted in a significant reduction in global symptoms of GERD regardless of the prokinetic type, refractoriness, and ethnicity. Additionally, treatment with PPI plus prokinetics for at least 4 weeks was found to be more beneficial than PPI monotherapy with respect to global symptom improvement. However, the QoL scores were not improved with PPI plus prokinetics treatment. Adverse events observed in response to PPI plus prokinetics treatment did not differ from those observed with PPI monotherapy.

Conclusions

Combination of prokinetics with PPI treatment is more effective than PPI alone in GERD patients. Further high-quality trials with large sample sizes are needed to verify the effects based on prokinetic type.

The treatment efficacy of adding prokinetics to PPIs for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are first-line drugs for GERD. For those who fail to respond to PPIs, adding prokinetics to PPIs is recommended and several trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of prokinetic-PPI combination therapy.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases before February 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared the efficacy of prokinetics plus PPI treatment with that of PPI monotherapy. Relevant studies were examined and data were extracted independently by two investigators. The risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were used to evaluate the responder rate, and standard mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were used for symptom score changes. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the I² statistic. Either a fixed-effect or a random-effect model was established for calculating the pooled data.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies, comprising 1,437 patients were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that compared to PPI monotherapy, addition of prokinetics to PPI did not elevate the rate of endoscopic responders (RR = 0.996, 95% CI 0.929 - 1.068, p = 0.917), but improved symptom response (RR = 1.185, 95% CI 1.042 - 1.348, p = 0.010). Additionally, the combined therapy achieved a greater symptom relief than monotherapy both in FSSG and GERD-Q subgroups (MD =  - 2.978, 95% CI  - 3.319 to  - 2.638, p < 0.001; MD =  - 0.723, 95% CI  - 0.968 to  - 0.478, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding prokinetics to PPIs achieves symptomatic improvement compared to PPI monotherapy, thus can enhance life quality of GERD patients. However, the combined treatment seems to have no significant effect on mucosal healing.

[Upper abdominal pain: a frequent and multifaceted leading symptom in primary care internal medicine]

Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common reasons for medical consultation and represent a challenge for general practitioners in the outpatient care setting. History taking, symptom evaluation and physical examination are the crucial steps toward establishing an initial working diagnosis. The subsequent abdominal ultrasound and laboratory analyses are essential tools for the differential diagnosis.

Treatment of non-erosive reflux disease and dynamics of the esophageal microbiome: a prospective multicenter study

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) pathogenesis has not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we assessed the response of patients with NERD to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy; changes in the microbiome and biologic marker expression in the esophageal mucosa were also evaluated. Patients with NERD (n = 55) received esomeprazole (20 mg) for eight weeks. The treatment response was evaluated at baseline, week four, and week eight. Esophageal mucosal markers and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes were analyzed in patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at screening (n = 18). Complete and partial response rates at week eight were 60.0% and 32.7% for heartburn, and 61.8% and 29.1% for regurgitation, respectively. The expressions of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and NF-κB, were decreased at week eight. Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Prevotella, Veillonella, Neisseria, and Granulicatella were prevalent regardless of the time-point (baseline vs. week eight) and organ (oropharynx vs. esophagus). The overall composition of oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes showed significant difference (P = 0.004), which disappeared after PPI therapy. In conclusion, half-dose PPI therapy for eight weeks could effectively control NERD symptoms. The expression of several inflammatory cytokines was reduced in the esophagus, and oropharyngeal and esophageal microbiomes in patients with NERD showed significant difference. However, the microbial compositions in the oropharynx and esophagus were not affected by PPI therapy in this study. Impact of PPI on the microbiome in patients with NERD should be more investigated in future studies.

Therapeutic strategy for the patients with coexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease and postprandial distress syndrome of functional dyspepsia

Background and Aim

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD) frequently overlap. However, no accepted treatment has yet been established for such patients. This study was conducted to identify an adequate initial treatment for patients with GERD accompanied by the postprandial distress syndrome type of FD (FD‐PDS).

Methods

Of the 150 patients newly diagnosed with GERD who visited our clinic, 53 patients with the typical symptoms of both GERD and FD‐PDS were assessed using the modified frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD and the gastroesophageal reflux and dyspepsia therapeutic efficacy and satisfaction test questionnaires. Of those, 42 patients who completed 4 weeks of treatment were analyzed. We compared the treatment responses between the 21 patients who received proton pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy and 21 patients who received a PPI in combination with the prokinetic drug acotiamide.

Results

Assessment of the two questionnaires revealed a marked improvement of both GERD and FD symptom scores after 4 weeks of treatment in both groups. However, there were no significant differences in any GERD or FD symptom scores at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment and in the symptom score change between the two different treatment groups.

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective study suggest no benefit of PPI‐prokinetic combination versus PPI monotherapy in adult patients with FD‐GERD overlap; therefore, PPI monotherapy could be an adequate initial treatment for such patients.

Symptomatic response to GERDOFF® in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and poor response to alginates: an exploratory, post-market, open-label study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A novel medical device based on hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulphate plus aluminum hydroxide (GERDOFF®, melt-in-mouth tablets) showed efficacy in reducing GER-related symptoms. This exploratory, open-label study evaluated symptomatic effects of a 14-day treatment with GERDOFF® in GERD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GERD Impact Scale (GIS) questionnaire was filled at baseline visit, after 7 and 14 days of treatment; patients' Global Satisfaction was evaluated at the final visit. Primary endpoint was the reduction of heartburn episodes per week; secondary endpoints were GERD-related symptoms, patients' satisfaction, and safety.

RESULTS

Forty patients were included, 22 were on stable therapy with proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Compared to baseline, the days with heartburn episodes and the GIS score progressively decreased during the first (p<0.0001) and the second week of treatment (p<0.0001). Heartburn episodes per week (p<0.0001) and the GIS score (p<0.0001) decreased in the first and the last 7 days of 14-day treatment and did not differ between patients on and off PPI. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, and it was rated as very good (46.2%) or good (43.6%) on the satisfaction questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

GERDOFF® could effectively treat GER symptoms in patients not responding to PPI or alginate-based formulation. ISRCTN_15143752.

How to advise patients on the risk of chronic proton pump inhibitor therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed and have excellent short-term tolerability. Administrative database studies have highlighted that many diseases are associated with PPI therapy including pneumonia, fracture, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. This review therefore reviews the evidence of the risks and benefits of these drugs.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is high-to-moderate quality evidence that PPIs are effective at treating many acid-related disorders. Recent randomized trials have suggested that the associations between PPIs and various diseases are likely to be related to bias and residual confounding and these drugs appear to be safe apart from a possible increased risk of enteric infections.

SUMMARY

PPIs should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration possible. They are still relatively well-tolerated drugs but should only be prescribed for proven indications.

Autoantibodies to stratify systemic sclerosis patients into clinically actionable subsets

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by vascular abnormalities and fibrosis involving the skin and internal organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract, lung, heart and kidneys. Although the disease was historically stratified according to the extent of skin involvement, more recent approaches place more emphasis on patterns and extent of internal organ involvement. Despite numerous clinical trials, disease-modifying treatment options are still limited resulting in persistent poor quality of life and high mortality. This review provides an overview of autoantibodies in SSc and novel approaches to stratify the disease into clinically actionable subsets.

Proton pump inhibitors and cardiovascular adverse effects: Real or surreal worries?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed agents, either for treatment or prophylaxis of gastrointestinal (GI) disease, that are often administered for prolonged or chronic use. Patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease frequently receive PPIs for prophylaxis against GI bleeding due to common use of antithrombotic drugs. Over the last several years there is a growing number of reports associating chronic PPI use with a variety of serious CV and non-CV adverse effects. In this context, PPI use has been independently associated with an increased risk of CV morbidity (myocardial infarction, stroke, other CV events) and mortality. However, the critique remains that these data do not largely derive from randomized controlled trials. On the other hand, in certain conditions, the benefits of PPIs may outweigh the risks of adverse CV effects. As the indications for prolonged, particularly lifelong, prophylactic use of PPIs are not compelling and in the light of evidence of serious CV and other adverse effects, clinicians have to reconsider such long-term use of these drugs. Importantly, histamine 2 blockers have not been found to be associated with increased CV risk and thus may be an alternative therapeutic option in certain patients. These issues are amply discussed together with the potential mechanisms of these pleiotropic and off-target effects of PPIs, which are also depicted in an illustrative schema; data are also presented on differential effects of specific agents involved, alternative modes of therapy available, and relevant current guidelines on this issue.

Cost-effective Analysis of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Long-term Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Narrative Review

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that results from regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Treatment available for GERD includes lifestyle changes, antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and anti-reflux surgery. Aim: The aim of this review is to assess the cost-effectiveness of the use of PPIs in the long-term management of patients with GERD. Method: We searched in PubMed to identify related original articles with close consideration based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to choose the best studies for this narrative review. The first section compares the cost-effectiveness of PPIs with H₂RAs in long-term heartburn management. The other sections shall only discuss the cost-effectiveness of PPIs in 5 different strategies, namely, continuous (step-up, step-down, and maintenance), on-demand, and intermittent therapies. Results: Of 55 articles published, 10 studies published from 2000 to 2015 were included. Overall, PPIs are more effective in relieving heartburn in comparison with ranitidine. The use of PPIs in managing heartburn in long-term consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has higher cost compared with H₂RA. However, if the decision-maker is willing to pay more than US$174 788.60 per extra quality-adjusted life year (QALY), then the optimal strategy is traditional NSAID (tNSAID) and PPIs. The probability of being cost-effective was also highest for NSAID and PPI co-therapy users. On-demand PPI treatment strategy showed dominant with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$2197 per QALY gained and was most effective and cost saving compared with all the other treatments. The average cost-effectiveness ratio was lower for rabeprazole therapy than for ranitidine therapy. Conclusion: Our review revealed that long-term treatment with PPIs is effective but costly. To achieve long-term cost-effective approach, we recommend on-demand approach to treat heartburn symptoms, but if the symptoms persist, treatment with continuous step-down therapy should be applied.

Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Elderly, Balancing Risk and Benefit: an Age-Old Problem

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most prescribed drugs in the developed world and elderly patients are particularly likely to be prescribed acid suppression. There have been reports of many diseases being associated with PPI therapy and the elderly would be particular at risk of any harms these drugs may cause. This review therefore reviews the evidence of the risks and benefits of these drugs.

RECENT FINDINGS

PPIs are very effective at treating acid-related disorders. Recent randomized trials have suggested that the associations between PPI and various diseases are likely to be related to bias and residual confounding and these drugs appear to be safe apart from a possible increase risk of enteric infections. PPIs should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration possible. They are still relatively safe drugs but should only be prescribed for proven indications.

Reduction of the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors by a patient-oriented electronic decision support tool (arriba-PPI): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are increasingly being prescribed, although long-term use is associated with multiple side effects. Therefore, an electronic decision support tool with the aim of reducing the long-term use of PPIs in a shared decision-making process between general practitioners (GPs) and their patients has been developed. The developed tool is a module that can be added to the so-called arriba decision support tool, which is already used by GPs in Germany in routine care. In this large-scale cluster-randomized controlled trial we evaluate the effectiveness of this arriba-PPI tool.

METHODS

The arriba-PPI tool is an electronic decision support system that supports shared decision-making and evidence-based decisions around the long-term use of PPIs at the point of care. The tool will be evaluated in a cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 210 GP practices and 3150 patients in Germany. GP practices will be asked to recruit 20 patients aged ≥ 18 years regularly taking PPIs for ≥ 6 months. After completion of patient recruitment, each GP practice with enrolled patients will be cluster-randomized. Intervention GP practices will get access to the software arriba-PPI, whereas control GPs will treat their patients as usual. After an observation period of six months, GP practices will be compared regarding the reduction of cumulated defined daily doses of PPI prescriptions per patient.

DISCUSSION

Our principal hypothesis is that the application of the arriba-PPI tool can reduce PPI prescribing in primary care by at least 15% compared to conventional strategies used by GPs. A positive result implies the implementation of the arriba-PPI tool in routine care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00016364. Registered on 31 January 2019.

Indian consensus on gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults: A position statement of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

The Indian Society of Gastroenterology developed this evidence-based practice guideline for management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. A modified Delphi process was used to develop this consensus containing 58 statements, which were generated by electronic voting iteration as well as face-to-face meeting and review of the supporting literature primarily from India. These statements include 10 on epidemiology, 8 on clinical presentation, 10 on investigations, 23 on treatment (including medical, endoscopic, and surgical modalities), and 7 on complications of GERD. When the proportion of those who voted either to accept completely or with minor reservation was 80% or higher, the statement was regarded as accepted. The prevalence of GERD in India ranges from 7.6% to 30%, being  < 10% in most population studies, and higher in cohort studies. The dietary factors associated with GERD include use of spices and non-vegetarian food. Helicobacter pylori is thought to have a negative relation with GERD; H. pylori negative patients have higher grade of symptoms of GERD and esophagitis. Less than 10% of GERD patients in India have erosive esophagitis. In patients with occasional or mild symptoms, antacids and histamine H₂ receptor blockers (H2RAs) may be used, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) should be used in patients with frequent or severe symptoms. Prokinetics have limited proven role in management of GERD.

Acupuncture for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (rGORD) is a common disease, affecting patients' quality of life. Since conventional medicines have limitations, like low effective rates and adverse events, acupuncture may be a promising therapy for rGORD. While no related systematic review has been published, the present study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese electronic databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang database, VIP, SinoMed and the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, will be searched from establishment of the database to 31 August 2019. There will be no limitations on language, and all articles will be screened and collected by two reviewers independently. RevMan V.5.3.5 software will be used for meta-analysis, and the conduction of study will refer to the Cochrane Handbook for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for rGORD will be evaluated based on outcomes, including global symptom improvement, oesophageal sphincter function test measured by high-resolution manometry, quality of life, recurrence rate and adverse events.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

There is no necessity for this study to acquire an ethical approval, and this review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018111912.

In search of the grail: A race for acid suppression

Proton pump inhibitors are the reference standards for the treatment of acid-related diseases. Acid suppression in gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with a high rate of mucosal cicatrization, but symptom response differs among endoscopic phenotypes. Extraesophageal manifestations have a good clinical response in patients that present with abnormal acid exposure (diagnostic test) in the esophagus. Proton pump inhibitors have shown their effectiveness for reducing symptom intensity in nighttime reflux and sleep disorders, improving quality of life and work productivity. That can sometimes be achieved through dose modifications by splitting or increasing the dose, or through galenic formulation. Proton pump inhibitors are not exempt from controversial aspects related to associated adverse events. Technological development is directed at improving proton pump inhibitor performance through increasing the half-life, maximum concentration, and area under the curve of the plasma concentrations through galenic formulation, as well as creating safer and more tolerable drugs. The present review is focused on the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and technological advances for increasing the pharmacologic performance of a proton pump inhibitor.

Beneficial effect of probiotics supplements in reflux esophagitis treated with esomeprazole: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common digestive disorder, and its frequent recurrences cause significant physical pain and are financially burdensome to patients. However, studies on the natural history of treated RE are few. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as the first-line treatment provide notable symptomatic relief, disordered gut microbiota has been observed among PPI users. Probiotics are commonly administered to patients to regulate the disordered intestinal flora.

AIM

To evaluate the therapeutic effects in RE patients treated with a combination of esomeprazole and probiotics [Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium)].

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-four RE patients were randomized into two groups of 67 subjects each. The probiotics group was administered with esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and live combined B. subtilis and E. faecium enteric-coated capsules 500 mg t.i.d. for eight weeks; the placebo group was administered with esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and placebo for eight weeks. Subsequently, 12-wk follow-up was carried out on patients who achieved both endoscopic and clinical cure. Endoscopy, reflux diagnostic questionnaire (RDQ), gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), and lactulose hydrogen breath test were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. A difference of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients in the probiotics group and 64 patients in the placebo group completed the 8-wk treatment. The healing rate and RDQ score had no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the GSRS diarrhea syndrome score was decreased significantly in the probiotics group (P = 0.002), and the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth negative rate in the probiotics group was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (P = 0.002). Of 114 endoscopically and clinically cured patients, 96 completed the follow-up. The log-rank test showed that the time to relapse was shorter in the placebo group than in the probiotics group (P = 0.041). Furthermore, the therapy had a significant influence on relapse time, and the risk of relapse in the probiotics group was lower than that in the placebo group at any time point during the 12-wk follow-up (hazard ratio = 0.52, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Esomeprazole combined with probiotics (B. subtilis and E. faecium) have a beneficial effect on RE treatment and patient management.

Factors Associated with Gastric Black Spot, White Flat Elevated Mucosa, and Cobblestone-Like Mucosa: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Previous studies have reported a possible relevance between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and 3 new gastric mucosal changes: black spots (BSs), white flat elevated mucosa (WFEM), and cobblestone-like mucosa (CLM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between these mucosal changes and multiple factors including PPI use.

METHODS

All subjects who underwent a routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were successively enrolled. Endoscopists carried out the EGD after being blinded about -information on patient PPI usage and determined the presence of these mucosal changes. The ratio of each factor was -compared in cases with and without each gastric finding.

RESULTS

Out of 1,214 patients, BSs were recognized in 75 (6.2%) cases, WFEM in 59 (4.9%), and CLM in 41 (3.4%). In logistic regression analysis, PPI use was significantly correlated with all of these findings (BSs: OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.66-5.21), (WFEM: OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.94-6.61), and (CLM: OR 4.57; 95% CI 2.34-9.96), and Helicobacter pylori eradication was related to BSs (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.73-5.24) and WFEM (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.08-4.11). Decision-tree analyses showed that H. pylori eradication was associated with all findings.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the considered findings were correlated with PPI and H. pylori eradication.

Involvement of histamine H1 and H2 receptor inverse agonists in receptor's crossregulation

Histamine [2-(4-Imidazolyl)-ethylamine] modulates different biological processes, through histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors, and their respective blockers are widely used in treating allergic and gastric acid-related disorders. Histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor crossdesensitization and cointernalization induced by its agonists have been previously described. In this study, we show how this crosstalk determines the response to histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor inverse agonists and how histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor inverse agonists interfere with the other receptor's response to agonists. By desensitization assays we demonstrate that histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor inverse agonists induce a crossregulation between both receptors. In this sense, the histamine H₁ receptor inverse agonists desensitize the cAMP response to amthamine, a histamine H₂ receptor agonist. In turn, histamine H₂ receptor inverse agonists interfere with histamine H₁ receptor signaling. We also determine that the crossdesensitization induced by histamine H₁ or H₂ receptor agonists alters the histamine inverse agonists receptor response: activation of histamine H₁ receptor affects cAMP response induced by histamine H₂ receptor inverse agonists, whereas histamine H₂ receptor agonist induces a negative regulation on the anti-inflammatory response of histamine H₁ receptor inverse agonists. Binding studies revealed that histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors cointernalize after stimulus with histamine receptor inverse agonists. In addition, the inhibition of the internalization process prevents receptor crossregulation. Our study provides new insights in the mechanisms of action of histamine H₁ and H₂ receptors that explain the effect of histamine H₁ and H₂ receptor inverse agonists and opens up new venues for novel therapeutic applications.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in an area with low Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence

The association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) prevalence and its risk factors in an area with low Helicobacter pylori prevalence is important to clarify. We analyzed the prevalence of GERD and risk factors in an area of Indonesia with low prevalence of H. pylori infection. We recruited 104 dyspeptic patients who underwent endoscopy in Surabaya. Patients were diagnosed with GERD based on the Los Angeles classification. We evaluated gastric biopsy specimens and measured serum pepsinogen levels. Interleukin polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Of 104 patients, 56 (53.8%) were endoscopically found to have GERD, with most categorized as grade A; 48 (46.2%) were classified as non-GERD. Higher economic status, smoking, and a history of proton-pump inhibitor use significantly increased the risk of GERD. GERD Questionnaire scores showed a positive correlation with GERD (P < 0.001). An association was found between antral atrophic gastritis and GERD (P = 0.030), and patients with GERD more frequently had severe antral atrophy than nonerosive reflux disease (P = 0.018). We found an association between pepsinogen I/II levels and GERD (P = 0.047), but with low accuracy. IL-1β -511 TT and CT were predominant among the IL-1β -511 genotypes, and IL-8-251 AT and TT were predominant among the IL-8-251 genotypes. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of GERD in an area with low prevalence of H. pylori infection, which could be associated with acid reflux. Smoking, history of proton-pump inhibitor use, and higher economic group significantly increased the risk of GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: common overlapping gastrointestinal disorders

Several studies have indicated an overlap between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). The overlapping conditions reported have mainly been functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The available literature is frequently based on symptomatic questionnaires or endoscopic procedures to diagnose GERD. Rarely, among patients with heartburn, pathophysiological evaluations have been considered to differentiate those with proven GERD from those without. Moreover, both GERD and IBS or FD showed enormous heterogeneity in terms of the criteria and diagnostic procedures used. The GERD-IBS overlap ranges from 3-79% in questionnaire-based studies and from 10-74% when GERD has been diagnosed endoscopically. The prevalence of functional dyspepsia (after normal upper endoscopy) is 12-15% and an overlap with GERD has been reported frequently. Only a few studies have considered a potential overlap between functional heartburn (FH) and IBS using a 24-h pH-metry or impedance-pH evaluation. Similar data has been reported for an overlap between FH and FD. Recently, a revision of the Rome criteria for esophageal FGIDs identified both FH and hypersensitive esophagus (HE) as potential functional esophageal disorders. This might increase the potential overlap between different FGIDs, with FH and HE rather than with GERD. The aim of the present review article was to appraise and discuss the current evidence supporting the possible concomitance of GERD with IBS and FD in the same patients and to evaluate how various GERD treatments could impact on the quality of life of these patients.

Current Trends in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) characterized by heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders managed by gastroenterologists and primary care physicians. There has been an increase in GERD prevalence, particularly in North America and East Asia. Over the past three decades proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been the mainstay of medical therapy for GERD. However, recently there has been an increasing awareness amongst physicians and patients regarding the side effects of the PPI class of drugs. In addition, there has been a marked decline in the utilization of surgical fundoplication as well as a rise in the development of nonmedical therapeutic modalities for GERD. This review focuses on different management strategies for GERD, optimal management of refractory GERD with special focus on available endoluminal therapies and the future directions.

Efficacy of Vonoprazan for Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Patients with Proton Pump Inhibitor-resistant Non-erosive Reflux Disease

Objective Clinically, patients with proton pomp inhibitor (PPI)-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are very challenging to treat. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of symptom relief and adverse events among PPI-resistant GERD patients that changed their therapy from a PPI to vonoprazan. Methods Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (total GERD-Q score ≥8) without endoscopic findings of mucosal breaks who changed their medication from a PPI to vonoprazan during a 12-week period from 2015 to 2016 at 2 hospitals were selected. The primary outcome was the self-reported relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The odds ratio (OR) for the improvement of symptoms was calculated based on an exact binomial distribution using a matched-pair analysis. The secondary outcome was the GERD-Q score and adverse events. Results Twenty-six patients (6 men) with a mean age of 67.5 years were analyzed. After the therapy was changed from a PPI to vonoprazan, 18 patients (69.2%) reported an improvement, 6 (23.1%) reported no change, and 2 (7.7%) reported an exacerbation of symptoms. A change in therapy was significantly associated with improved self-reported symptoms (OR 9.0, p<0.001). The mean total GERD-Q score during vonoprazan treatment was significantly lower than that during PPI therapy (11.96 vs. 8.92). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events between the therapies. Conclusion Changing the medication from a PPI to vonoprazan was significantly associated with an improvement in gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Vonoprazan is one of the most promising treatment options for patients with PPI-resistant GERD.

Preoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder Is Associated With Increased Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

In North America, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder ranges from 18.1% to 27.8%. We measured the risk posed by preoperative esophageal disease for patients undergoing abdominal operations.

METHOD

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP; 2005-2015) data were merged with institutional clinical data repository records to identify esophageal disease in surgical patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures. Patients with esophageal disease were classified as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or other, which included patients with esophageal stricture, spasm, ulcer, or diverticuli, achalasia, esophagitis, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and multiple esophageal diagnoses, excluding GERD. ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups included were colectomy, proctectomy, ventral hernia repair, bariatric surgery, hepatectomy, appendectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, open aortoiliac repair, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and oophorectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model postoperative complication rates, adjusting for ACS NSQIP risk of morbidity, demographic factors, ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups, and open versus laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

Of 9172 intra-abdominal cases, 21.3% had preoperative esophageal disease (19.6% GERD and 1.7% other). After adjustment, patients with GERD were at higher risk for experiencing a number of complications, including all-cause 30-d complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.41, P = 0.044), renal complication (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.09-1.87, P = 0.036), wound complication (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.79, P = 0.028), and readmission within 30 d (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.35-2.04, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GERD is associated with increased postoperative complication rate. Surgeons should consider assessing GERD in patients undergoing abdominal operations.

Sustained efficacy following resolution of frequent heartburn with an over-the-counter regimen of esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo for 14 days: two randomized trials

Background

A two-week course of therapy with an over-the-counter proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is recommended for frequent heartburn. Limited research has been conducted on the sustained efficacy of short-term PPI therapy after treatment cessation. Esomeprazole 20 mg was evaluated in the seven-day follow-up period after the two-week treatment period using pooled data from two identical randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.

Methods

Adults without confirmed diagnoses of gastroesophageal reflux disease experiencing heartburn at least two days/week in the past four weeks were eligible. Subjects received treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days. Heartburn episodes were documented using daily diaries. Missing data during the two-week treatment period were assumed to be days with heartburn. The proportion of subjects with heartburn resolution while on treatment and during the seven days of follow-up was assessed. Predictors of resolution during this post-treatment period were evaluated using a stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

All subjects in the pooled analysis set who reported diary data for at least three follow-up days were analyzed (N = 584). This cut-off was used to ensure that sufficient data were collected for these analyses. Greater run-in heartburn frequency was a significant negative predictor of heartburn resolution during follow-up (P < 0.001). Among the on-treatment efficacy variables, the best predictor of resolution during follow-up was resolution during the last seven days of treatment (odds ratio: 3.81 [95% confidence interval: 2.40, 6.05; P < 0.0001]).

Conclusions

Lower baseline heartburn frequency and heartburn resolution during the last seven days of treatment were associated with a greater likelihood of heartburn resolution during the seven-day follow-up.

Trial registration

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov June 11, 2011: NCT01370525; NCT01370538.