Symptom relief in patients with reflux esophagitis: comparative study of omeprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole

Lansoprazole plus levosulpiride versus esomeprazole in participants with gastroesophageal reflux disease and erosive esophagitis: a double blinded randomized control trial

Aim

The aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of lansoprazole plus levosulpiride over esomeprazole.

Methodology

This randomized control trial recruited 1000 participants having symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive esophagitis and they were blindly randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio with appropriate concealment. Group 1 was given lansoprazole plus levosulpiride combination twice daily whereas group 2 was prescribed only esomeprazole twice daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was the healing of erosive esophagitis and GERD at week 49. Secondary assessments included improvement in quality of life. Participants' quality of life was assessed before starting the treatment and post-treatment using a short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36).

Results

The lansoprazole plus levosulpiride group had significantly lower rates of positive postintervention GERD and erosive esophagitis status, and higher rates of sustained resolution of heartburn compared to the esomeprazole alone group. However, the lansoprazole plus levosulpiride group also had a higher risk of nausea.

Conclusion

Lansoprazole plus levosulpiride is a more effective and safe treatment for GERD than esomeprazole alone. Participants in the lansoprazole plus levosulpiride group showed a significantly higher rate of sustained resolution of GERD, lower rates of postintervention GERD and erosive esophagitis status, and a higher incidence of nausea compared to the esomeprazole alone group. Although quality of life worsened in both groups, adverse effects did not significantly differ. These findings strongly support the use of lansoprazole plus levosulpiride as a preferred treatment option for GERD and erosive esophagitis, which could have significant clinical implications for managing this common condition.

Cost Avoidance Analysis of Medication Conversions on the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in a Medication Therapy Management Call Center: A Budgetary Perspective

BACKGROUND

The burden of prescription drug prices affects patients and health system, creating a need for pharmacists to use their medication expertise to recommend the most cost-effective treatment for patients.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to analyze the cost avoidance for medication conversions related to GERD from an integrated medication therapy management call center.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at a call center during a 12-month intervention. Adult patients aged ≥18 years who received highercost PPIs were included. The pharmacists provided MTM services to patients telephonically to review all aspects of the patients' medication regimen as well as conversion recommendation to lower-cost PPIs. The cost avoidance analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 40 eligible patients, 9 patients accepted the medication conversion, resulting in a 22.5% acceptance rate. The total cost avoidance from medication conversions was $19,937.1 per year, which equated to $2,215.2 per patient. The adjusted cost avoidance of medication conversion was estimated by assuming the patients who accepted the conversion continued taking the medication for 365 days and resulted in a total savings of $40,370.7 per year, which equated to $4,485.6 per patient. There were no significant association between the acceptance of medication conversions and patient's age(P = 0.15), gender(P = 0.73), and insurance status(P = 0.96).

CONCLUSION

The study results showed that the call-center MTM with medicationconversion interventions successfully demonstrated an economically advantageous impact from a budgetary perspective. Further studies should explore methods to increase acceptance of MTM services and promote awareness of the profound effect on public health and well-being.

Rabeprazole: the role of proton pump inhibitors inHelicobacter pylorieradication

Proton pump inhibitors have become one of the cornerstones in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Rabeprazole (Pariet) is a substituted benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor with potent gastric acid suppression properties. Its high acid-base dissociation constant allows activation over a broader pH range, resulting in quick, irreversible binding to the H+/K+-ATPase pump, and a more rapid onset of action compared with omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole. Unlike other proton pump inhibitors, the metabolism of rabeprazole is primarily via a nonenzymatic reduction to the thioether derivative, and the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 is only partly involved in its metabolism. The effect of genetic polymorphism in cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2C19 on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rabeprazole is therefore limited. In humans, once-daily dosing of 5-40 mg of rabeprazole inhibits gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro studies have shown that rabeprazole possesses more potent antibacterial properties against the growth of H. pylori than other proton pump inhibitors. Furthermore, its thioether derivative has more potent inhibitory in vitro activity against the growth and motility of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori than other proton pump inhibitors or commonly used antimicrobials. Despite these inherent favorable characteristics of rabeprazole, randomized controlled trials have largely shown equivalence amongst proton pump inhibitors when used with two antibiotics in the eradication of H. pylori, with cure rates of 75-89% on an intent-to-treat basis. However, rabeprazole appears to consistently achieve such comparable eradication rates even when used at reduced doses (10 mg twice daily) as part of clarithromycin-based triple therapy.

Twice-daily dosing of esomeprazole effectively inhibits acid secretion in CYP2C19 rapid metabolisers compared with twice-daily omeprazole, rabeprazole or lansoprazole

BACKGROUND

Twice-daily dosing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is used to treat Helicobacter pylori or acid-related diseases, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to standard dose of a PPI. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2C19 are involved to different extents in the metabolism of four kinds of PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole and esomeprazole) available in Japan.

AIM

To compare acid-inhibitory effects of the four PPIs dosed twice daily in relation to CYP2C19 genotype.

METHODS

We performed 24-h pH monitoring studies on Day 7 of PPI treatment for 40 Japanese H. pylori-negative volunteers [15 CYP2C19 rapid metabolisers (RMs), 15 intermediate metabolisers (IMs) and 10 poor metabolisers (PMs)] using a randomised four-way crossover design: omeprazole 20 mg, esomeprazole 20 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg and rabeprazole 10 mg twice daily.

RESULTS

Although median pH values with esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole and rabeprazole were 5.7 (3.5-7.2), 5.5 (2.4-7.2), 5.5 (3.7-7.3) and 5.2 (2.5-7.3), respectively (no statistically significant differences), CYP2C19 genotype-dependent differences were smaller for esomeprazole and rabeprazole compared with values for omeprazole and lansoprazole. In CYP2C19 RMs, the median pH with esomeprazole [5.4 (3.5-6.8)] was significantly higher than those with omeprazole [5.0 (2.4-5.9), P = 0.018], lansoprazole [4.7 (3.7-5.5), P = 0.017] or rabeprazole [4.8 (2.5-6.4), P = 0.002]. In IMs and PMs, the median pH was >5.0 independent of the PPI.

CONCLUSIONS

In intermediate and rapid metabolisers of CYP2C19, PPIs dosed twice daily could attain sufficient acid suppression, while in CYP2C19 RMs, esomeprazole 20 mg twice daily caused the strongest inhibition of the four PPIs. Therefore, esomeprazole may be effective in Japanese population when dosed twice daily.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Relief in Patients Treated with Rabeprazole 20 mg versus Omeprazole 20 mg: A Meta-Analysis

Background. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted comparing the efficacy of rabeprazole 20 mg or omeprazole 20 mg once daily for patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Until now, no study has synthesized all available data examining this issue. Method. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched (through December 2012). Eligible RCTs recruited adults with erosive GERD and reported endoscopic and symptomatic relief rates at the last point of follow-up. The effect of rabeprazole versus omeprazole was reported as relative risk (RR) of relief with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The search identified 605 citations, and six RCTs containing 1,895 patients were eligible. Endoscopic relief rates were not significantly different between rabeprazole 20 mg and omeprazole 20 mg in treatment trials of up to 8 weeks. Heartburn relief rates were significantly different between the two groups for 8-week treatment trials. Adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups for 8-week treatment trials. Conclusion. These data suggest that rabeprazole demonstrates a clinical advantage over omeprazole in symptomatic relief but no significant difference in endoscopic relief of erosive GERD for up to 8 weeks of treatment. Rabeprazole and omeprazole were both tolerated by GERD patients.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Relief in Patients Treated with Rabeprazole 20 mg versus Omeprazole 20 mg: A Meta-Analysis

Background. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted comparing the efficacy of rabeprazole 20 mg or omeprazole 20 mg once daily for patients with erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Until now, no study has synthesized all available data examining this issue. Method. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials were searched (through December 2012). Eligible RCTs recruited adults with erosive GERD and reported endoscopic and symptomatic relief rates at the last point of follow-up. The effect of rabeprazole versus omeprazole was reported as relative risk (RR) of relief with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The search identified 605 citations, and six RCTs containing 1,895 patients were eligible. Endoscopic relief rates were not significantly different between rabeprazole 20 mg and omeprazole 20 mg in treatment trials of up to 8 weeks. Heartburn relief rates were significantly different between the two groups for 8-week treatment trials. Adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups for 8-week treatment trials. Conclusion. These data suggest that rabeprazole demonstrates a clinical advantage over omeprazole in symptomatic relief but no significant difference in endoscopic relief of erosive GERD for up to 8 weeks of treatment. Rabeprazole and omeprazole were both tolerated by GERD patients.

The Diagnostic Significance of Coapplying a Rabeprazole Test with the SF-36 for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a diversity disease that affects life quality of people in the world. Due to the complicated pathogenesis and variations in clinical manifestations, there is still no true gold standard for GERD diagnosis, and it is still difficult to diagnose this disease in some patients. The proton pump inhibitor's diagnostic test (the PPI test) is noninvasive, of low cost, tied to treatment, and widely accepted. Our aim is to evaluate the diagnostic significance of coapplying a rabeprazole test with the SF-36 for GERD in this study. Our study shows that the SF-36 in combination with the rabeprazole test can screen GERD patients and increase the sensitivity and specificity of GERD diagnosis through reference to the change in SF-36 score before and after the treatment (65 in the trial).

[The Mexican consensus on gastroesophageal reflux disease. Part I]

BACKGROUND

The changes, advances, and new discoveries regarding different aspects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have made it necessary to update the Mexican Consensus published in 2002.

AIMS

To elaborate a new Mexican Consensus on GERD.

METHODS

The general project coordinators selected six GERD experts to carry out an extensive review of the literature for the purpose of elaborating statements on the principal aspects of GERD. These were then placed under the consideration of specialists in the study of this disease. Definitive approval by all participants was reached using the modified Delphi method with three rounds of anonymous and iterative voting. The following scale was employed: A- in complete agreement; B- in agreement, but with minor concerns; C- in agreement, but with major concerns; D- in disagreement, but with major concerns; E- in disagreement, but with minor concerns; or F- in complete disagreement. Consensus was declared when 67.00% or more of the participants concurred on a category of agreement (A, B, or C).

RESULTS

A consensus was reached on 160 of the statements upon completion of the voting rounds, with 90.00% concurrence for the majority of them.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2011 Mexican Consensus on Gastroesophageal Disease is a practical and up-to-date consultation tool, providing the opinion of Mexican experts on all the new information available about this disease. It allows there to be homogeneity in diagnostic and therapeutic criteria, all of which serves to benefit our patients.

Rabeprazole for the treatment of acid-related disorders

Proton pump inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of acid-related disorders. Rabeprazole is a potent and irreversible inhibitor of H(+)/K(+)-ATPase gastric pump, and it is indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, Zollinger Ellison syndrome, duodenal and gastric ulcers and for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in combination with antibiotics. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data show that rabeprazole achieves a pronounced acid suppression from the first administration that is maintained with repeated use; this may translate into faster onset of symptom relief for patients, particularly suitable when the indication is for the on-demand long-term maintenance of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Due to its predominantly nonenzymatic metabolism, rabeprazole has a lower potential for drug-drug interactions. The objective of this article is to update efficacy and safety data of rabeprazole in the treatment of acid-related disorders, following a previous review dated 2008.

Predicting the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in patients with non-erosive reflux disease before therapy using dual-channel 24-h esophageal pH monitoring

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We aimed to determine whether reflux- and symptom-related parameters can predict the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD).

METHODS

Twenty-seven NERD patients who had experienced heartburn more than once a week within the previous month were enrolled. Intraesophageal pH before therapy was measured simultaneously at 5 and 15 cm above the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) for 24 h. The PPI rabeprazole was administered at a dose of 10 mg once daily for 4 weeks. In the event that heartburn was not relieved, the dose was increased to 10 mg twice daily for an additional 2 weeks, and again to 20 mg twice daily for another 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant associations between any reflux- or symptom-related parameters at either site and complete heartburn relief after 4 weeks, or cumulative complete heartburn relief after 8 weeks. However, post-hoc analysis demonstrated more satisfactory heartburn relief after 4 weeks in patients with a high symptom index compared with those with a low symptom index, at 5 cm above the EGJ (P = 0.009). Cumulative satisfactory heartburn relief after 8 weeks was also greater in patients with a high total number of acid reflux episodes compared with those with a low total number of episodes, at 15 cm above the EGJ (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-therapeutic pH monitoring in the lower and mid-esophagus is useful for predicting the efficacy of PPI in NERD patients.

Efficacy of twice-daily rabeprazole for reflux esophagitis patients refractory to standard once-daily administration of PPI: the Japan-based TWICE study

OBJECTIVES

Approximately 10% of patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) are not cured with the standard 8-week q.d. regimen with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Thus, b.i.d. dosing is often used in refractory RE (rRE) patients, although there has been no report of endoscopically confirmed healing with b.i.d. dosing of PPIs. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 8-week therapy with rabeprazole (RPZ) sodium at 20 mg b.i.d. or 10 mg b.i.d. as compared with RPZ at 20 mg q.d. in patients with RE refractory to the standard PPI regimen in Japan.

METHODS

Endoscopically confirmed rRE patients (Los Angeles grade A-D) who had received a standard PPI regimen for at least 8 weeks were randomized in a double-blind manner into groups receiving RPZ at 20 and 10 mg b.i.d. or 20 mg q.d. (control) daily for up to 8 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the rate of endoscopically confirmed healing after week 8.

RESULTS

A total of 337 rRE patients treated at 71 sites were randomized. The rate of endoscopically confirmed healing after 8 weeks was significantly higher in those who received RPZ at 20 mg b.i.d. (77.0%, P = 0.003) and 10 mg b.i.d. (78.4%, P = 0.001) as compared with 20 mg q.d. (58.8%), and the rates of resolution of heartburn after week 8 were 80.0%, 74.0%, and 56.4%, respectively. All treatment regimens were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Regimens of RPZ at 20 and 10 mg b.i.d. for 8 weeks were more effective than 20 mg q.d. with regard to endoscopically confirmed healing and symptom resolution of RE refractory to a standard PPI regimen.

Alternative therapeutic approaches to chronic proton pump inhibitor treatment

Chronic consumption of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) by patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease is very common, primarily because of their potent and profound effect on acid secretion that results in an unsurpassed rate of symptom resolution and esophageal healing. However, there have been a growing number of reports over the past few years about various side effects caused by chronic PPI treatment. Concerns have been raised by patients and physicians alike about the common practice of prescribing PPIs, often more than once daily, on a long-term basis. As a result, there has been a resurgence of interest in alternative therapeutic modalities for chronic PPI treatment. These include novel endoscopic and surgical techniques, as well as other available therapeutic strategies that are likely to be revisited, such as histamine-2-receptor antagonists, intermittent and on-demand PPI treatment, and antireflux surgery, among others.

Acid-suppressive effect of rabeprazole 5 mg and 10 mg once daily by 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in patients with non-erosive reflux disease in Japan: a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind pharmacodynamic study

BACKGROUND

Acid suppression induced by rabeprazole 5 mg in patients with NERD has not been reported in the literature.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to investigate gastroesophageal acid suppression in NERD patients by rabeprazole 5 mg and 10 mg/day.

METHODS

Subjects were grade M (minimal changes) NERD patients. Twenty-two patients not responding to open label antacid therapy entered a double-blind treatment phase in which rabeprazole 5 mg or 10 mg/day for four weeks were compared. Twenty-four-hour esophageal pH monitoring was performed before and on treatment (at week 4) to assess the pharmacodynamic effect of these doses of rabeprazole.

RESULTS

The frequency of heartburn episodes and the number of acid reflux episodes in the esophagus corresponded well in grade M NERD patients (r=0.44, P=0.042). Median percentage of time at pH<4 was 4.3% before treatment and 1.1% on treatment with rabeprazole 5 mg (change from baseline; -2.5%), whereas the median percentage of time at pH<4 in the rabeprazole 10 mg group was 7.4% before treatment and 0.5% on treatment (change from baseline; -6.6%). Likewise, treatment-related changes of median number of reflux episodes were -18.0 with rabeprazole 5 mg and -44.0 with rabeprazole 10 mg. For each esophageal pH data, no significant differences were observed between the two groups (P=0.377, P=0.077).

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of 5 mg and 10 mg rabeprazole sufficiently inhibited pathological gastroesophageal acid reflux and relieved heartburn episodes in NERD patients who did not respond to an antacid. Further investigation would be necessary to determine proper usage of the two doses.

Characteristics of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease refractory to proton pump inhibitor therapy

AIM: To investigate whether potent acid inhibition is effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) refractory to standard rabeprazole (RPZ) treatment.

METHODS: We treated 10 Japanese patients with NERD resistant to standard dosages of RPZ: 10 mg or 20 mg od, 20 mg bid, or 10 mg qid for 14 d. All patients completed a frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG); and underwent 24 h pH monitoring on day 14.

RESULTS: With increased dosages and frequency of administration of RPZ, median intragastric pH significantly increased, and FSSG scores significantly decreased. With RPZ 10 mg qid, potent acid inhibition was attained throughout 24 h. However, five subjects were refractory to RPZ 10 mg qid, although the median intragastric pH in these subjects (6.6, range: 6.2-7.1) was similar to that in the remaining five responsive subjects (6.5, range: 5.3-7.3). With baseline RPZ 10 mg od, FSSG scores in responsive patients improved by > 30%, whereas there was no significant decrease in the resistant group.

CONCLUSION: NERD patients whose FSSG score fails to decrease by > 30% after treatment with RPZ 10 mg od for 14 d are refractory to higher dosage.

WITHDRAWN: Medical treatments in the short term management of reflux oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Oesophagitis arises when reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus causes mucosal inflammation. It is a common problem and a systematic review on the optimum treatment would be useful.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), prokinetic therapy, sucralfate and placebo in healing oesophagitis or curing reflux symptoms or both. To compare adverse effects with the different treatments.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the National Research Register until December 2004 and reference lists of articles. We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials assessing the healing of oesophagitis or reflux symptoms or both. Treatment involving PPIs, H2RAs, prokinetics, sucralfate and combinations either in comparison to another treatment regimen or to placebo for 2 and 12 weeks.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviews independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 134 trials involving 35,978 oesophagitis participants. Five RCTs evaluated standard dose of PPI versus placebo in 965 participants. There was a statistically significant benefit of taking standard dose PPI therapy compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.31). Ten RCTs reported on the outcome for H2RA versus placebo evaluating 1241 participants. There was statistically significant benefit of taking H2RA compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.74,95% CI = 0.66 to 0.84). Three RCTs evaluated prokinetic therapy versus placebo in 198 participants. There was no statistically significant benefit of taking prokinetic therapy compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.10). Twenty six RCTs reported the outcome for PPI versus H2RA or H2RA plus prokinetics, evaluating 4032 participants. There was statistically significant benefit of taking PPI therapy compared to H2RA or H2RA plus prokinetics in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.59).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

PPI therapy is the most effective therapy in oesophagitis but H2RA therapy is also superior to placebo. There is a paucity of evidence on prokinetic therapy but no evidence that it is superior to placebo.

Prospective, observational study using rabeprazole in 455 patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease

The role of proton pump inhibitor in the treatment of laryngopharygneal reflux disease (LPRD) has been advocated, but there has been few reports dealing with large population based on time-related efficacy of rabeprazole. It was designed to assess the efficacy of rabeprazole and to evaluate which symptoms or findings varied significantly as medication sustained. Multiorgan, open-label cohort, prospective observational study was designed. We identified 1,142 patients with LPRD, and enrolled 455 patients, who participated fully in this survey and follow-up observation for 12 weeks. Reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) were used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. These parameters were evaluated at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks, respectively. Valid rate was used to explain improved proportion of patients after medication. The most common symptom was a globus sense in the throat. Posterior commissure hypertrophy was the most frequently encountered laryngoscopic finding. Female patients complained of heartburn and chest pain more than did male patients (P < 0.001), whereas male patients showed ventricular obliteration and erythematous changes more frequently than did female patients (P < 0.001). By RSI evaluation, scores gradually declined. Each item of the RSI improved at every visit (P < 0.001). Total RFS decreased progressively for 12 weeks and similar results were seen when every RFS item was individually examined. The proportion of patients who showed RSI and RFS falling by more than 50% after medication increased gradually as follow-up continued. This trend seemed to be significant (P < 0.001). Side effects of therapy were minimal. Despite the some constraints of an observational study, rabeprazole appeared to improve LPRD symptoms and signs. Prolonged medication at least 3 months may be beneficial to LPRD patients. Long-term medication effects require further evaluation.

Randomised clinical trial: a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the efficacy and safety of rabeprazole 5 mg or 10 mg once daily in patients with non-erosive reflux disease

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of rabeprazole 5 mg/day for patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) has not been reported in the literature.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of rabeprazole 5 mg and 10 mg/day in Japanese NERD patients. The influence of baseline characteristics as well as genetic background on efficacy was also analysed.

METHODS

Subjects were grade M (minimal changes) NERD patients. Two hundred and eighty-eight of these subjects, who were nonresponders to open label antacid therapy, entered in a 4-week, double-blind treatment (placebo, rabeprazole 5 mg or 10 mg/day).

RESULTS

Complete heartburn relief rates were 21% in placebo, 34% in rabeprazole 5 mg and 44% in rabeprazole 10 mg (5 mg vs. placebo P = 0.074, 10 mg vs. placebo P = 0.001). Rabeprazole 5 mg was significantly more effective than placebo in elderly patients and in patients with low heartburn frequency or without hiatal hernia. The efficacy of rabeprazole 10 mg was not influenced by age, BMI, hiatal hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, frequency and severity of heartburn or CYP2C19 genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Rabeprazole 5 mg was effective in a subgroup of Japanese NERD patients. Rabeprazole 10 mg provided more potent heartburn relief than 5 mg and was less fragile to baseline characteristics.

Relationship between the Acid-Inhibitory Effects of Two Proton Pump Inhibitors and CYP2C19 Genotype in Japanese Subjects: A Randomized Two-Way Crossover Study

This two-way crossover study investigated possible differences between the proton pump inhibitors, omeprazole and rabeprazole, in their effect on gastric acid secretion in Japanese subjects with differing cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily C, polypeptide 19 (CYP2C19) genotypes. A total of 23 Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy volunteers received omeprazole 20 mg/day and rabeprazole 10 mg/day. Each drug treatment was given for a continuous 7-day period allocated in random order, with an interval of at least 1 week between drug treatment periods to allow for wash-out. Intragastric pH was measured on days 1 and 7. Overall median intragastric pH levels at 7 and 8 h after the first administration were significantly higher with omeprazole. There was no significant difference in intragastric pH in homozygous extensive metabolizers, whereas intragastric pH was significantly higher with omeprazole in combined data from heterozygous extensive metabolizers and poor metabolizers at 6, 7 and 8 h after the first drug administration. There were no significant differences in intragastric pH between omeprazole and rabeprazole irrespective of genotype on day 7 of administration. In conclusion, on day 1 the time to onset of the antisecretory action of 20 mg/day omeprazole was more rapid than that of 10 mg/day rabeprazole in Japanese individuals who have a higher incidence of the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer genotype, however by day 7 no difference in antisecretory effect was found, regardless of genotype.

Characteristics of reflux episodes and symptom association in patients with erosive esophagitis and nonerosive reflux disease: study using combined impedance-pH off therapy

OBJECTIVES

We sought to compare reflux and symptom association patterns in patients with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), erosive esophagitis (EE), and in healthy volunteers (HVs).

METHODS

Patients with EE and NERD underwent combined impedance-pH monitoring. Normal values were defined on the basis of previously collected data from 48 HVs. We evaluated distal esophageal acid exposure time (AET), number and type of reflux episodes (acid, nonacid), acid and bolus clearance times, proximal extension of reflux episodes, and symptom association probability (SAP).

RESULTS

Distal AET (percentage time, pH<4) was higher (P<0.01) in 58 EE patients (median 7.4%, 25-75th percentile 4.2-9.9%) compared with 168 NERD patients (4.2% (1.2-6.4%)) and 48 HVs (0.7% (0.2-1.4%)). Patients with EE and NERD had a higher (P<0.01) number of acid reflux episodes compared with HVs (51 (37-66) vs. 34 (22-51) vs. 17 (8-31); P<0.05), but a similar number of nonacid reflux episodes (22 (15-39) vs. 23 (15-38) vs. 18 (14-26); P=NS). The percentage of reflux episodes reaching the proximal esophagus was higher (P<0.01) in EE patients (57% (45-73%)) than in NERD patients (45% (36-60%)) and HVs (33% (19-46%)). A positive SAP for heartburn or regurgitation was found in 161 of 168 (96%) NERD and 54 of 58 (93%) EE patients (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Acid reflux episodes, volume, and acid clearance are important factors in the pathogenesis of reflux-induced lesions. Nonacid reflux contributes less to esophageal mucosa damage, but is involved in the development of reflux symptoms in both NERD and EE patients.

Systematic review: standard- and double-dose proton pump inhibitors for the healing of severe erosive oesophagitis -- a mixed treatment comparison of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

No randomized controlled trial (RCT) has compared all European-licensed standard- and double-dose PPIs for the healing of severe erosive oesophagitis.

AIM

To compare the effectiveness of licensed doses of PPIs for healing severe erosive oesophagitis (i.e. esomeprazole 40 mg, lansoprazole 30 mg, omeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg and rabeprazole 20 mg).

METHODS

Systematic review of CENTRAL, EMBASE and MEDLINE for RCTs in patients with erosive oesophagitis (completed October 2008). Endoscopically verified healing rates at 4 and 8 weeks were extracted and re-calculated if not analysed by intention-to-treat. A mixed treatment comparison was used to combine direct treatment comparisons with indirect trial evidence while maintaining randomization. Odds ratios (OR) are reported compared to omeprazole 20 mg.

RESULTS

A total of 3021 papers were identified in the literature search; 12 were of sufficient quality to be included in the analysis. Insufficient data were available to included rabeprazole. Esomeprazole 40 mg was found to provide significantly higher healing rates at 4 weeks [OR 1.84, 95% Credible Interval (95% CrI): 1.50 to 2.22] and 8 weeks (OR 1.91, 95% CrI: 1.13 to 2.88). No other PPI investigated had significantly higher healing rates than omeprazole 20 mg.

CONCLUSION

Esomeprazole 40 mg consistently demonstrates higher healing rates compared with licensed standard- and double-dose PPIs.

Rabeprazole: a pharmacologic and clinical review for acid-related disorders

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that can be used in the treatment of acid-peptic-related disorders (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, gastric acid hypersecretory syndromes) and Helicobacter pylori. Pharmacodynamic data has demonstrated that rabeprazole, with a high pKa of approximately 5.0, can be activated at a higher pH than other proton pump inhibitors. This possibly results in faster onset of action. Owing to its non-enzymatic pathway of metabolism, rabeprazole is also less influenced by genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2C19, which others proton pump inhibitors are dependent on. In a 2-week, placebo-controlled trial, rabeprazole was both rapid and effective in relieving heartburn on day 1 of therapy and improved other GERD-related symptoms including regurgitation, belching, bloating, early satiety and nausea. For oesophageal reflux disease without erosions both 10 and 20 mg of rabeprazole are equivalent and better than placebo at 2 and 4 weeks. An on-demand approach to non-erosive reflux disease with 10 mg of rabeprazole has also been documented as superior to placebo. Some success in the treatment of extra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD, such as asthma and chronic laryngitis, has also been achieved with rabeprazole. Overall, rabeprazole with very few side effects is a safe and efficacious medication for acid suppression therapy.

It is possible to classify non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients into endoscopically normal groups and minimal change groups by subjective symptoms and responsiveness to rabeprazole -- a report from a study with Japanese patients

The hypothesis that non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients comprise various subgroups is gaining popularity. This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of categorizing NERD patients according to symptom types and response to acid-suppressive drug rabeprazole (RPZ) 10 mg/day. NERD patients were classified as grade N (endoscopically normal), M (minimal change), or erosive GERD, and answered a 51-item, yes-or-no questionnaire pre and post-treatment. Compared to erosive GERD, clear differences existed in pretreatment prevalence of symptoms and responsiveness to RPZ in grades N and M; the results suggested stomachaches (especially at night) were significant symptoms in grade N and dysmotility-like symptoms like bloated stomach were significant in grade M while gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were significant in erosive GERD. Clinical significance of classifying NERD was indicated from different symptoms and responsiveness to PPI.

Rabeprazole: a second-generation proton pump inhibitor in the treatment of acid-related disease

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) presenting a very advantageous pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile over older PPIs. In particular, this drug has a very fast onset of action, due to a short activation time and a very high pKa, and may therefore be defined as a 'second generation' PPI. The aim of this article is to provide an update on the pharmacology and clinical profile of rabeprazole and its use in acid-related disorders, with a particular focus on its role in gastroesophageal reflux disease; in the treatment and prevention of duodenal and gastric ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; in the therapy of the extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (in particular the respiratory and ear, nose and throat ones); and in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

Acid and non-acid reflux patterns in patients with erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD): a study using intraluminal impedance monitoring

BACKGROUND

Non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE) are the most common phenotypic presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIM

To assess acid and non-acid reflux patterns in patients with EE and NERD using combined esophageal pH-impedance monitoring.

METHODS

A total of 26 GERD patients off acid-suppressive medication and ten healthy volunteers (HV) underwent upper endoscopy and 24-h pH-impedance monitoring. Analysis of the pH-impedance signals included total reflux time, number of reflux episodes according to gas-liquid composition, and pH (acid, non-acid).

RESULTS

EE was identified in 13 patients and NERD in 13 patients. Pathologic acid reflux was found in 92.3 and 69.2% of patients with EE and NERD, respectively (P = 0.15). When compared to HV, EE patients and NERD patients showed a higher incidence of acid (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, EE vs. HV and NERD vs. HV, respectively) and non-acid reflux episodes (P = 0.03 and P = 0.001, EE vs. HV and NERD vs. HV, respectively). Mean reflux times, as assessed by both pH-metry and impedance monitoring, and incidence of acid and non-acid reflux episodes were similar in EE and NERD patients. In the supine position, however, EE patients showed a higher incidence of acid (P = 0.048) and liquid reflux episodes (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

Whereas EE patients have more acid reflux episodes in the supine position than NERD patients, patients with EE and NERD have similar non-acid reflux patterns. This observation lends support to the notion that non-acid reflux is less damaging to the esophageal mucosa than acid reflux.

Asia-Pacific consensus on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: update

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Since the publication of the Asia-Pacific GERD consensus in 2004, more data concerning the epidemiology and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have emerged. An evidence based review and update was needed.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group developed consensus statements using the Delphi approach. Relevant data were presented, and the quality of evidence, strength of recommendation, and level of consensus were graded.

RESULTS

GERD is increasing in frequency in Asia. Risk factors include older age, male sex, race, family history, higher socioeconomic status, increased body mass index, and smoking. Symptomatic response to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) test is diagnostic in patients with typical symptoms if alarm symptoms are absent. A negative pH study off therapy excludes GERD if a PPI test fails. The role for narrow band imaging, capsule endoscopy, and wireless pH monitoring has not yet been undefined. Diagnostic strategies in Asia must consider coexistent gastric cancer and peptic ulcer. Weight loss and elevation of head of bed improve reflux symptoms. PPIs are the most effective medical treatment. On-demand therapy is appropriate for nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) patients. Patients with chronic cough, laryngitis, and typical GERD symptoms should be offered twice daily PPI therapy after excluding non-GERD etiologies. Fundoplication could be offered to GERD patients when an experienced surgeon is available. Endoscopic treatment of GERD should not be offered outside clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to clarify the role of newer diagnostic modalities and endoscopic therapy. Diagnostic strategies for GERD in Asia must consider coexistent gastric cancer and peptic ulcer. PPIs remain the cornerstone of therapy.

Efficacy of rabeprazole on heartburn symptom resolution in patients with non-erosive and erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a multicenter study from Japan

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors in resolving the symptoms of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and of erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Japan.

AIM

To investigate and compare the efficacy of 4-week course of rabeprazole 10 mg/day on symptom resolution in NERD and erosive GERD in Japan.

METHODS

The modified Los Angeles classification was used to grade endoscopically GERD in patients with heartburn (Grades N and M: NERD, Grades A and B: mild reflux oesophagitis (RO), and Grades C and D: severe RO). Rabeprazole 10 mg/day was administered for 4 weeks to 180 patients who kept symptom diaries.

RESULTS

Complete relief of the symptoms was achieved in 35.8% of the NERD group and 55.4% of the erosive GERD group (mild RO: 51.1% and severe RO: 77.8%). Rabeprazole was significantly more effective in erosive GERD than in NERD patients. Among the NERD subgroups (Grades N and M), no difference in symptom improvement was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Four-week, rabeprazole 10 mg/day acid suppression therapy was effective in resolving symptoms in Japanese GERD patients. This therapy was more effective in erosive GERD than in NERD patients, and in those with severe RO than in those with mild RO.

Medical treatments in the short term management of reflux oesophagitis

BACKGROUND

Oesophagitis arises when reflux of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus causes mucosal inflammation. It is a common problem and a systematic review on the optimum treatment would be useful.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), prokinetic therapy, sucralfate and placebo in healing oesophagitis or curing reflux symptoms or both. To compare adverse effects with the different treatments.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the National Research Register until December 2004 and reference lists of articles. We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials assessing the healing of oesophagitis or reflux symptoms or both. Treatment involving PPIs, H2RAs, prokinetics, sucralfate and combinations either in comparison to another treatment regimen or to placebo for 2 and 12 weeks.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviews independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 134 trials involving 35,978 oesophagitis participants. Five RCTs evaluated standard dose of PPI versus placebo in 965 participants. There was a statistically significant benefit of taking standard dose PPI therapy compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.31). Ten RCTs reported on the outcome for H2RA versus placebo evaluating 1241 participants. There was statistically significant benefit of taking H2RA compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.74,95% CI = 0.66 to 0.84). Three RCTs evaluated prokinetic therapy versus placebo in 198 participants. There was no statistically significant benefit of taking prokinetic therapy compared to placebo in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.10). Twenty six RCTs reported the outcome for PPI versus H2RA or H2RA plus prokinetics, evaluating 4032 participants. There was statistically significant benefit of taking PPI therapy compared to H2RA or H2RA plus prokinetics in healing of oesophagitis (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.59).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

PPI therapy is the most effective therapy in oesophagitis but H2RA therapy is also superior to placebo. There is a paucity of evidence on prokinetic therapy but no evidence that it is superior to placebo.

Efficacy of esomeprazole combined with hydrotalcite and mosapride in treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To evaluate the effect of esomeprazole combined with hydrotalcite and mosapride on refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD).

METHODS: A total of 101 rGERD patients were randomly divided into groups A (n = 36), B B (n = 34) and C (n = 31), treated with esomeprazole plus hydrotalcite plus mosapride, esomeprazole plus mosapride, and hydrotacite plus mosapride, respectively. The clinical outcomes were observed and analyzed after 4 and 8 wk of treatment. Endoscopy was performed to evaluate the effective rate in the three groups.

RESULTS: After 4 wk of treatment, the total improvement rate was significantly higher in group A (88.9%) than that in group B (79.4%) and C (61.3%) (χ² = 7.3531, P < 0.05). Eight weeks after treatment, the total improvement rates were 97.2%, 88.2% and 71.0% in group A, B and C, and the effective rates detected by endoscopy were 94.4%, 85.3% and 67.7%, respectively. The total improvement rate (χ² = 9.6039, P < 0.01) and effective rate (χ² = 8.6496, P < 0.05) were markedly higher in group A than those in B and C group.

CONCLUSION: Esomeprazole combined with hydrotalcite and mosapride may be highly effective in the treatment of rGERD.

Erosive esophagitis and nonerosive reflux disease (NERD): comparison of epidemiologic, physiologic, and therapeutic characteristics

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis are the main presentations of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, NERD is the most common presentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease in community-based patients. Patients with NERD differ in demographic characteristics from patients with erosive esophagitis, primarily in sex distribution, weight/body mass index, and prevalence of hiatal hernia. Physiologically, patients with NERD tend to have normal lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure, minimal esophageal body motility abnormalities, low esophageal acid exposure profile and minimal nighttime esophageal acid exposure. Patients with NERD have a lower symptom response rate to proton pump inhibitor once daily than patients with erosive esophagitis. Additionally, NERD patients demonstrate a longer lag-time for symptom resolution and lack of difference in symptom response rate between half to full dose proton pump inhibitor as compared with patients with erosive esophagitis.

Dysphagia associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease is improved by proton pump inhibitor

This study aimed to determine whether dysphagia associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease was effectively treated with rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. Sixty-eight outpatients with gastroesophageal reflux-associated dysphagia were enrolled in this study. Endoscopic esophagitis was confirmed in 52 of 68 subjects. The proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole was administered at 20 mg daily for 8 weeks. Rabeprazole was administered for a further 6 months to 16 subjects whose dysphagia was improved (10 mg/day) and 5 of these underwent 24-hr esophageal pH monitoring before and after treatment. Dysphagia was completely resolved in 40 of 68 subjects, which were categorized in Group I. Dysphagia improved partially in 20 subjects and was unchanged in 8 subjects. These 28 subjects were categorized into Group II. Comparison was made between Group I and Group II and multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only factor that correlated with the effect of rabeprazole on dysphagia was "improvement in heartburn symptoms." There were no relapses of symptoms during the 6-month follow-up period, and pH monitoring showed sustained suppression of acid secretion. The results indicate that rabeprazole is effective in the treatment of dysphagia associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. We were, however, unable to elicit any factors that could predict the therapeutic effect of rabeprazole before commencing treatment.

Effects of rabeprazole on early symptom relief in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: the Hellenic Rabeprazole Study Group surveillance study

BACKGROUND

In controlled clinical trials, rabeprazole effectively improves symptoms and heals oesophageal erosions in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

AIM

To examine symptom relief during week 1 of rabeprazole therapy, in addition to GORD healing, in a clinical practice setting.

METHODS

In this 8-week, prospective, multicentre, postauthorisation surveillance study conducted in Greece, patients with GORD (intent-to-treat: efficacy, 272; safety, 273) were treated with rabeprazole 20 mg once daily. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in GORD symptom severity on day 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no symptoms; 5 = severe symptoms). Oesophageal healing was also evaluated by comparing the results of endoscopic findings at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

On day 1 of treatment, rabeprazole relieved GORD symptoms across all grades of oesophagitis, with statistically significant (p = 0.0001) improvement in heartburn, regurgitation, epigastric pain and dysphagia. Oesophageal healing was achieved in 77% of patients at week 4 and in 90% at week 8 and treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

In a clinical practice setting, rabeprazole provided rapid relief of GORD symptoms, confirming results seen in controlled clinical trials.

Comparative study of nizatidine and famotidine for maintenance therapy of erosive esophagitis

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic effect of combined administration of prokinetics and histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) in gastroesophageal reflux disease is reported to be superior to that of monotherapy with H2RA alone. In addition to its acid-suppressing effect, the H2RA nizatidine also has a prokinetic action by suppressing acetylcholine esterase. The present multicenter, randomized controlled study was performed to investigate whether nizatidine is superior to famotidine, which does not suppress acetylcholine esterase activity, in maintenance therapy for erosive esophagitis. In addition, the question as to whether the grade of erosive esophagitis affects the non-recurrence rate during the maintenance therapy with H2RA was also investigated.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients with endoscopically healed erosive esophagitis after 8 weeks of initial treatment with proton pump inhibitors were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the nizatidine group were treated with 150 mg nizatidine twice a day (b.i.d.), while patients in the famotidine group were treated with 20 mg famotidine b.i.d. for 6 months. At the end of therapy, and at the time when patients complained of symptoms, endoscopic investigations were repeated to find out whether the esophagitis had recurred.

RESULTS

Nizatidine produced a significantly higher non-recurrence rate than famotidine (P = 0.049 in intention-to-treat [ITT] analysis). This difference of remission rate between nizatidine and famotidine was observed mainly in grade B esophagitis (P = 0.016 in ITT analysis).

CONCLUSION

Nizatidine is a more effective H2RA than famotidine in the maintenance therapy of patients with reflux esophagitis.

Review article: treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease--lifestyle advice and medication

Management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is aimed at reducing oesophageal acid exposure to achieve symptom relief. Therapy has traditionally included advice to the patient on diet and lifestyle management. Recent evidence suggests, however, that some specific dietary modifications may be applicable to the Japanese patient. For example, ingestion of Japanese sweet cakes or rice cakes should be avoided by the Japanese patient with GERD as these foods may provoke heartburn. Pharmacological therapy is, however, usually also required for effective symptom relief. While antacids and histamine H(2)-receptor antagonists have a role in treating mild GERD, effective relief of many cases of oesophagitis is usually only achieved by using proton-pump inhibitors such as lansoprazole, omeprazole and rabeprazole. In the Japanese population, variation in the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 (a cytochrome P450 isoenzyme) leads to considerable inter-individual unpredictability in the activity of lansoprazole and omeprazole due to inter-individual differences in the extent to which these agents are metabolized. Consequently, rabeprazole, which does not undergo hepatic biotransformation by CYP2C19, offers significant advantages over the other PPIs as a result of its more predictable activity. This, coupled with its more rapid onset of action, leads to a more efficient and less variable acid-suppressing effect.