Comparison of efficacy of pantoprazole alone versus pantoprazole plus mosapride in therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized trial

Incidence of Barrett's Esophagus Following Sleeve Gastrectomy in Southeast Asian Population

Background: Variable incidences (up to 18.8%) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) have been reported following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), however, there is no published data from the Southeast Asian population. Objective: To determine the incidence of BE following SG in Southeast Asians. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study from a tertiary-care center, all patients who had undergone SG from 2008 to 2021 and completed a minimum of 1-year follow-up were contacted to participate. Preoperative data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. On recruitment, all patients underwent barium swallow and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and weight parameters and reflux symptoms were recorded. Results: One hundred fourteen patients with no preoperative evidence of BE were included. The mean follow-up duration was 5.4 ± 3.1 years. On follow-up endoscopy, Barrett's was suspected in 4 patients. However, 3 patients had columnar-lined epithelium and only 1 patient (0.87%) had evidence of intestinal metaplasia without dysplasia on histology. Reflux esophagitis (grade LA-A) resolved in 9 out of 11 patients, while the rate of de novo esophagitis was reported in 22.3%. The mean reflux Symptom Severity score increased from 0.6 ± 1.8 to 2.6 ± 5.4 (P = .002). The mean body mass index reduced from 44.1 ± 7.1 to 33.6 ± 6.9 kg/m2 (P < .0001), however, 23.7% of the patients experienced significant weight recidivism. Conclusions: Southeast Asians might have a low incidence of BE following SG. Hence, endoscopic surveillance for the sole purpose of diagnosing BE may not be advisable for these patients.

A Single-Center Experience: What is the Effect of Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients With a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m²?

Background: Our research aimed to see how sleeve gastrectomy (SG) affects weight loss and comorbidities in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m².

Materials and methods: Prospectively kept data of patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m² who underwent SG between February 2016 and February 2020 were evaluated.

Results: A total of 138 patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m² were operated on. The average BMI was 56.36±7.661, the average age was 37.41±12.33. Forty-eight patients underwent concomitant cholecystectomy and/or hiatal hernia repair (HHR). The percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%) of patients at the 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months were 36%, 54%, 67%, 72%, and 74%, respectively. Mean BMI values of the 0th, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months were 56, 45, 39, 35, 33, and 33, respectively. 0th, 3rd, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th months were significantly different for EWL%, total weight loss (TWL%), and BMI variables (p<0.001), but EWL% (p=0.527), TWL% (p=0.396) and BMI (p=0,657) were not found significantly different between the 18th and 24th months. When EWL% ≥ 50 was accepted, the success rate was 93% (n=93) and 92% (n=50) at the 18th and 24th months, respectively. While there was 82% remission in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 90% in hypertension (HT), the remission rate in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) undergoing HHR was 100%.

Conclusions: In patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m², SG seems to be an effective and safe therapy option as the first line for weight loss and treatment of comorbid diseases. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these results.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Sustained-Release Formula of Mosapride-Plus-Esomeprazole Combination Therapy to Esomeprazole Monotherapy in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

We aimed to evaluate whether adding a sustained-release (SR) formula of mosapride to proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) would be more effective in controlling symptoms than PPI alone in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sixty patients with heartburn and/or regurgitation were randomly assigned to two groups: mosapride SR 15 mg combined with esomeprazole 20 mg once daily (ME group) and esomeprazole 20 mg once daily alone (E group). The primary endpoint was the complete-resolution rate of GERD symptoms after eight-week medication, and the secondary endpoints were the complete-resolution rate of GERD symptoms after four-week medication, symptom-improvement rates ≥ 50% after four- and eight-week medication, and change in reflux-disease-questionnaire (RDQ) and GERD-health-related quality-of-life (GERD-HRQL) scores from baseline at four- and eight-week medication. No significant differences in complete-symptom-resolution rates at eight weeks and four weeks or in the changes in RDQ and GERD-HRQL scores from baseline at four- and eight-week medication were observed between the ME and E groups. The symptom-improvement rate of ≥50% after four and eight weeks was comparable between both groups. Adding mosapride SR to esomeprazole in patients with GERD provides no additional benefits in controlling GERD symptoms.

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.

Pathophysiology and treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease: looking beyond acid

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder due to the retrograde flow of refluxate into the esophagus. Although GERD is a common clinical diagnosis, its pathogenesis is quite complex. As a result of its multifactorial development, many patients continue to experience adverse symptoms due to GERD despite prolonged acid suppression with proton pump inhibitor therapy. The pathogenesis of GERD involves an interplay of chemical, mechanical, psychologic, and neurologic mechanisms, which contribute to symptom presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. As such, GERD should be approached as a disorder beyond acid. This review will investigate the major factors that contribute to the development of GERD, including factors related to the refluxate, esophageal defenses, and factors that promote pathologic reflux into the esophagus. In reviewing GERD pathogenesis, this paper will highlight therapeutic advances, with mention of future opportunities of study when approaching GERD.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common worldwide condition, affecting about 15-20% of the whole population, and representing a major burden for health-care systems. Because of its frequency, health physicians - family doctors as well as specialists - should be aware of the different pharmacotherapeutic approaches in managing GERD, according to disease severity.

AREAS COVERED

Authors summarize the pharmacological management of GERD in adults, present the different pharmaceutical classes, and review the evidence on efficacy for each treatment according to the most common clinical scenarios: non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD), erosive esophagitis (EE), and proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory GERD. They also provide an overview of treatments under development.

EXPERT OPINION

To date, PPIs remain the most effective treatment option for both NERD and EE. However, Potassium-Competitive Acid blockers (PCAB) may be considered, with at least similar efficacy in Asian populations. Preliminary data suggest that PCABs could be superior to classic PPIs in patients with severe EE, and may also be of particular interest in the management of PPI-refractory GERD patients. Their definitive role in GERD management, however, still remains to be determined based on properly designed and conducted randomized clinical trials.

Additional Mosapride to Proton Pump Inhibitor for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the additive effect of mosapride to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is still controversial. This meta-analysis integrated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which mosapride combined with a PPI was compared with a PPI alone in GERD treatment.

METHODS

RCTs were systematically searched with the PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and the Igaku-Chuo-Zasshi database. We combined the data from the RCTs with a random effects model, calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and pooled the risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

We included nine RCTs in the present meta-analysis. In the mosapride combined with PPI group, the improvement of the symptom score was significantly greater than that in the PPI alone group without significant heterogeneity (SMD: -0.28, 95% CI: -0.45 to -0.12, p = 0.0007). In the mosapride combined with PPI group, the symptom score after treatment was significantly lower than that in the PPI alone group (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.42 to -0.06, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Mosapride combined with a PPI significantly improved the reflux symptom score compared with that of PPI alone.

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.

Efficacy of the four weeks treatment of omeprazole plus mosapride combination therapy compared with that of omeprazole monotherapy in patients with proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of omeprazole plus mosapride combination therapy with that of omeprazole monotherapy in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients.

Patients and methods

Patients were eligible to participate in this study if they had experienced symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation more than twice weekly and were unresponsive to at least 8 weeks of a standard dose of PPI. A total of 44 consecutive patients were randomized to receive omeprazole 20 mg once daily plus either mosapride 5 mg or placebo three times daily for 4 weeks. We evaluated their clinical symptoms by means of frequency scale for symptoms of GERD (FSSG) questionnaires completed at the beginning and the end of the study. The primary outcome was to compare changes in FSSG scores between treatment groups during the study period.

Results

Most of the study population had non-erosive reflux disease (91.0% in the combination group and 81.8% in the control group). The minority of patients had Los Angeles grade A or B erosive esophagitis (9% in the combination group and 18.2% in the control group). None of the patients had Los Angeles grade C or D erosive esophagitis. FSSG total scores significantly decreased both in the combination group and the control group, with no significant differences in improvement between the groups (−8.00±7.18 for the combination group versus −5.68±6.29 for the control group, p=0.129). As a secondary outcome, our data showed that the effect of combination therapy on a number of symptom-free days (heartburn-free days, regurgitation-free days, and night-time heartburn-free days) was not superior to PPI monotherapy.

Conclusion

Combining mosapride for four weeks with a standard dose of PPI is not more effective than PPI alone in patients with PPI-refractory GERD.

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.

Omeprazole-Domperidone Fixed Dose Combination vs Omeprazole Monotherapy: A Phase 4, Open-Label, Comparative, Parallel Randomized Controlled Study in Mild to Moderate Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of omeprazole-domperidone combination vs omeprazole monotherapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

In a comparative, randomized controlled, phase 4 study, outpatients with GERD were randomly allocated to either group 1 (omeprazole 20 mg + domperidone 30 mg) or group 2 (omeprazole 20 mg) in an equal ratio; 2 capsules daily in the morning were administered for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled. Esophagitis reversal was observed in 92% patients in group 1 vs 65.2% in group 2. Approximately, 83.3% patients in group 1 vs 43.3% patients in group 2 demonstrated full cupping of reflux symptoms at 8 weeks. Combined therapy resulted in significantly longer period of heartburn-free days (23 vs 12 days on omeprazole). There were no safety concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole-domperidone combination was more effective than omeprazole alone in providing complete cupping of reflux symptoms and healing of esophagitis in patients with GERD. Both the treatments were well tolerated with few reports of adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with http://clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02140073.

A Double-blind, Randomized, Multicenter Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Esomeprazole Single Therapy Versus Mosapride and Esomeprazole Combined Therapy in Patients with Esophageal Reflux Disease

Background/Aims

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy in erosive reflux disease (ERD) patients by comparing endoscopic healing rates according to the Los Angeles classification for esomeprazole alone, and esomeprazole plus mosapride.

Methods

A total of 116 ERD patients were randomized to receive esomeprazole 40 mg once daily plus mosapride 5 mg 3 times daily (E+M group), or esomeprazole plus placebo (E only group) for 8 weeks. Patients recorded gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom questionnaire at weeks 4 and 8. The primary endpoint was the endoscopic healing rate of ERD after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

Endoscopic healing rates according to the Los Angeles classification was 32 (66.7%) in the E+M group and 26 (60.5%) in the E only group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Only at 4 weeks, the total GERD symptom score changes relative to the baseline significantly improved in the E+M group than that of the E only group (−13.4 ± 14.7 vs −8.0 ± 12.3, P = 0.041), and upper abdominal pain and belching score changes showed significantly improved in the E+M group than that of the E only group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.013, respectively).

Conclusions

The combination of a proton pump inhibitor with mosapride shows a tendency for upper abdominal pain, belching, and total GERD symptoms scores to improve more rapidly. This suggests that combination therapy with esomeprazole and mosapride will be useful for rapid improvement of specific GERD symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain and belching in ERD patients.

Randomised clinical trial: mucosal protection combined with acid suppression in the treatment of non-erosive reflux disease - efficacy of Esoxx, a hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulphate based bioadhesive formulation

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown that patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are less responsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) than those with erosive disease as they belong to different subgroups, in whom factors other than acid can trigger symptoms.

AIM

To evaluate whether combined therapy (mucosal protection plus acid suppression) would improve symptom relief compared to PPI treatment alone.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomised, double-blind trial, 154 patients with NERD were randomised to receive Esoxx (Alfa Wassermann, Bologna, Italy), a hyaluronic acid-chondroitin sulphate based bioadhesive formulation, or placebo, in addition to acid suppression with standard dose PPIs for 2 weeks. Symptoms (heartburn, acid regurgitation, retrosternal pain and acid taste in the mouth) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were evaluated before and after treatment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with at least a 3-point reduction in the total symptom score.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, the primary endpoint was reached by 52.6% of patients taking Esoxx compared to 32.1% of those given placebo (P < 0.01). The same was true also for HRQL, evaluated by means of the Short Form-36 questionnaire, which improved with both treatments, but some items were significantly better after Esoxx plus PPI therapy.

CONCLUSION

The synergistic effect of Essox with PPI treatment suggests that mucosal protection added to acid suppression could improve symptoms and HRQL in NERD patients.

Disorders of gastrointestinal hypomotility

Ingestion and digestion of food as well as expulsion of residual material from our gastrointestinal tract requires normal propulsive, i.e. motor, function. Hypomotility refers to inherited or acquired changes that come with decreased contractile forces or slower transit. It not only often causes symptoms but also may compromise nutritional status or lead to other complications. While severe forms, such as pseudo-obstruction or ileus, may have a tremendous functional impact, the less severe forms of hypomotility may well be more relevant, as they contribute to common disorders, such as functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, chronic constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Clinical testing can identify changes in contractile activity, defined by lower amplitudes or abnormal patterns, and the related effects on transit. However, such biomarkers show a limited correlation with overall symptom severity as experienced by patients. Similarly, targeting hypomotility with pharmacological interventions often alters gut motor function but does not consistently improve symptoms. Novel diagnostic approaches may change this apparent paradox and enable us to obtain more comprehensive information by integrating data on electrical activity, mechanical forces, patterns, wall stiffness, and motions with information of the flow of luminal contents. New drugs with more selective effects or more specific delivery may improve benefits and limit adverse effects. Lastly, the complex regulation of gastrointestinal motility involves the brain-gut axis as a reciprocal pathway for afferent and efferent signaling. Considering the role of visceral input in emotion and the effects of emotion on visceral activity, understanding and managing hypomotility disorders requires an integrative approach based on the mind-body continuum or biopsychosocial model of diseases.

Management of refractory typical GERD symptoms

The management of patients with refractory GERD (rGERD) is a major clinical challenge for gastroenterologists. In up to 30% of patients with typical GERD symptoms (heartburn and/or regurgitation), acid-suppressive therapy does not provide clinical benefit. In this Review, we discuss the current management algorithm for GERD and the features and management of patients who do not respond to treatment (such as those individuals with an incorrect diagnosis of GERD, inadequate PPI intake, persisting acid reflux and persisting weakly acidic reflux). Symptom response to existing surgical techniques, novel antireflux procedures, and the value of add-on medical therapies (including prokinetics and reflux inhibitors) for rGERD symptoms are discussed. Pharmaceutical agents targeting oesophageal sensitivity, a condition that can contribute to symptom generation in rGERD, are also discussed. Finally, on the basis of available published data and our expert opinion, we present an outline of a current, usable algorithm for management of patients with rGERD that considers the timing and diagnostic use of pH-impedance monitoring on or off PPI, additional diagnostic tests, the clinical use of baclofen and the use of add-on neuromodulators (tricyclic agents and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Efficacy of the Japanese herbal medicine rikkunshito in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants is among the most common reason for physician consultation worldwide. A traditional Japanese medicine, rikkunshito (RKT), is effective for GERD in adult and pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RKT in infants with GERD.

METHODS

Fifty-four infants were referred to between July 2004 and December 2012 for evaluation and treatment of GERD. All infants had failure to thrive. We excluded nine patients with cow's milk protein allergy, neurological impairment or surgical indications. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 45 infants with GERD. Twenty-nine infants were treated with RKT (TJ-43; 0.3 g/kg/day; RKT group), and 16 infants were treated with mosapride citrate at 0.5 mg/kg/day (mosapride group). The primary endpoint was RKT-induced relief of clinical symptoms and bodyweight gain in infants with GERD.

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, the frequency of vomiting per day was significantly lower in the RKT group than in the mosapride group (P = 0.0146) and the weight Z-score was significantly higher in the RKT group than in the mosapride group (RKT group, -2.5 ± 1.5 vs mosapride group, -5.0 ± 2.0; P = 0.0386). No adverse effects were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

RKT may be safe and effective for relief of GER symptoms and for bodyweight gain in infants with GERD.

Characteristics of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms -is switching proton pump inhibitors based on the patient's CYP2C19 genotype an effective management strategy?

OBJECTIVE

We investigated factors related to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) -refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, particularly with respect to acid, the CYP2C19 genotype and psychological aspects.

METHODS

Patients with an Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) score of ≥8 after the initial treatment were switched to therapy with rabeprazole at a dose of 20 mg once daily for eight weeks. We investigated the rate of improvement in PPI-refractory GERD symptoms, background factors, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score and the CYP2C19 genotype. Patients Sixty patients endoscopically diagnosed with reflux esophagitis within the past six months who had received omeprazole at a dose of 20 mg once daily for eight weeks or longer were enrolled.

RESULTS

In 71.6% of the patients, the FSSG score decreased to <8 after treatment with omeprazole at a dose of 20 mg once daily for ≥8 weeks, resulting in improvements in their GERD symptoms. Significant factors related to omeprazole-refractory GERD symptoms included a longer disease duration (p=0.0004) and higher HADS score (p=0.01). Among the omeprazole-refractory cases, only 23.5% of the patients showed symptom improvement after switching to rabeprazole. There were no significant differences in the average scores for FSSG (p=0.089) or HADS (p=0.182), before or after the drug change. A total of 92% of the rabeprazole poor responders were homo/hetero extensive metabolizers for the CYP2C19 genotype.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that switching the PPI from omeprazole (20 mg once daily) to rabeprazole (20 mg once daily) is not a significant effective therapeutic strategy for improving PPI-refractory GERD symptoms, taking into consideration possible psychometric factors and patients who require stronger acid suppression than that achieved with a double dose of PPIs for PPI-refractory GERD symptoms.

Effects of mosapride on esophageal motor activity and esophagogastric junction compliance in healthy volunteers

BACKGROUND

The effects of the prokinetic drug mosapride on esophageal motor activity vary at standard doses. In addition to esophageal motor activities, compliance of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is important for prevention of gastroesophageal reflux. However, the effects of mosapride on EGJ compliance have not been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of high-dose mosapride on esophageal motor activities and EGJ compliance.

METHODS

Nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Peristaltic esophageal contraction and lower esophageal sphincter pressures before and after administration of 40 mg mosapride were examined by high resolution esophageal manometry. Esophageal compliance was also investigated by intra-esophageal impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP(®)).

RESULTS

High-dose mosapride augmented peristaltic contractions, especially in the distal esophageal segments (P < 0.05). The mean resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure was elevated from 25.0 mmHg before administration to 28.9 mmHg after (P < 0.05). In addition, mosapride significantly reduced EGJ compliance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Mosapride at 40 mg augmented esophageal motor activities and reduced EGJ compliance in healthy volunteers.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of mosapride plus omeprazole combination therapy to omeprazole monotherapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the prokinetic activity of mosapride, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor agonist, in combination with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) would ameliorate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Japanese patients.

METHODS

Patients who experienced reflux symptoms more than twice weekly were eligible for this study. In all, 60 patients were randomized to receive mosapride 5 mg thrice daily combined with omeprazole 10 mg once daily (GO group), or omeprazole alone (O group) for 4 weeks. The patients completed the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG) at the beginning and the end of the study. The primary outcome compared changes in the FSSG reflux-related symptom (RS) score between treatment groups during the study period.

RESULTS

The FSSG RS scores significantly decreased both in the GO group and the O group, with no differences in improvement between the groups (-5.86 for the GO group vs -4.89 for the O group, P = 0.49). In non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients the improvement was significantly lower than that in erosive GERD patients (-4.00 vs -7.67, P = 0.02). However, the addition of mosapride was effective in subgroup analyses of specific symptoms, such as burping.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining mosapride with PPI provided no additional amelioration of reflux symptoms compared to PPI alone. Both regimens provided less relief from reflux symptoms in NERD than in erosive GERD patients. The addition of mosapride ameliorated reflux in patients with symptoms like burping.

Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of adding prokinetics to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge databases (prior to October 2013) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared therapeutic efficacy of PPI alone (single therapy) or PPI plus prokinetics (combined therapy) for GERD. The primary outcome of those selected trials was complete or partial relief of non-erosive reflux disease symptoms or mucosal healing in erosive reflux esophagitis. Using the test of heterogeneity, we established a fixed or random effects model where the risk ratio was the primary readout for measuring efficacy.

RESULTS: Twelve RCTs including 2403 patients in total were enrolled in this study. Combined therapy was not associated with significant relief of symptoms or alterations in endoscopic response relative to single therapy (95%CI: 1.0-1.2, P = 0.05; 95%CI: 0.66-2.61, P = 0.44). However, combined therapy was associated with a greater symptom score change (95%CI: 2.14-3.02, P < 0.00001). Although there was a reduction in the number of reflux episodes in GERD [95%CI: -5.96-(-1.78), P = 0.0003] with the combined therapy, there was no significant effect on acid exposure time (95%CI: -0.37-0.60, P = 0.65). The proportion of patients with adverse effects undergoing combined therapy was significantly higher than for PPI therapy alone (95%CI: 1.06-1.36, P = 0.005) when the difference between 5-HT receptor agonist and PPI combined therapy and single therapy (95%CI: 0.84-1.39, P = 0.53) was excluded.

CONCLUSION: Combined therapy may partially improve patient quality of life, but has no significant effect on symptom or endoscopic response of GERD.

Addition of prokinetics to PPI therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the efficacy of adding prokinetics to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Knowledge databases (prior to October 2013) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared therapeutic efficacy of PPI alone (single therapy) or PPI plus prokinetics (combined therapy) for GERD. The primary outcome of those selected trials was complete or partial relief of non-erosive reflux disease symptoms or mucosal healing in erosive reflux esophagitis. Using the test of heterogeneity, we established a fixed or random effects model where the risk ratio was the primary readout for measuring efficacy.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs including 2403 patients in total were enrolled in this study. Combined therapy was not associated with significant relief of symptoms or alterations in endoscopic response relative to single therapy (95%CI: 1.0-1.2, P = 0.05; 95%CI: 0.66-2.61, P = 0.44). However, combined therapy was associated with a greater symptom score change (95%CI: 2.14-3.02, P < 0.00001). Although there was a reduction in the number of reflux episodes in GERD [95%CI: -5.96-(-1.78), P = 0.0003] with the combined therapy, there was no significant effect on acid exposure time (95%CI: -0.37-0.60, P = 0.65). The proportion of patients with adverse effects undergoing combined therapy was significantly higher than for PPI therapy alone (95%CI: 1.06-1.36, P = 0.005) when the difference between 5-HT receptor agonist and PPI combined therapy and single therapy (95%CI: 0.84-1.39, P = 0.53) was excluded.

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy may partially improve patient quality of life, but has no significant effect on symptom or endoscopic response of GERD.

Evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux before and after sleeve gastrectomy using symptom scoring, scintigraphy, and endoscopy

BACKGROUND

The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been a controversial issue. There have been limited studies on this aspect and most of the published studies are retrospective. Therefore, a prospective study was designed to objectively assess the problem. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of SG on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux using questionnaire, endoscopy, and radionuclide scintigraphy.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were assessed for gastroesophageal reflux using Carlsson Dent Questionnaire and GERD questionnaire before and after surgery at three monthly intervals. They were also subjected to upper GI endoscopy (UGIE) and radionuclide scintigraphy both pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative weight and body mass index were 126.5 kg and 47.8 kg/m2, respectively. Mean percent excess weight loss at 12 months was 64.3 ± 18.4. Both the Carlsson Dent Score (CDS) and Severity Score (SS) exhibited a decline from 2.88 to 1.63 (p<0.05) and 2.28 to 1.06 (p<0.05), respectively after 12 months. Radionuclide scintigraphy revealed a significant rise of GERD from 6.25% to 78.1% in the postoperative period (p<0.001). UGIE showed a rise in incidence of esophagitis from 18.8% to 25%; however, there was improvement in all patients except one in terms of reduction of severity of esophagitis.

CONCLUSION

Presence of GERD may not be considered as a contra-indication for sleeve gastrectomy. There is improvement of GERD as assessed by symptom questionnaires, as well as improvement in grade of esophagitis. The new onset GERD detected on scintigraphy may not be pathologic as there is a decrease in total acid production postsurgery; however, it still remains an important issue and needs long-term follow-up.

Efficacy of mosapride plus proton pump inhibitors for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review

AIM: To assess the potential benefits of mosapride plus proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS: A literature search was performed through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ISI Web of Knowledge. The clinical trials that compared the benefit of mosapride plus PPI treatment with that of PPI monotherapy were analyzed. The rate of responders was evaluated by the pooled relative risk (PRR) and improvement in symptom scores was assessed by single effect size of a standardized mean, while Hedges’g was used as the effect size. Pooled effect sizes with 95%CIs were calculated using a fixed-effects model. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Q test and I² analyses. In addition, studies that assessed the additional efficacy of mosapride in PPI-resistant patients were also reviewed.

RESULTS: This systematic review included information on a total of 587 patients based on 7 trials. Four trials compared the efficacy of combination therapy of mosapride plus a PPI with that of PPI monotherapy. The statistical analysis for the effect of additional mosapride showed equivocal results (PRR = 1.132; 95%CI: 0.934-1.372; P = 0.205; Hedges’g = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.03-0.46; P = 0.023). No heterogeneity and publication bias were found among the studies. Three open-labeled trials assessed the additional efficacy of mosapride in PPI-resistant patients. However, since these trials did not set the control group, the results may be considerably biased.

CONCLUSION: Mosapride combined therapy is not more effective than PPI alone as first-line therapy. Whether it is effective in PPI-resistant patients needs to be determined.

Effects of the Addition of Mosapride to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Patients on Proton Pump Inhibitor: A Prospective Randomized, Double-blind Study

Background/Aims

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which are the most effective agents for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), have been known to delay gastric emptying. Mosapride has been used as prokinetics by accelerating gastric emptying. We evaluated the efficacy of mosapride to prevent PPI-induced delayed gastric emptying in a prospective randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial.

Methods

Thirty patients who were diagnosed as GERD and had normal gastric emptying were included in this study. PPI monotherapy group was treated with placebo drug in addition to pantoprazole and PPI plus mosapride group was treated with mosapride in addition to pantoprazole for 8 weeks. Gastric emptying scan and questionnaires about GERD and dyspeptic symptoms were assessed by scoring before and after treatment. To evaluate the changes of gastrointestinal endocrine hormones by PPI which are associated gastric acid secretion and gastric motility, fasting plasma gastrin and cholecystokinin were taken at weeks 0 and 8.

Results

Half gastric emptying time was increased (P = 0.023) in PPI monotherapy group, and there were no significant changes in PPI plus mosapride group. Plasma gastrin level increased in PPI monotherpay group (P = 0.028) and there were no significant changes in PPI plus mosapride group. Plasma cholecystokinin level was not changed after treatment in both groups. GERD symptoms were improved after treatment in both groups, and postprandial bloating and nausea were improved in PPI plus mosapride group.

Conclusions

Mosapride showed to be effective in preventing delayed gastric emptying and the increase in plasma gastrin level induced by PPI treatment, but did not show prominent clinical symptom improvements.

[Updated guidelines 2012 for gastroesophageal reflux disease]

In 2010, a Korean guideline for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was made by the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, in which the definition and diagnosis of GERD were not included. The aim of this guideline was to update the clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of GERD in adult patients. This guideline was developed by the adaptation process of the ADAPTE framework. Twelve guidelines were retrieved from initial queries through the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II process. Twenty-seven statements were made as a draft and revised by modified Delphi method. Finally, 24 consensus statements for the definition (n=4), diagnosis (n=7) and management (n=13) of GERD were developed. Multidisciplinary experts participated in the development of the guideline, and the external review of the guideline was conducted at the finalization phase.

Novel pharmaceutical approaches to reflux disease

Acid suppression, with proton pump inhibitors (PPI), is the mainstay of therapy for reflux disease; despite this, symptoms and injury persist in many patients. Novel approaches have focused on (1) augmenting acid suppression with reformulated current PPIs, new PPIs or new acid pump blockers and (2) preventing reflux with reflux inhibitors. Other strategies to reduce reflux, improve gastric emptying or esophageal clearance, protect the mucosa, or reduce esophageal sensitivity are under investigation alone or in combination with PPIs; however, novel approaches face significant challenges. The safety and efficacy of current PPIs hamper demonstration of clinical superiority for new acid suppressants, and the multifactorial etiology of reflux disease means that monotherapy using a non-acid suppressant is unlikely to match PPI therapy while combination therapy will be superior only if susceptible patients can be identified reliably. Advances will come, not from a 'one size fits all' approach but rather from novel pharmaceuticals allied to novel investigations to permit targeted, personalized reflux therapy.

[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.

Evolving pharmacological approaches in gastroesophageal reflux disease

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have considerably improved quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, many patients remain symptomatic despite standard PPI therapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on evolving therapeutic strategies related to the pathophysiological processes of GERD and insufficient response to PPIs. Several clinical trials evaluated new PPI formulations and newer types of acid-suppressive drugs. These studies have evaluated traditional end points in GERD, but have not shown clinical superiority to current PPIs. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting underlying mechanisms of GERD, such as transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and esophageal hypersensitivity, are being developed for add-on therapy to PPIs. Prokinetic drugs may also have some potential in the add-on treatment of GERD with insufficient response to PPIs. Add-on studies are hampered by insufficient information on optimal patient selection and lack of established end points.

EXPERT OPINION

Newer drugs for symptomatic control in GERD have largely focused on improved acid suppression, without evidence of clinical superiority. Drugs targeting esophageal motility and sensitivity to be used as add-onc therapy in PPI insufficient responders have not reached Phase III trials to date, due to difficulties with patient selection, tolerability and end points.

Practice pattern of gastroenterologists for the management of GERD under the minimal influence of the insurance reimbursement guideline: a multicenter prospective observational study

The objective of the study was to document practice pattern of gastroenterologists for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) under the minimal influence of the insurance reimbursement guideline. Data on management for 1,197 consecutive patients with typical GERD symptoms were prospectively collected during 16 weeks. In order to minimize the influence of reimbursement guideline on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), rabeprazole was used for the PPI treatment. A total of 861 patients (72%) underwent endoscopy before the start of treatment. PPIs were most commonly prescribed (87%). At the start of treatment, rabeprazole 20 mg daily was prescribed to 94% of the patients who received PPI treatment and 10 mg daily to the remaining 6%. At the third visits, rabeprazole 20 mg daily was prescribed to 70% of those who were followed and 10 mg daily for the remaining 30%. Continuous PPI treatment during the 16-week period was performed in 63% of the study patients. In conclusion, a full-dose PPI is preferred for the initial and maintenance treatment of GERD under the minimal influence of the insurance reimbursement guideline, which may reflect a high proportion of GERD patients requiring a long-term treatment of a full-dose PPI.

Barrett's esophagus: proton pump inhibitors and chemoprevention II

The following on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and chemoprevention in relation to Barrett's esophagus includes commentaries on 48-h pH monitoring, pH-impedence, bile acid testing, dyspepsia, long/short segment Barrett's esophagus, nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), functional heartburn, dual-release delivery PPIs, immediate-release PPIs, long-term PPI use, prokinetic agents, obesity, baclofen, nocturnal acid breakthrough, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and new PPIs.

Relative bioavailability of a 5 mg mosapride/10 mg rabeprazole fixed dose combination tablet versus separate single tablets in healthy volunteers: a single-dose randomized open-label crossover study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative bioavailability of a new formulation containing 5 mg mosapride and 10 mg rabeprazole (T) and compare it with the branded formulations of both drugs co-administered in separate tablets (R) to meet the regulatory requirements of bioequivalence in Argentina.

METHODS

A randomized-sequence, open-label, two-period crossover study was conducted on 24 healthy Caucasian volunteers in a fasting state. A single oral dose of either T or R formulations was followed by a 7-day washout period. Blood samples for mosapride were collected before administration (baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration. Samples for rabeprazole were taken baseline and at 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 h after dosing. Mosapride and rabeprazole concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Adverse events were monitored based on clinical parameters and volunteer reports.

RESULTS

The geometric means (90% CI) C(max) for mosapride in T and R were 23.13 (20.05-39.45) and 23.09 (21.69-32.37) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 70.80 (66.23-102.37) and 70.81 (66.35-93.26) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 74.05 (69.29-106.11) and 74.98 (70.43-97.77) ng h/mL. For rabeprazole T and R the C(max) were 197.42 (186.12-239.91) and 195.50 (186.08-250.07) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 294.90 (275.13-374.15) and 296.96 (280.11-387.89) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 301.12 (280.78-380.82) and 304.07 (286.60-394.21), respectively. No differences were detected between the formulations. The T/R ratios (90% CI) for C(max), AUC(0-)(t) and AUC(0-∞) were 100.17% (82.35-121.84), 99.99% (87.58-114.16) and 98.77% (87.02-112.11) for mosapride, and 100.99% (85.14-119.77), 99.31% (84.74-116.38) and 99.03% (85.07-115.28) for rabeprazole. No subject complained of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-dose study, the mosapride/rabeprazole tablets (test formulation) met the criterion for bioequivalence with the reference formulations. Study limitations include single-dose, open-label design, and a small sample of healthy volunteers.

The endoscopic diagnosis of nonerosive reflux disease using flexible spectral imaging color enhancement image: a feasibility trial

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is classified into grade M (minimal change, endoscopically; erythema without sharp demarcation, whitish turbidity, and/or invisibility of vessels due to these findings) and grade N (normal) in the modified Los Angeles classification system in Japan. However, the classification of grades M and N NERD is not included in the original Los Angeles system because interobserver agreement for the conventional endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD is poor. Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (FICE) is a virtual chromoendoscopy technique that enhances mucosal and vascular visibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD using FICE images is feasible. Between April 2006 and May 2008, 26 NERD patients and 31 controls were enrolled in the present study. First, an experienced endoscopist assessed the color pattern of minimal change in FICE images using conventional endoscopic images and FICE images side-by-side and comparing the proportion of minimal change between the two groups. Second, three blinded endoscopists assessed the presence or absence of minimal change in both groups using conventional endoscopic images and FICE images separately. Intraobserver variability was compared using McNemar's test, and interobserver agreement was described using the kappa value. Minimal changes, such as erythema and whitish turbidity, which were detected using conventional endoscopic images, showed up as navy blue and pink-white, respectively, in color using FICE images in the present FICE mode. The NERD group had a higher proportion of minimal change, compared with the control group (77% and 48%, respectively) (P= 0.033). In all three readers, the detection rates of minimal change using FICE images were greater than those using conventional endoscopic images (P= 0.025, <0.0001, and 0.034 for readers A, B, and C, respectively). The kappa values for all pairs of three readers using FICE images were between 0.683 and 0.812, while those using conventional endoscopic images were between 0.364 and 0.624. Thus, the endoscopic diagnosis of grades M or N NERD using FICE images is feasible and may improve interobserver agreement.

[Guidelines for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined as a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. In the last decade, GERD has been increasing in Korea. Seventeen consensus statements for the treatment of GERD were developed using the modified Delphi approach. Acid suppression treatments, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histmine-2 receptor antagonists and antacids are effective in the control of GERD-related symptoms. Among them, PPIs are the most effective medication. Standard dose PPI is recommended as the initial treatment of erosive esophagitis (for 8 weeks) and non-erosive reflux disease (at least for 4 weeks). Long-term continuous PPI or on-demand therapy is required for the majority of GERD patients after the initial treatment. Anti-reflux surgery can be considered in well selected patients. Prokinetic agents and mucosal protective drugs have limited roles. Twice daily PPI therapy can be tried to control extra-esophageal symptoms of GERD. For symptomatic patients with Barrett's esophagus, long-term treatment with PPI is required. Further studies are strongly needed to develop better treatment strategies for Korean patients with GERD.

Advances in drug therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing drastically in China. GERD could probably cause reflux esophagitis, chronic cough, asthma, Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma, and frequently affects health-related quality of life. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) provides effective symptomatic relief in most patients; however, some patients appear refractory to the treatment with PPIs. The long term use of PPIs might also cause adverse effects, such as interstitial nephritis, fracture and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Many new drugs for GERD have emerged recently. This article reviews the advances in drug therapy for GERD.

Questionnaire based gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) assessment scales

Questionnaire based assessment scales for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been utilized for assessment of the patient's symptomatology, assessment of symptom severity and frequency, assessment of health-related quality of life and for assessment of response to treatment. A multitude of unidimensional and multidimensional questionnaires exist for making symptom assessment and monitoring quality of life in GERD. Many of the scales meet some of the parameters of an ideal evaluative GERD specific assessment instrument. Yet, there are certain shortcomings and challenges which are faced in development of GERD questionnaires. This review discusses the features of an ideal symptom assessment instrument, examines the strengths and weaknesses of currently available questionnaires.

Pharmacological management of GERD: where does it stand now?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very common and advances in drug development over recent years have markedly improved GERD management. A wide range of medications are currently used in GERD treatment, including antacids, Gaviscon, sucralfate, histamine-2 receptor antagonists and prokinetics. However, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain the mainstay of treatment for GERD owing to their profound and consistent inhibitory effect on acid secretion. Despite the presence of a wide armamentarium of therapeutic modalities for GERD, many areas of unmet needs remain. Drug development has focused primarily on improving PPI efficacy, reducing the transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate, attenuating esophageal sensitivity and developing esophageal mucosal protectants.

Randomised clinical trial: efficacy of the addition of a prokinetic, mosapride citrate, to omeprazole in the treatment of patients with non-erosive reflux disease - a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are less effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients than in reflux oesophagitis patients. Whether the addition of prokinetics to PPIs improves NERD patients' symptoms remains unknown.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of mosapride in NERD patients when used with PPI.

METHODS

A total of 200 NERD patients were randomised to one of two arms: omeprazole (10 mg once daily) plus mosapride citrate (5 mg three times a day) (treatment arm) and omeprazole plus placebo (placebo arm). The primary endpoint was the rate of responders [visual analogue scale (VAS) was zero or <1 cm] after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints were changes in the VAS score and the safety profile.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the rates of responders in both arms in intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis. The change in the VAS score in treatment arm was significantly better than placebo arm in PP analysis (-4.0 ± 0.2 and -3.3 ± 0.2, mean ± S.E.M.) (N.S. in ITT analysis). The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The addition of mosapride to omeprazole was not more effective than omeprazole alone.

Mosapride as an adjunct to lansoprazole for symptom relief of reflux oesophagitis

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Reflux oesophagitis is a common clinical disorder associated with significant morbidity. Proton pump inhibitors are the current pharmacotherapy of choice, but not all treated patients achieve symptom relief. Little is known about the efficacy of mosapride, a prokinetic agent which decreases episodes of gastro-oesophageal reflux, as an adjunct to proton pump inhibitors in improving the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Mosapride was generally not more effective than placebo as an adjunct therapy to a standard dose of lansoprazole in decreasing the symptom burden of patients with reflux oesophagitis. However, in a subgroup with more severe symptoms, combination therapy with lansoprazole and mosapride was possibly superior to monotherapy with lansoprazole. AIMS To investigate if mosapride, a prokinetic agent, was an effective adjunct to acid suppression in improving the symptoms of reflux oesophagitis. METHODS Patients (n= 96) with reflux oesophagitis were randomly assigned to either mosapride (5 mg three times daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Symptom severity was assessed by a validated questionnaire at enrolment, 4 and 8 weeks after medication. The primary outcome for the first 4 weeks was decrease in symptom scores. After a 3 day washout period, patients initially allocated to mosapride crossed over to placebo and vice versa for the next 4 weeks. The outcome of the second phase was maintenance of symptom control. All patients received lansoprazole (30 mg once daily) throughout study. RESULTS The decreased symptom score after 4 weeks of treatment with lansoprazole and mosapride (n= 50) was 13.42 +/- 1.16 (mean +/- SEM), similar to that of lansoprazole plus placebo (10.85 +/- 1.03, n= 46), with an insignificant difference of 2.57 (95% CI -0.53, 5.67, P= 0.103). However, a sub-group analysis for patients with pre-treatment scores of >18 points (n= 48) revealed that lansoprazole plus mosapride achieved a greater reduction of symptom score than lansoprazole plus placebo (18.22 +/- 1.91 vs. 12.88 +/- 1.65; mean difference of 5.34, 95% CI 0.28, 10.40, P= 0.039). In the second phase, there was no difference between lansoprazole with mosapride or placebo in maintaining symptom control (39/44 or 86.64% vs. 41/50 or 82%, P= 0.401). Subgroup analysis for those with substantial residual symptoms revealed similar results. CONCLUSION Compared with placebo, mosapride generally does not provide additional benefit to a standard dose of lansoprazole in patients with reflux oesophagitis, except possibly in the subgroup of severely symptomatic patients.

Impact of oesophagitis classification in evaluating healing of erosive oesophagitis after therapy with proton pump inhibitors: a pooled analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The results of clinical trials with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are usually based on the Hetzel-Dent (HD), Savary-Miller (SM), or Los Angeles (LA) classifications to describe the severity and assess the healing of erosive oesophagitis. However, it is not known whether these classifications are comparable. The aim of this study was to review systematically the literature to compare the healing rates of erosive oesophagitis with PPIs in clinical trials assessed by the HD, SM, or LA classifications.

METHODS

A recursive, English language literature search in PubMed and Cochrane databases to December 2006 was performed. Double-blind randomized control trials comparing a PPI with another PPI, an H2-RA or placebo using endoscopic assessment of the healing of oesophagitis by the HD, SM or LA, or their modified classifications at 4 or 8 weeks, were included in the study. The healing rates on treatment with the same PPI(s), and same endoscopic grade(s) were pooled and compared between different classifications using Fisher's exact test or chi2 test where appropriate.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies from 965 potential citations met inclusion criteria. Seventy-eight PPI arms were identified, with 27 using HD, 29 using SM, and 22 using LA for five marketed PPIs. There was insufficient data for rabeprazole and esomeprazole (week 4 only) to compare because they were evaluated by only one classification. When data from all PPIs were pooled, regardless of baseline oesophagitis grades, the LA healing rate was significantly higher than SM and HD at both 4 and 8 weeks (74, 71, and 68% at 4 weeks and 89, 84, and 83% at 8 weeks, respectively). The distribution of different grades in study population was available only for pantoprazole where it was not significantly different between LA and SM subgroups. When analyzing data for PPI and dose, the LA classification showed a higher healing rate for omeprazole 20 mg/day and pantoprazole 40 mg/day (significant at 8 weeks), whereas healing by SM classification was significantly higher for omeprazole 40 mg/day (no data for LA) and lansoprazole 30 mg/day at 4 and 8 weeks. The healing rate by individual oesophagitis grade was not always available or robust enough for meaningful analysis. However, a difference between classifications remained.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant, but not always consistent, difference in oesophagitis healing rates with the same PPI(s) reported by the LA, SM, or HD classifications. The possible difference between grading classifications should be considered when interpreting or comparing healing rates for oesophagitis from different studies.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an evidence-based consensus

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common disorders in medical practice. A number of guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of GERD have been published in different countries, but a Brazilian accepted directive by the standards of evidence-based medicine is still lacking. As such, the aim of the Brazilian GERD Consensus Group was to develop guidelines for the diagnosis and management of GERD, strictly using evidence-based medicine methodology that could be clinically used by primary care physicians and specialists and would encompass the needs of physicians, investigators, insurance and regulatory bodies. A total of 30 questions were proposed. Systematic literature reviews, which defined inclusion and/or exclusion criteria, were conducted to identify and grade the available evidence to support each statement. A total of 11,069 papers on GERD were selected, of which 6,474 addressed the diagnosis and 4,595, therapeutics. Regarding diagnosis, 51 met the requirements for the analysis of evidence-based medicine: 19 of them were classified as grade A and 32 as grade B. As for therapeutics, 158 met the evidence-based medicine criteria; 89 were classified as grade A and 69 as grade B. In the topic Diagnosis, answers supported by publications grade A and B were accepted. In the topic Treatment only publications grade A were accepted: answers supported by publications grade B were submitted to the voting by the Consensus Group. The present publication presents the most representative studies that responded to the proposed questions, followed by pertinent comments. Follow examples. In patients with atypical manifestations, the conventional esophageal pH-metry contributes little to the diagnosis of GERD. The sensitivity, however, increases with the use of double-channel pH-metry. In patients with atypical manifestations, the impedance-pHmetry substantially contributes to the diagnosis of GERD. The examination, however, is costly and scarcely available in our country. The evaluation of the histological signs of esophagitis increases the diagnostic probability of GERD; hence, the observation of the dimensions of the intercellular space of the esophageal mucosa increases the probability of diagnostic certainty and also allows the analysis of the therapeutic response. There is no difference in the clinical response to the treatment with PPI in two separate daily doses when compared to a single daily dose. In the long term (>1 year), the eradication of H. pylori in patients with GERD does not decrease the presence of symptoms or the high recurrence rates of the disease, although it decreases the histological signs of gastric inflammation. It seems very likely that there is no association between the eradication of the H. pylori and the manifestations of GERD. The presence of a hiatal hernia requires larger doses of proton-pump inhibitor for the clinical treatment. The presence of permanent migration from the esophagogastric junction and the hernia dimensions (>2 cm) are factors of worse prognosis in GERD. In this case, hiatal hernias associated to GERD, especially the fixed ones and larger than 2 cm, must be considered for surgical treatment. The outcomes of the laparoscopic fundoplication are adequate.

Effect of esomeprazole and mosapride on the esophageal motility dysfunction in elderly patients with hypotensive LES: an analysis of 29 cases

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of esomeprazole and mosapride on aged hypotensive type LES esophageal motility dysfunction.

METHODS: A total of 57 aged hypotensive type LES esophageal motility dysfunction patients were divided into treatment group (n = 29) and control group (n = 28). Patients in treatment group were given esomeprazole 20 mg per day and mosapride 5 mg three times daily for 1 mo while patients in control group were given mosapride 5 mg three times daily for 1 mo. After medication treatment, the clinical symptoms, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and esophageal motility were observed.

RESULTS: Fifty seven cases of patients completed the study. The total effective rate of treatment group was 86.2%, which was significantly higher than that of control group (60.7%). LES pressure was improved significantly in both groups (1.82 ± 0.36 vs 1.09 ± 0.18, P < 0.001; 1.91 ± 0.45 vs 1.06 ± 0.17, P < 0.001, respectively). Esophageal motility became better in both groups, but no statistical difference was observed between them after treatment(48.3% vs 53.6%, P = 0.193).

CONCLUSION: Esomeprazole and mosapride are effective for aged hypotensive type LES esophageal motility dysfunction.

Frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease predicts the need for addition of prokinetics to proton pump inhibitor therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy cannot cure all cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and combination therapy with prokinetics and PPI achieves symptomatic improvement for some GERD patients. Few studies have been performed to predict the need for prokinetics.

METHODS

Subjects were 163 patients (64 male, mean age 53.1 +/- 16.6 years) with GERD symptoms. They were evaluated using the frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD (FSSG), a GERD-specific questionnaire developed in Japan(1) and endoscopy. They were administered with rabeprazole 10 mg daily. At 12 and 24 weeks of treatment, subjects were offered a choice of four treatment regimens according to their degree of satisfaction (1, no need for further treatment; 2, opt for continued PPI treatment; 3, step-down to H2RA; 4, dissatisfied with present treatment, so opt for combination treatment with prokinetics, mosapride 5 mg tid).

RESULTS

The choice of treatment after 12 weeks of treatment placed 79.1% of subjects in the satisfied group (1, 21; 2, 98; 3, 10). After 24 weeks, 98.2% of subjects were in the satisfied group. Pretreatment FSSG scores were significantly higher in the dissatisfied group (4, 17.4 +/- 1.4) than in the satisfied group (1, 12.3 +/- 1.3; 2, 12.8 +/- 0.8; 3, 10.2 +/- 1.8) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The satisfaction rate with these treatment regimens was 98.2% at 24 weeks, suggesting that combination therapy with prokinetics was effective for patients dissatisfied with PPI monotherapy. The FSSG is a useful predictor of the necessity for combination therapy.

Advances in roles of prokinetic agents in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the reflux of gastric content into esophagus with or without histological changes. Pathogenesis of GERD is lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction, abnormal clearing capacity of refluxed materials, delayed gastric emptying and abnormal resistance of esophageal mucosa to gastric acid, but the primary upper gastrointestinal motility dysfunction is regarded as the most important factor in general. Therefore, prokinetic agents which can restore gastric motility with increasing of LES and esophageal motility have been developed and used frequently in the treatment of GERD. There are several prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide, domperidone, cisapride and mosapride that facilitate acetylcholine release from the enteric cholinergic neurons through a selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonistic action. It is considered that prokinetic agents have the same effect as H2 blocker in the treatment of patients with mild GERD. Additionally, it was reported that a combination therapy with prokinetic agents and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) is more effective than monotherapy in patients with severe GERD. This article reviews the recent advances in the role of prokinetic agents in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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.

Prokinetic drug utility in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux esophagitis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results in appreciable morbidity and economic burden. No systematic review has addressed the effectiveness of prokinetic drugs in the treatment of GERD esophagitis in adults.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of prokinetic drugs in improving symptoms and endoscopic lesions in patients with GERD esophagitis.

METHODS

We included randomized controlled trials that compared prokinetic drugs with placebo. A systematic search included the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, EMBASE, a manual search of books and article references, and contact with pharmaceutical companies. Reviewers assessed methodological quality and extracted data that were combined using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles met the eligibility criteria; of these, 13 used prokinetic drugs alone, 4 tested prokinetic drugs as additional therapy in patients receiving histamine-2 receptor blockers, and 1 tested them in patients receiving proton pump inhibitors. Seven studies evaluated clinical improvement only, 5 addressed endoscopic improvement only, and 6 reported both outcomes. Four studies failed to provide adequate data for pooling; 3 of the 4 reported results that suggested symptomatic benefit with prokinetic agents. Nine studies (379 patients) that provided the required data suggested a higher incidence of clinical improvement with prokinetic drugs versus placebo (relative risk [RR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.12, heterogeneity p = 0.47, I(2) = 0%). Clinical improvement occurred in 53 out of 175 patients (30%) of the control group; applying the relative risk of 1.70 and associated confidence interval suggests that absolute increases in patients improved might vary from 18% to 41% (number needed to treat approximately 3 to 6). Improvement was similar in 4 studies in which the prokinetic agent was added to an antisecretory drug. The funnel plot, however, suggests the possibility of publication bias. Eleven studies (887 patients) suggested a higher likelihood of endoscopic improvement or healing esophagitis with prokinetic drugs (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.53) but with significant heterogeneity (heterogeneity p = .05, I(2) = 46.2%) that we couldn't explain with an a priori hypothesis. When we evaluated endoscopic healing as the main outcome we observed a trend toward better results in the treatment group, also with inexplicable heterogeneity (RR 1.36, CI 95% 0.97-1.89, I(2) = 61%).

CONCLUSIONS

Randomized controlled trials provide moderate-quality evidence that prokinetic drugs improve symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis and low-quality evidence that they have an impact on endoscopic healing.

Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for determination of mosapride citrate in equine tissues

A simple method for determination of mosapride citrate and its metabolite, des-p-fluorobenzyl mosapride (M-1), in equine muscle, liver, kidney, adipose tissue and intestine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. (+/-)-4-Amino-5-chloro-2-ethoxy-N-[[4-(2-chlorobenzyl)morpholinyl]methyl]benzamide was used as an internal standard. The analytes and internal standard were spiked and extracted from tissues by acetonitrile. The chromatographic separation was performed on a reversed-phase TSK-GEL SUPER ODS column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.05% (v/v) formic acid containing 5 mmol/L nonafluoropentanoic acid (2:3, v/v). The method exhibited a large linear range from 0.0005 to 0.2 microg/mL for both mosapride citrate and M-1 (r>0.9976). In the intra-day assay (n=5), the relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranged from 1.1 to 7.8% for mosapride citrate and 1.6 to 7.2% for M-1. In the inter-day assay (n=3), the RSDs ranged from 1.0 to 13% for mosapride citrate and 0.8 to 11% for M-1. The extraction recovery at 1.28 microg/g of mosapride citrate from equine tissues ranged from 97 to 107%. The lower limit of quantification for mosapride citrate was found to be 0.004 microg/g. Stability studies were carried out at different storage conditions. The method reported is reliable, precise, and accurate and it has the capacity to be used for determination of mosapride citrate and its metabolite in tissue samples.