Unmet treatment needs of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia: gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia Pacific survey

Association of self-reported and objective sleep disturbance with the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is complex. We aimed to determine the association of self-reported and objective sleep parameters with diverse manifestations of the GERD spectrum.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 561 individuals who underwent an electrocardiogram-based cardiopulmonary coupling for OSA screening during a health check-up. All participants received the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and an upper endoscopy to determine the presence of troublesome reflux symptoms and erosive esophagitis (EE). Sleep quality was evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and sleep dysfunction was defined as a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score > 5. OSA was defined as a cardiopulmonary coupling-derived apnea-hypopnea index exceeding 15 events/h. Comparisons were made between participants on the GERD spectrum with respect to their various self-reported and objective sleep parameters.

RESULTS

Among the 277 patients with GERD (49.4%), 198 (35.3%) had EE. Patients with GERD had higher PSQI scores (6.99 ± 3.97 vs 6.07 ± 3.73, P = .005) and a higher prevalence of sleep dysfunction (60.6% vs 49.6%, P = .009). Patients with EE had a higher prevalence of OSA (42.9% vs 33.9%, P = .034). Along the GERD spectrum, symptomatic patients with EE had the highest PSQI scores and prevalence of sleep dysfunction (70.7%), while asymptomatic patients with EE had the highest prevalence of OSA (44%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a high prevalence of sleep dysfunction among individuals with GERD. Furthermore, patients on the GERD spectrum are prone to experiencing a range of self-reported and objective sleep disturbances.

CITATION

Hu K-Y, Tseng P-H, Hsu W-C, et al. Association of self-reported and objective sleep disturbance with the spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(6):911-920.

Randomized clinical trial: A double-blind, proof-of-concept, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 or 40 mg versus esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with symptomatic gastro-esophageal reflux disease and partial response to a healing dose of a proton-pump inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are cornerstone treatments for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, evidence suggests that most patients exhibit partial response to PPIs, suggesting the need for novel therapies that can provide an improved and sustained increase in gastric pH.

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the effect of vonoprazan, a novel, orally active small-molecule potassium-competitive acid blocker, versus esomeprazole, a PPI, in preventing heartburn symptoms over a 4-week treatment period in patients with GERD and a partial response to esomeprazole treatment.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, proof-of-concept, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted between 2016 and 2018 at 39 sites across Europe and designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (q.d.) and 40 mg q.d. versus esomeprazole 40 mg q.d. after 1:1:1 randomization of symptomatic patients with GERD and a partial response to a healing dose of esomeprazole.

RESULTS

Overall, 256 eligible patients (female, 59.4%; mean age, 52.6 years) received vonoprazan 20 mg (n = 85), vonoprazan 40 mg (n = 85), or esomeprazole 40 mg (n = 86); mean (SD) percentages of heartburn-free 24-h periods during double-blind treatment were 36.7% (33.4%), 36.5% (35.6%), and 38.4% (34.8%), respectively, with no intergroup statistical significance. Vonoprazan exposure increased proportionally from the 20-mg to 40-mg dose (mean C_max : 23.3 ng/ml to 47.1 ng/ml, respectively). Most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild, with no deaths reported.

CONCLUSIONS

No statistically significant difference in efficacy and safety was observed among treatment groups, and vonoprazan was well tolerated. The trial is registered with the National Board of Health (EudraCT: 2015-001154-14) database.

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Cancer Risk: An Umbrella Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

OBJECTIVES

Increasing evidence suggested that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) use might affect the development of cancers, but previous conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, an umbrella review was performed to clarify the associations between PPIs and various types of cancer by summarizing the existing meta-analyses and systematic reviews.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database up to June 2022 for eligible meta-analyses or systematic reviews. The summary effect size, 95% CI, heterogeneity, small study effect, and 95% prediction interval were considered in the present study. A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Review 2 and grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation were used to assess methodological quality and evidence.

RESULTS

The umbrella review included 21 meta-analyses containing 65 studies and 10 cancer types with 6.8 million subjects. The results showed that PPI use was significantly associated with increased risks of certain types of cancer, including gastric cancer (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% CI, 1.30 to 3.29), pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.44), colorectal cancer (OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.67), and liver cancer (OR: 1.80; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.54), but was not associated with esophageal cancer. In addition, PPI use was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer (OR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that clinicians should pay more attention to the occurrence of gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer in patients who used PPIs, and PPI prescription should be written only when an accurate specific diagnosis has been made. Furthermore, additional PPIs to the treatment regimen may be benefit for women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer.

Thailand guideline 2020 for medical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

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

Consensus statements and recommendations on the management of mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease in the Southeast Asian region

This paper reports the proceedings from the first consensus meeting on the management of mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region. Seventeen statements were drawn up by a steering committee that focused on epidemiology, mechanism of action, diagnostic investigations, and treatment. Voting on the recommendations used the Delphi method with two rounds of voting among the 10 panel members. The consensus panel agreed that GERD is mostly a mild disease in the SEA region with predominantly non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Complicated GERD and Barrett's esophagus are infrequently seen. The panel recommended endoscopy in patients with alarm or refractory symptoms but cautioned that the incidence of gastric cancer is higher in SEA. pH and impedance measurements were not recommended for routine assessment. The acid pocket is recognized as an important pathogenic factor in GERD. Lifestyle measures such as weight reduction, avoidance of smoking, reduction of alcohol intake, and elevation of the head of the bed were recommended but strict avoidance of specific foods or drinks was not. Alginates was recommended as the first-line treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate GERD while recognizing that proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) remained the mainstay of treatment of GERD. The use of alginates was also recommended as adjunctive therapy when GERD symptoms were only partially responsive to PPIs.

Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Sleep: An Important Relationship That Is Commonly Overlooked

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent, chronic medical condition that affects 13% of the adult population globally at least once a week. Sleep disturbances are frequently encountered in up to 25% of the GERD patients, likely due to nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (GER). With advance in diagnostic techniques allowing for an improved understanding of involved physiological mechanisms of nocturnal reflux, there is growing evidence of a bidirectional relationship between GERD and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, nocturnal GER is associated with more complicated GERD. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and GERD also have been linked, but to what degree remains controversial. Treatment of nocturnal GER has been shown to improve both subjective and objective sleep measures. The therapeutic approach includes lifestyle modifications and medication individualization and optimization with proton-pump inhibitors serving as the mainstay of treatment. Antireflux surgery and newer endoscopic procedures have been demonstrated to control nocturnal GER.

Effects of acotiamide on functional dyspepsia patients with heartburn who failed proton pump inhibitor treatment in Japanese patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study

BACKGROUND

Functional dyspepsia (FD) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are gastrointestinal disorders that often overlap. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, the effects of adding acotiamide to treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) were investigated in FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment, corresponding to PPI-resistant NERD.

METHODS

The subjects included 16 FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment, and they were administered acotiamide or a placebo for 28 days. After suspending medication for 28 days, the trial drug and placebo were crossed over and administered for 28 days. Before the study began and after each administration period, high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) was performed, and the modified frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) questionnaire was administered.

KEY RESULTS

Postprandial fullness in the FD assessment and all modified FSSG items were significantly lower in the acotiamide group than in the placebo group. Esophagogastric junction pressure was significantly higher in the acotiamide group. The distal contractile integral (DCI) pressure and the highest DCI pressure both increased significantly in the acotiamide group. Moreover, in the acotiamide group, the frequency of abnormal primary peristalsis decreased to normal levels; complete bolus transit (CBT), an indicator of esophageal clearance, increased; and CBT time decreased.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Acotiamide was considered to improve upper gastrointestinal functions not only in the stomach but also in the esophagus. Adding acotiamide to PPI therapy appears to improve upper abdominal symptoms in FD patients with heartburn who failed PPI treatment.

Phase 4 Study in Patients From Asia With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Treated With Dexlansoprazole

Background/Aims

Since the use of dexlansoprazole in Asian subjects with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been adequately characterized, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexlansoprazole modified-release in Asian subjects with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE).

Methods

In this phase 4, open-label, non-randomized, uncontrolled, multicenter, multi-country study sponsored by Takeda, subjects aged ≥ 20 years with persistent typical GERD symptoms for at least 6 months underwent endoscopy. Based on endoscopic findings, they were assigned to either dexlansoprazole modified-release 30 mg once-daily for 4 weeks (NERD group) or dexlansoprazole modified-release 60 mg once-daily for 8 weeks (EE group). The primary endpoint was the percentage of days that subjects did not experience any 24-hour heartburn or acid regurgitation.

Results

Of the 445 subjects screened from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, 208 were enrolled in the NERD group (mean age: 53.6 years, male: 34.6%) and 88 in the EE group (mean age: 51.7 years, male: 55.7%). Over the treatment period, the median percentage of days that subjects did not experience any 24-hour heartburn or acid regurgitation was 26.9% and 65.5% in the NERD and EE groups, respectively; for nighttime heartburn or acid regurgitation the proportions were 59.3% and 83.3%, respectively. The treatment was well tolerated with low incidence of treatment-related adverse events in NERD and EE groups (6.7% and 5.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

In Asian patients with GERD, treatment with dexlansoprazole modified-release indicates a favorable efficacy and safety profile in relieving heartburn and acid regurgitation symptoms.

Predictor of slower gastric emptying in gastroesophageal reflux disease: Survey of an Asian-Pacific cohort

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Asian populations have relatively lower prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and tend to exhibit symptoms of prolonged gastric retention. However, it remains unknown if slower gastric emptying influences its features in Asian countries. We prospectively assessed the potential implications of slower gastric emptying in an Asian-Pacific cohort of gastroesophageal reflux disease by a hospital-based survey.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-two patients of gastroesophageal reflux disease complete the scintigraphic measurement of solid phase of gastric emptying. Clinical symptoms and psychological stress are recorded by self-report questionnaire. The status of Helicobacter pylori infection, blood level of pepsinogen I, and I/II ratio are assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-seven percent and 28% of the patients have slower gastric emptying rate, depending on the incremental defined cut-off values of slower gastric emptying, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicates that older age and depression score are independently related to slower gastric emptying. Subgroup analysis discloses that patients with slower gastric emptying and higher depression score tend to present with non-erosive esophagitis whereas higher body mass index level and male gender in patients with normal gastric emptying predict the presence of erosive reflux disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study cohort of Asian patients indicates distinctive clinical implications of slower gastric emptying in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Acotiamide Has No Effects on Esophageal Motor Activity or Esophagogastric Junction Compliance

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The novel prokinetic drug acotiamide is used for treatment of functional dyspepsia. It is still unclear how acotiamide has effects on esophageal motor function. Esophageal peristalsis and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) compliance has an important role for prevention of esophageal mucosal damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux, however, few studies have analyzed the effects of acotiamide on those former activities and none have investigated its effects on EGJ compliance. The aim of our research was to examine the effects of acotiamide on esophageal motility and EGJ compliance.

METHODS

We enrolled 3 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients as well as 9 healthy volunteers. Using high-resolution manometry, we examined esophageal motor activity parameters, including esophageal body contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. While, EGJ compliance was evaluated using a functional lumen imaging probe. Following determination of baseline values for esophageal motor activities and EGJ compliance, acotiamide at a standard dose of 300 mg/day was administered for 3 days. All measurements were performed again 2 hours after the last acotiamide administration.

RESULTS

In the healthy volunteers, as compared with the baseline values, acotiamide administration did not significantly change esophageal body contractions and LES pressure. And EGJ distensibility was not significantly changed (distensibility index in 40-mL distension: 3.5 ± 0.4 vs 3.3 ± 0.5 mm²/mmHg). Similarly in the GERD patients, there were no differences in either esophageal motility or EGJ compliance between before and after acotiamide administration (distensibility index in 40-mL distension: 6.2 ± 0.5 vs 6.5 ± 1.1 mm²/mmHg).

CONCLUSION

In both healthy individuals and GERD patients, standard dose acotiamide dose does not have significant effects on esophageal motor activities or EGJ compliance.

Evaluation of treatment pattern and symptom control in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: multihospital questionnaire survey on the current situation in Korea

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, a considerable number of patients fail to respond to PPI therapy and complain of nocturnal heartburn and sleep disturbance. The aims of this study are to evaluate the treatment pattern of GERD-related medications and their efficacy in relieving nocturnal heartburn. A total of 334 patients with GERD receiving PPI therapy within 6 months were enrolled in a multihospital questionnaire survey from January, 2014 to March, 2015. GERD symptoms and patients' satisfaction were assessed by patient questionnaires, and treatment patterns of GERD-related medications were assessed by investigators. Among the 334 patients, 95.8% used PPI once daily and 58.6% used a half-dose of PPI. The PPI treatment pattern was changed in 26.6% of all patients, of those, 54% of the patients doubled the PPI dose, and 29.2% of the patients switched to another PPI. Approximately 60.3% of all patients were prescribed more than three GERD-related medications. The overall satisfaction rate was 61.8%, and 32.2% of patients experienced nocturnal heartburn and sleep disturbance. In the extended-release PPI group, there were fewer nocturnal symptoms compared with the conventional PPI group (10% vs. 33.7%, respectively, P = 0.027). The use of more than three medications was inversely associated with patients' satisfaction (OR = 0.355, 95% CI; 0.197-0.642, P = 0.001). Most patients were prescribed adjunctive medications other than PPIs; however, patients' satisfaction was inversely associated with multiple drugs. Patients' satisfaction was superior in extended-release PPIs than conventional PPIs for the relief of nocturnal heartburn in Korean patients.

Emerging Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Asia Pacific: Implications to Health Care in the Region (World Gastroenterology Organization: Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology Distinguished Global Lecture 2015)

Colorectal cancer (CRC), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are considered important emerging diseases in the Asia Pacific (AP) region. The incidence rate of CRC is the highest among gastrointestinal cancers in the region surpassing that of gastric cancer. However, population CRC screening is limited by availability of adequate health resources and financing. GERD is a highly prevalent disease in AP with the prevalence of GERD symptoms and reflux esophagitis reported to be increasing. The usage of proton pump inhibitors has also been reported to be high. The incidence and prevalence of IBD is not as high as in the west but is now an increasingly recognizable disease in the AP region. Being a complicated disease, IBD will pose a huge financial burden with the increasing use of expensive biological drugs. In tandem with the exponential increase in obesity and diabetes mellitus in AP, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease will become the most important liver disease in the region in the coming years. These emerging diseases reflect the continued fast-paced socioeconomic development in the region with marked lifestyle changes and increasing affluence.

The Prevalence and Clinical Features of Non-responsive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease to Practical Proton Pump Inhibitor Dose in Korea: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In Korea, there are no available multicenter data concerning the prevalence of or diagnostic approaches for non-responsive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which does not respond to practical dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in Korea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the symptom pattern of non-responsive GERD.

METHODS

A total of 12 hospitals who were members of a Korean GERD research group joined this study. We used the composite score (CS) as a reflux symptom scale which is a standardized questionnaire based on the frequency and severity of typical symptoms of GERD. We defined "non-responsive GERD" as follows: a subject with the erosive reflux disease (ERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after standard-dose PPIs for 8 weeks or a subject with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) whose CS was not decreased by at least 50% after half-dose PPIs for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 234 subjects were analyzed. Among them, 87 and 147 were confirmed to have ERD and NERD, respectively. The prevalence of non-responsive GERD was 26.9% (63/234). The rates of non-responsive GERD were not different between the ERD and NERD groups (25.3% vs. 27.9%, respectively, p=0.664). There were no differences between the non-responsive GERD and responsive GERD groups for sex (p=0.659), age (p=0.134), or BMI (p=0.209). However, the initial CS for epigastric pain and fullness were higher in the non-responsive GERD group (p=0.044, p=0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this multicenter Korean study showed that the rate of non-responsive GERD was substantially high up to 26%. In addition, the patients with the non-responsive GERD frequently showed dyspeptic symptoms such as epigastric pain and fullness.

Increased TRPV1 and PAR2 mRNA expression levels are associated only with the esophageal reflux symptoms, but not with the extraesophageal reflux symptoms

Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) receptor and proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) have been implicated in the mechanism of acid-induced inflammation in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to evaluate TRPV1 and PAR2 mRNA expression levels in the GERD patients and their relationship with endoscopic findings and reflux symptoms.Sixteen healthy controls, 45 patients with erosive reflux disease (ERD), and 14 nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) patients received endoscopy and completed questionnaires. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) of TRPV1, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), PAR2, and interleukin (IL)-8 were performed in the distal esophagus specimen.The levels of TRPV1, GDNF, NGF, PAR2, and IL-8 mRNA expression were highest in the ERD group followed by NERD and control groups and the differences between control and ERD groups were statistically significant. Within the ERD group, patients with grade B in Los Angeles (LA) classification showed significantly higher levels of TRPV1, GDNF, and NGF mRNA expression than those with grade A. Presence of reflux symptoms was associated with significant higher levels of TRPV1, PAR2, and IL-8. Notably not extraesophageal but esophageal reflux symptoms were significantly associated with them.Upregulation of TRPV1 and PAR2 pathways might play a role in the development of distal esophageal inflammation and reflux symptoms. And extraesophageal reflux symptoms might not be associated with these processes.

Zero-Inflated Models for Identifying Relationships Between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in China

BACKGROUND AND AIM

That obesity leads to gastroesophageal reflux is a widespread notion. However, scientific evidence for this association is limited, with no rigorous epidemiological approach conducted to address this question. This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in a large population-representative sample from China.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study in an age- and gender-stratified random sample of the population of five central regions in China. Participants aged 18-80 years completed a general information questionnaire and a Chinese version of the Reflux Disease Questionnaire. The zero-inflated Poisson regression model estimated the relationship between body mass index and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

RESULTS

Overall, 16,091 (89.4 %) of the 18,000 eligible participants responded. 638 (3.97 %) and 1738 (10.81 %) experienced at least weekly heartburn and weekly acid regurgitation, respectively. After adjusting for potential risk factors in the zero-inflated part, the frequency [odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 0.50-0.86, p = 0.002] and severity (OR 0.66, 95 % CI 0.50-088, p = 0.004) of heartburn in obese participants were statistically significant compared to those in normal participants. In the Poisson part, the frequency of acid regurgitation, overweight (OR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.01-1.21, p = 0.038) and obesity (OR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.04-1.37, p = 0.013) were statistically significant. BMI was strongly and positively related to the frequency and severity of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Additionally, gender exerted strong specific effects on the relationship between BMI and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity and frequency of heartburn were positively correlated with obesity. This relationship was presented distinct in male participants only.

Pharmacological and Safety Profile of Dexlansoprazole: A New Proton Pump Inhibitor - Implications for Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Asia Pacific Region

Although gastroesophageal reflux disease is not as common in Asia as in western countries, the prevalence has increased substantially during the past decade. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with considerable reductions in subjective well-being and work productivity, as well as increased healthcare use. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are currently the most effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, there are limitations associated with these drugs in terms of partial and non-response. Dexlansoprazole is the first PPI with a dual delayed release formulation designed to provide 2 separate releases of medication to extend the duration of effective plasma drug concentration. Dexlansoprazole has been shown to be effective for healing of erosive esophagitis, and to improve subjective well-being by controlling 24-hour symptoms. Dexlansoprazole has also been shown to achieve good plasma concentration regardless of administration with food, providing flexible dosing. Studies in healthy volunteers showed no clinically important effects on exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel or clopidogrel-induced platelet inhibition, with no dose adjustment of clopidogrel necessary when coprescribed. This review discusses the role of the new generation PPI, dexlansoprazole, in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia.

Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease - comparative efficacy and outcomes of dexlansoprazole MR

The management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been revolutionized with the development of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Unfortunately, due to the inherent pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of conventional PPIs, many patients continue to suffer from symptoms related to GERD despite appropriate use of PPIs. Dexlansoprazole MR is a PPI with a unique dual delayed-release delivery system that has been designed to address the unmet needs in GERD management. Specifically, dexlansoprazole MR addresses limitations with short plasma half-life and need for meal-associated dosing, characteristic of conventional PPIs. In addition, dexlansoprazole MR has been shown to be effective in several specific clinical situations. These include coadministration with clopidogrel, healing of all grades of erosive esophagitis, improvement in reflux-related quality of life, step down to once-per-day dosing, and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections. Furthermore, dexlansoprazole MR has been found to induce symptom improvement in patients with nonerosive esophageal reflux disease, nocturnal heartburn and GERD-related sleep disturbance, and regurgitation. Overall, dexlansoprazole MR is a unique and useful tool in the management of GERD.

Comparing the Areas of Interest in the Field of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder and Neurogastroenterology and Motility Between the East and the West

There is a paucity of studies that compare the differences in published articles submitted from the East and the West in the area of neurogastroenterology and motility (NM). To compare the article topics from the East and the West which have been published, 5 Western (Gastroenterology, Gut, American Journal of Gastroenterology, American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, and Neurogastroenterology and Motility) and 3 Eastern gastrointestinal journals (Journal of Gastroenterology, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility) were selected based on the impact factor. Published papers were classified into 12 categories and 60 subcategories. The titles and abstracts of review articles, original articles, and meta-analyses from these journals were reviewed for the last 2 years (2013–2014). In case of Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility which is published quarterly, this search was performed for 5 years (2010–2014). Of the total 2656 reviewed articles, 842 (260 from the East and 582 from the West) were classified into the category of NM. The most frequently published papers from the Western researchers were categorized as brain-gut interaction, visceral hypersensitivity, and irritable bowel syndrome, whereas those from the Eastern researchers were categorized as gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. This difference between the East and the West is not just due to the journal itself, but it also depends on the author’s affiliation and their ability to perform high quality research in the area of the NM. These data provide evidence for the research trend and give valuable information to the researchers for determining subjects for the study and for selecting proper journals for publishing their studies.

Effects of acotiamide on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux in healthy volunteers

Background

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been increasing worldwide, with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration the current mainstay therapy for affected individuals. However, PPI efficacy is insufficient especially for non-erosive reflux disease. Although it has been reported that prokinetic drugs improve GERD, their effects on esophageal function remain to be clearly investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the direct effects of acotiamide, a novel prokinetic agent for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, on esophageal motor function and gastroesophageal reflux.

Methods

Ten adult healthy volunteers (average age 24 years, range 20–36 years; 7 males, 3 females) were enrolled. Esophageal body peristaltic contractions and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure with and without acotiamide administration were recorded using high resolution manometry using a cross-over protocol. Total and acidic reflux levels for 24 h and during the postprandial period were also recorded using a multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring system. Data were analyzed blind by one observer.

Results

Acotiamide at a standard dose of 300 mg/day did not significantly stimulate esophageal motor function. Although the frequency of swallows with weak contraction tended to decrease with acotiamide administration, the difference as compared to no administration was not statistically significant. In addition, the drug neither decreased total or postprandial gastroesophageal acid/non-acid reflux events nor accelerated esophageal clearance time.

Conclusions

Acotiamide, a novel gastrointestinal motility modulator, at a standard dose did not significantly affect esophageal motor functions or gastroesophageal reflux in healthy adults. Additional investigations with GERD patients are necessary to elucidate its clinical significance.

Trial registration

This study was registered on 1st August 2013 with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry, as number: UMIN000011260.

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children, adults, and elderly in the same community

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults is increasing in Japan as well as worldwide likely due to increasing obesity and the decreasing rate of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, data regarding the prevalence of GERD in children and adolescents in Japan are lacking. We investigated the prevalence of GERD in children, adults, and elderly living in the same community.

METHODS

We surveyed employees of Shimane University Hospital and a related facility and their families using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) and Izumo Scale instruments with demographic information (age, sex, body height, and body weight) and information regarding concurrent medication being taken for GERD. The presence of GERD was defined as a GerdQ score of ≥ 8.

RESULTS

A total of 1859 subjects (771 males, 1088 females; 6-96 years old) were eligible for assessment. The prevalence of GERD in those under 20 years old was 4.4%, which was approximately one third of the rate in adults (11.6%). GERD prevalence was closely associated with obesity in adults, but not in subjects under 20 years old. GERD and other gastrointestinal symptoms frequently overlapped in both adults and younger subjects.

CONCLUSION

We found that the prevalence of GERD in subjects under 20 years of age was lower than that in adults and not associated with obesity. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of symptoms such as heartburn and/or regurgitation when children and adolescents seek routine clinical care.