Lack of Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Esomeprazole and the Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Naproxen and Rofecoxib in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND

We investigated the potential interactions between esomeprazole and a non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; naproxen) or a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2-selective NSAID (rofecoxib) in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Two studies of identical randomised, open, three-way crossover design were conducted. Subjects (n = 32 for both studies) were to receive 1 week's treatment with esomeprazole 40mg once daily (studies A and B), naproxen 250mg twice daily (study A), rofecoxib 12.5mg once daily (study B), and esomeprazole in combination with naproxen (study A) or rofecoxib (study B). Study periods were separated by a 2-week washout period.

RESULTS

On day 7 of dosing, the ratios (and 95% CIs) for the area under the plasma concentration-time curve during the dosing interval (AUC(tau)) and observed maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of esomeprazole and NSAID combination/NSAID alone were 0.98 (0.94, 1.01) and 1.00 (0.97, 1.04), respectively, for study A, and 1.15 (1.06, 1.24) and 1.14 (1.02, 1.28), respectively, for study B. The ratios (and 95% CIs) for AUC(tau) and C(max) of esomeprazole and NSAID combination/esomeprazole alone were 0.96 (0.89, 1.03) and 0.92 (0.85, 1.00), respectively, for study A, and 1.05 (0.96, 1.15) and 1.05 (0.94, 1.18), respectively, for study B. All treatments were well tolerated during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Naproxen and rofecoxib do not interact with esomeprazole, and esomeprazole does not affect the pharmacokinetics of naproxen or rofecoxib. These findings indicate that esomeprazole can be used in combination with NSAIDs without the risk of a pharmacokinetic interaction.

Predictors of gastroduodenal erosions in patients taking low-dose aspirin

BACKGROUND

Gastroduodenal ulcers are common in patients taking low-dose aspirin. However, the factors predisposing to mucosal erosions, the precursor lesions, are not well known.

AIMS

To examine the potential risk factors for the development of erosions in patients chronically taking low-dose aspirin.

METHODS

Patients included were taking aspirin 75-325 mg daily for >28 days. Exclusion criteria included use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and ulcer-healing drugs. Demographic data were collected at baseline, prior to endoscopy to determine the frequency and number of erosions and Helicobacter pylori status. In those without ulcer or other exclusions, endoscopy was repeated at 3 months.

RESULTS

Fewer patients had gastric erosions if they were H. pylori +ve (48.5% vs. 66.4% in H. pylori-ve patients at baseline, P = 0.17; 40.0% vs. 64.1% at 3 months, P = 0.029). If gastric erosions were present, they were also less numerous in H. pylori +ve patients (3.61 +/- 0.83 vs. 4.90 +/- 0.53 at baseline, P = 0.026; 2.17 +/- 0.68 vs. 5.68 +/- 0.86 at 3 months, P = 0.029). There was a trend (0.1 > P > 0.05) for more gastric erosions in those taking >100 mg/day aspirin. Males had more duodenal erosions at baseline (25.2% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.016). Patient age did not affect the presence or number of erosions. H. Pylori was not significantly associated with duodenal erosion numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

Helicobacter pylori infection may partially protect against low-dose aspirin-induced gastric erosions; damage to the stomach appears weakly dose-related; and older age does not increase the risk of erosions.

Systematic review: ulcer definition in NSAID ulcer prevention trials

BACKGROUND

In clinical trials of peptic ulcer prevention, the most appropriate definition of an ulcer remains challenging.

AIMS

To evaluate the ulcer definitions used in clinical trials of ulcer prevention among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users and to determine whether any specific definition is preferred.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Medline and EMBASE databases was conducted. Results were limited to full papers published in English from June 1987 to June 2007 that met the following criteria: randomized, controlled non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug trials of > or =8 weeks' duration, with a primary end point of ulcer upon endoscopy.

RESULTS

Forty five publications met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Overall, an ulcer diameter of > or =3 mm was used in 25 publications and most included a description of ulcer depth. Of the remainder, ulcer was defined as any lesion with unequivocal/observable depth (with no lower limit for ulcer diameter; five publications) or an excavated mucosal break >3 mm (one publication), whereas nine defined a minimum ulcer size of > or =5 or >5 mm. Ulcer definition was unclear in the remaining five publications.

CONCLUSION

In clinical trials of ulcer prevention among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users, a gastric or duodenal lesion > or =3 mm in diameter with significant depth is the preferred definition.

Efficacy of esomeprazole for resolution of symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation in continuous users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

BACKGROUND

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often associated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of esomeprazole 20 and 40 mg for resolution of heartburn and acid regurgitation in continuous NSAIDs.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis of five clinical trials was performed. Two identically designed, placebo-controlled, 4-week studies (NASA1, SPACE1) enrolled non-ulcer, NSAIDs-treated patients with upper abdominal pain, discomfort or burning. PLUTO and VENUS were identically designed, placebo-controlled, 6-month studies that enrolled patients at risk of NSAIDs-induced ulcers. Study 285 was an 8-week comparative study with ranitidine (300 mg/day) in patients with NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcers. Resolution of investigator-assessed heartburn and acid regurgitation was defined as symptom severity of 'none' in the last 7 days.

RESULTS

In NASA1/SPACE1, heartburn resolved in 61% and 62% of patients taking esomeprazole 20 and 40 mg, respectively (vs. 36% on placebo, P < 0.001), and acid regurgitation resolved in 65% and 67% (vs. 48%, P < 0.001). Resolution of both symptoms was greater with esomeprazole than with placebo in PLUTO/VENUS (P <or= 0.001), and than with ranitidine in study 285 (P < 0.05 for esomeprazole 20 mg).

CONCLUSION

Heartburn and regurgitation are common in patients taking NSAIDs and esomeprazole is efficacious for resolution of these symptoms.

Is ranitidine therapy sufficient for healing peptic ulcers associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use?

Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increases the risk of serious gastroduodenal events. To minimise these risks, patients often require concomitant acid-suppressive therapy. We conducted a literature review of clinical trials examining use of ranitidine 150 mg twice daily to heal gastroduodenal ulcers (GU) in NSAID recipients. Seven studies were identified. After 8 weeks' treatment with ranitidine, GU healing rates ranged from 50% to 74% and rates of duodenal ulcer (DU) healing ranged from 81% to 84%. Ranitidine was more effective when NSAIDs were discontinued (healing rates reaching 95% and 100%, respectively). The ulcer healing rate with sucralfate was similar to that of ranitidine. However, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy was associated with significantly greater rates of both GU and DU healing than ranitidine; 8-week GU rates were 92% and 88% with esomeprazole 40 mg and 20 mg, respectively (vs. 74% with ranitidine, p < 0.01). For omeprazole, 8-week healing rates were 87% with omeprazole 40 mg and 84% with omeprazole 20 mg (vs. 64% for ranitidine, p < 0.001), and for lansoprazole the corresponding values were 73-74% and 66-69% for the 30 mg and 15 mg doses, respectively (vs. 50-53% for ranitidine, p < 0.05). In the PPI study reporting DU healing the values were 92% for omeprazole 20 mg (vs. 81% for ranitidine, p < 0.05) and 88% for omeprazole 40 mg (p = 0.17 vs. ranitidine). NSAID-associated GU are more likely to heal when patients receive concomitant treatment with a PPI rather than ranitidine.

Prevalence and incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers during treatment with vascular protective doses of aspirin

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is valuable for preventing vascular events, but information about ulcer frequency is necessary to inform risk-benefit decisions in individual patients.

AIM

To determine ulcer prevalence and incidence in a population representative of those given aspirin therapy and evaluate risk predictors.

METHODS

Patients taking aspirin 75-325 mg daily were recruited from four countries. Exclusions included use of gastroprotectant drugs or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We measured point prevalence of endoscopic ulcers, after quantitating dyspeptic symptoms. Incidence was assessed 3 months later in those eligible to continue (no baseline ulcer or reason for gastroprotectants).

RESULTS

In 187 patients, ulcer prevalence was 11% [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.3-15.1%]. Only 20% had dyspeptic symptoms, not significantly different from patients without ulcer. Ulcer incidence in 113 patients followed for 3 months was 7% (95% CI 2.4-11.8%). Helicobacter pylori infection increased the risk of a duodenal ulcer [odds ratio (OR) 18.5, 95% CI 2.3-149.4], as did age >70 for ulcers in stomach and duodenum combined (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroduodenal ulcers are found in one in 10 patients taking low-dose aspirin, and most are asymptomatic; this needs considering when discussing risks/benefits with patients. Risk factors include older age and H. pylori (for duodenal ulcer).

The Visceral Sensitivity Index: development and validation of a gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety scale

BACKGROUND

Anxiety related to gastrointestinal sensations, symptoms or the contexts in which these may occur is thought to play a significant role in the pathophysiology as well as in the health outcomes of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

AIM

To develop a valid and reliable psychometric instrument that measures gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety.

METHODS

External and internal expert panels as well as a patient focus group evaluated a large pool of potential item stems gathered from the psychological and gastrointestinal literature. Potential scale items were then administered to 96 patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome along with a set of validating questionnaires. Final item selection was based upon rigorous empirical criteria and the psychometric properties of the final scale were examined.

RESULTS

A final unidimensional 15-item scale, the Visceral Sensitivity Index, demonstrated excellent reliability as well as good content, convergent, divergent and predictive validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the Visceral Sensitivity Index is a reliable, valid measure of gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety that may be useful for clinical assessment, treatment outcome studies, and mechanistic studies of the role of symptom-related anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

An irritable bowel syndrome-specific symptom questionnaire: development and validation

BACKGROUND

No self-assessment instruments are available to assess symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aim was to develop a disease-specific symptom questionnaire for use in patients with IBS.

METHODS

Two-hundred-and-thirty-four patients (77% F) with a mean age of 44 years took part in a psychometric evaluation using the previously validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale modified for use in patients with IBS (GSRS-IBS). This version was tested against several disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires. Items with a high ceiling effect, items that measured a different construct, and items showing high correlation (>0.80) to another item were removed. A confirmatory factor analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

The final questionnaire included 13 items depicting problems with satiety, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating. The internal consistency reliability was high, ranging from 0.74 (pain) to 0.85 (satiety). The associations between similar constructs in the GSRS-IBS and the various HRQL scores confirmed the construct validity. Pain, bloating and diarrhoea were the symptom clusters that impaired HRQL the most.

CONCLUSION

The GSRS-IBS is a short and user-friendly instrument with excellent psychometric properties.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of prednisolone in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome is associated with increased serotonin-containing enterochromaffin cells and lymphocytes in rectal biopsies. Animal studies have suggested that steroids reduce the lymphocyte response and suppress some of the post-infectious changes in neuromuscular function.

AIM

To evaluate whether steroids reduce the number of enterochromaffin cells and improve the symptoms of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome underwent a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 3 weeks of oral prednisolone, 30 mg/day. Mucosal enterochromaffin cells, T lymphocytes and mast cells were assessed in rectal biopsies before and after treatment, and bowel symptoms were recorded in a daily diary.

RESULTS

Initial enterochromaffin cell counts were increased and correlated with initial lamina propria T-lymphocyte counts (r = 0.460, P = 0.014). Enterochromaffin cell counts did not change significantly after either prednisolone (- 0.8% +/- 9.2%) or placebo (7.9% +/- 7.9%) (P = 0.5). Although lamina propria T-lymphocyte counts decreased significantly after prednisolone (22.0% +/- 5.6%, P = 0.003), but not after placebo (11.5% +/- 8.6%, P = 0.1), this was not associated with any significant treatment-related improvement in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, frequency or urgency.

CONCLUSIONS

Prednisolone does not appear to reduce the number of enterochromaffin cells or cause an improvement in symptoms in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. Other approaches to this persistent condition are indicated.

Influence of sex and Helicobacter pylori on development and healing of gastroduodenal lesions in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Factors predisposing to endoscopic ulcer formation or healing with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not been well defined.

METHODS

We used multivariate analysis of data from three large similar trials to identify factors associated with endoscopic lesions and healing. We compared the effectiveness of omeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg daily, misoprostol 200 micro g four times daily, and ranitidine 150 mg twice daily in healing ulcers and erosions at different sites and in patients who were Helicobacter pylori positive and negative.

RESULTS

Older age, past ulcer history, rheumatoid arthritis, and H pylori infection were significantly associated with ulcers. Duodenal ulcer was significantly more likely than gastric ulcer with a past ulcer history (odds ratio 1.59, 1.16-2.17), H pylori infection (1.4, 1.04-1.92), and male sex (2.35, 1.75-3.16) while female sex, older age (> or = 60 years: 1.39, 1.03-1.88), and higher NSAID dose (>1 defined daily dose: 1.57, 1.16-2.14) were associated with gastric ulceration. Sex differences were seen in both H pylori positive and negative patients. Gastric and duodenal ulcer healing was significantly faster with omeprazole 20 mg than with misoprostol 200 micro g four times daily or ranitidine 150 mg twice daily although misoprostol was more effective at healing erosions. Gastric ulcer healing was slower with large ulcers (0.37, 0.25-0.54 for >10 mm v 5-10 mm) or a past ulcer history (0.51, 0.34-0.76), and faster with H pylori infection (1.55, 1.06-2.29), especially with acid suppression (72% v 37% at four weeks with ranitidine).

CONCLUSIONS

Among NSAID users, H pylori and male sex independently increase the likelihood of duodenal ulceration. H pylori infection does not affect duodenal ulcer healing and enhances gastric ulcer healing by ranitidine and possibly other acid suppressing treatments.

Relative contribution of mucosal injury and Helicobacter pylori in the development of gastroduodenal lesions in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A past history of peptic ulceration increases the risk of an ulcer developing during non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Whether this is due to Helicobacter pylori infection or to reactivation of the original lesion is unclear.

METHODS

We used multivariate regression analyses of three large similar trials to identify factors that placed patients at high risk of ulcer development or relapse. We compared the efficacy of omeprazole 20 mg daily, misoprostol 200 micro g twice daily, and ranitidine 150 mg twice daily in preventing ulcers and erosions at different sites and in patients who were H pylori positive and negative.

RESULTS

Patients with endoscopic lesions (which healed) initially were significantly more likely than those without to develop further erosions or ulcers during treatment (rate ratio 2.12, 1.07-4.17). Risk mounted further with ulcers versus erosions, particularly those that had been slow to heal. There was a highly significant tendency for the relapse lesion to replicate the site and type of the original lesion (mean odds ratios ranging from 3 to 14). Treatment failure was significantly less likely with omeprazole than with placebo, misoprostol, or ranitidine. This advantage was especially evident in H pylori positive patients receiving acid suppression (5.7% v 16.6% for gastric ulcer with omeprazole).

CONCLUSIONS

Relapse of lesions in patients taking NSAIDs was highly site and type specific and not adversely affected by H pylori status. This strongly implies that local mucosal factors predispose to ulcer development in patients taking NSAIDs. Identification of the responsible mucosal changes would aid understanding and could promote better treatment.

Quality of life in chronic NSAID users: a comparison of the effect of omeprazole and misoprostol

OBJECTIVE

To compare the impact on quality of life (QoL) of omeprazole and misoprostol during healing, and omeprazole, misoprostol, and placebo during maintenance treatment in chronic NSAID users with NSAID-associated gastroduodenal lesions.

METHODS

Validated baseline and follow-up QoL questionnaires were completed by 610 patients (healing: after 4/8 weeks; maintenance: after 6 months).

RESULTS

Patients with arthritis being treated with NSAIDs have a poor QoL. Rheumatoid arthritis causes more joint problems and physical mobility limitations than osteoarthritis. Chronic NSAID use causes heartburn and dyspepsia. QoL improved on both treatments (about equally on two general QOL scales), but omeprazole relieved gastrointestinal symptoms more than misoprostol, particularly reflux, abdominal pain and indigestion symptoms. During maintenance, both treatments maintained QoL, but misoprostol induced diarrhoea.

CONCLUSION

QoL in arthritis patients on chronic NSAID treatment is destroyed. Omeprazole is superior to misoprostol for relief and prevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal symptoms allowing continued NSAID treatment without compromising the patients' QoL.

Gastro-duodenal protection in an era of cyclo-oxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective and necessary for the relief of pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis. NSAIDs are however also associated with an increased risk for ulceration in the stomach and in the duodenum, and many NSAID users experience bothersome dyspeptic symptoms during continued NSAID therapy. PPIs like omeprazole, have been shown to heal and to prevent ulcers and dyspeptic symptoms during continued NSAID therapy, and during continued NSAID therapy the prostaglandin analogue, misoprostol, has been shown to reduce the risk for ulcer complications. The COX-2 selective NSAID, rofecoxib, is in comparison with naproxen, a non-selective NSAID, associated with fewer clinically important upper gastrointestinal events. The incidence of myocardial infarctions seems, however, to be lower with naproxen than with rofecoxib, and this is expected to lead to low-dose aspirin use in rofecoxib users at risk for cardiovascular events. Co-administration of the COX-2 selective NSAID, celecoxib, and low-dose aspirin, is associated with the same risk for upper gastrointestinal ulcer complications alone and combined with symptomatic ulcers, as the non-selective NSAIDs, ibuprofen and diclofenac. A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) should be used for healing of NSAID-associated ulcers, and a PPI or misoprostol should be considered for prevention of ulceration in non-selective NSAID users at risk for ulceration. The experience with COX-2 selective NSAIDs is still limited, and it remains to be studied whether subpopulations of COX-2 selective NSAID users will benefit from gastro-duodenal protection.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of buspirone-stimulated prolactin release in non-ulcer dyspepsia--are central serotoninergic responses enhanced?

BACKGROUND

Dyspepsia is a common symptom for which an organic cause is found in only 40% of patients. When no cause is apparent and the dyspepsia is considered to be idiopathic, a diagnosis of non-ulcer dyspepsia is made. The pathophysiology of non-ulcer dyspepsia is poorly understood and numerous theories have been put forward, including a theory of enhanced central serotoninergic receptor sensitivity.

AIM

To determine the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in non-ulcer dyspepsia.

METHODS

Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we compared buspirone (a serotonin type 1a partial agonist)-stimulated prolactin release in 50 patients and 59 healthy comparison subjects. Buspirone, 30 mg, or matching placebo was administered on two separate occasions and prolactin release over 180 min was monitored. Patients and healthy subjects received both treatments in random order, 1 week apart.

RESULTS

Overall, patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia had greater prolactin release in response to the buspirone challenge than the healthy comparison subjects, with differences most significant at 90 min following the challenge. Enhancement occurred in patients both with and without Helicobacter pylori infection. Female subjects, both patients and healthy volunteers, showed a greater response to buspirone than male subjects, and the augmentation of response observed in male and female patients was greater in females.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia have enhanced central serotoninergic responses and such responses are independent of H. pylori infection. Blockade of such receptors might be an appropriate therapeutic strategy.

Impact of cortisol on buspirone stimulated prolactin release: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Buspirone is known to stimulate prolactin release. Clinical studies (e.g. in chronic fatigue syndrome) suggest that the response may be influenced by baseline cortisol levels. We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study to examine the relationship between the prolactin response to buspirone challenge and baseline cortisol level. Fifty healthy volunteers took part in the study. Buspirone was found to consistently elevate PRL levels above those seen following placebo administration. The PRL response as measured by area under the curve was highly correlated with the baseline cortisol level.

Characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome recruited from three sources: implications for clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Variation in the characteristics of irritable bowel syndrome patients recruited for clinical trials from different sources could affect their response and the generalizability of trial results.

AIM

To describe and compare the characteristics of three different groups of irritable bowel syndrome patients recruited into a 'mock clinical trial.'

METHODS

We enrolled 245 irritable bowel syndrome patients from three sources: (i) 121 from British primary practitioners; (ii) 72 from California newspaper advertisements; and (iii) 52 from a California gastroenterologist's practice. We obtained demographic, clinical, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale data.

RESULTS

Most patients were young to middle-aged women; the majority reported symptoms for > 5 years in all three groups. Subject characteristics varied among the groups. Typically, primary care patients were anxious, smokers and daily alcohol drinkers who had sought care recently for irritable bowel syndrome and tried antispasmodic drugs. Their symptoms were intermediate in severity between those of the other two groups. Advertisement subjects were the oldest, most highly educated, most often depressed, and were least likely to have sought care recently for symptoms, which were almost uniformly only moderate in severity. Gastroenterologist patients tended to be anxious and had nearly all sought care recently for symptoms, which were the most severe and most likely to include all three pain-related Rome I criteria.

CONCLUSION

Recruitment methodology affects important characteristics of an irritable bowel syndrome study group.

Lack of drug-drug interaction between three different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and omeprazole

OBJECTIVE

To study, in three separate investigations, the potential interaction between omeprazole and three different non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; diclofenac, naproxen and piroxicam) in healthy male and female subjects.

METHODS

Each investigation was an open, randomized, three-way cross-over study, in which the subjects were given omeprazole 20 mg once daily for 1 week, the NSAID in therapeutic daily doses (diclofenac 50 mg bid, naproxen 250 mg bid, or piroxicam 10 mg om), or a combination of omeprazole and each NSAID. The plasma concentrations of the NSAID as well as of omeprazole were determined on the last day of each investigation period.

RESULTS

None of the NSAIDs studied had any effect on the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) of omeprazole. It was also demonstrated that omeprazole 20 mg daily had no significant influence on the pharmacokinetics of the NSAIDs. The AUC ratio, (NSAID +omeprazole):NSAID alone, was 1.11, 0.99, and 0.99 for diclofenac, naproxen, and piroxicam, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Diclofenac, naproxen, and piroxicam can be administered together with omeprazole 20 mg daily without need for dosage alteration. There was no significant change in the bioavailability of theses NSAIDs during omeprazole therapy in this study.

Omeprazole and H2-receptor antagonists in the acute treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and reflux oesophagitis: a meta-analysis

This paper is a meta-analysis of 30 published, double-blind clinical trials comparing omeprazole with ranitidine or cimetidine for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and reflux oesophagitis. These studies compare the recommended doses of omeprazole with those for ranitidine and cimetidine, and the confidence intervals for the therapeutic gain show that the findings are highly reliable. The difference in healing rates favoured omeprazole over ranitidine in patients with duodenal ulcer after 2 weeks of treatment (15.2 percentage units; P < 0.001), and after 4 weeks of treatment in patients with gastric ulcer (9.9 percentage units; P = 0.005), or reflux oesophagitis (23 percentage units; P < 0.001). Similarly, omeprazole gave a 20.6 percentage units higher average healing rate than cimetidine in patients with duodenal ulcer after 2 weeks of treatment (P < 0.0001). Significantly more patients treated with omeprazole were free of symptoms at their first follow-up visit than patients treated with ranitidine or cimetidine.

Peptic ulcer disease: absence of antibodies stimulating the histamine sensitive adenylate cyclase of gastric mucosal cells

The possible presence of parietal cell stimulating antibodies was examined in sera from 57 patients with relapsing ulcer disease. The sera were obtained at the time of symptomatic relapse and all patients had ulcers confirmed by endoscopy. A sensitive assay based on adenosine 3':5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production in isolated porcine gastric mucosal cells was used as a measure. cAMP production increased up to four hours of incubation and was histamine responsive; an approximately 20-fold increase was found with histamine 10(-4) mol/l. Sera from both patients and healthy control subjects showed some inhibitory effect on basal cAMP production compared with incubation in medium only, whereas immunoglobulin preparations had a weaker non-specific effect. No stimulation was found when the patients' sera and immunoglobulins (up to a concentration of 6 mg/ml) were examined. These results suggest that gastric acid hypersecretion in duodenal ulcer disease is not an effect of histamine receptor stimulating antibodies. The data thus argue against a recent hypothesis that severe chronic ulcer disease in some patients has an autoimmune origin.

Treatment of refractory peptic ulcer with omeprazole or continued H2 receptor antagonists: a controlled clinical trial

We tested the hypothesis that the gastric H+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor, omeprazole, because of its different mode of action and pronounced inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion, may be more effective in peptic ulcer that is refractory to histamine H2 receptor antagonist treatment than continuing the same therapy. Altogether 107 patients (duodenal ulcer, n = 88; prepyloric ulcer, n = 14; gastric ulcer, n = 3; mixed sites, n = 2) with refractory peptic ulcer - that is ulcer unhealed after at least two months' treatment with cimetidine 0.8 g or 1 g daily or with ranitidine 0.3 g daily - were randomly allocated to receive either omeprazole 40 mg daily (n = 54) or to continue treatment with the same H2 receptor antagonist and at the same dose (n = 53) for up to eight weeks. The patients in the two treatment groups were well matched demographically. Healing by 'intent to treat' analysis was as follows: at four weeks, omeprazole 46 of 54 (85%), H2 receptor antagonist 18 of 53 (34%) (p less than 0.0001); and at eight weeks, 52 of 54 (96%) and 30 of 53 (57%) respectively (p less than 0.0001). One patient was lost to follow up but of the 22 patients whose ulcers were shown to be unhealed at endoscopy after receiving continued H2 receptor antagonist treatment, 21 healed in four to eight weeks when changed to omeprazole. Daytime epigastric pain cleared at four weeks in 43 of 47 (91%) patients on omeprazole and in 32 of 46 (70%) on H2 receptor antagonists (p=0.01) and relief of all dyspeptic symptoms occurred in 39 of 47 (83%) and 23 of 45 (51%) (p=0.0009) patients respectively. Adverse events occurred in 11 of 54 (20%) patients on omeprazole and in 12 of 35 (34%) on cimetidine but in none on ranitidine. The events were mild and none required treatment withdrawal. The commonest event in patients on omeprazole was loose stools or diarrhoea (n=5). Omeprazole was significantly better than continued H2 receptor antagonist treatment for the short term management of refractory peptic ulcer as judged by healing rate and pain relief, and it was safe.

Selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibition in ulcerative colitis

Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentrations were measured in rectal dialysis fluid from ten patients with active ulcerative colitis before and after oral administration of 800 mg of the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor A-64077. The median LTB4 level fell significantly, from 4.9 (range 0.6-20.4) ng/ml before treatment to 1.6 (0.3-5.7) ng/ml after 4 h and 0.7 (0.1-8.0) ng/ml after 8 h; it had returned to pretreatment levels by 28 h. The concentration of PGE2 did not change significantly. The increased generation of 5-lipoxygenase products, such as LTB4, in ulcerative colitis and the potent proinflammatory actions of these products suggest that they have an important role in the amplification of the inflammatory response. A controlled trial to assess the clinical efficacy of A-64077 seems worth while.

Intravenous omeprazole: effect of a loading dose on 24-h intragastric pH

To determine the effect of three times daily dosing with intravenous omeprazole on intragastric acidity, 24 h intragastric pH was measured continuously with a monocrystalline antimony electrode system in II patients with inactive duodenal ulceration during fasting conditions. After a baseline investigation, two different dosage regimens of intravenous omeprazole were compared in a double-blind crossover study, with regard to their ability to keep the pH greater than or equal to 4 for as long as possible. Success in the individual patient was defined as pH greater than or equal to 4 for at least 90% over the 24-h period. Two doses of omeprazole [40 mg t.d.s. (120 mg) and 80 mg + 40 mg + 40 mg (160 mg)] were compared. Omeprazole (120 mg) increased the median of individual median intragastric 24-h pH from 1.49 to 6.67. The pH was greater than or equal to 4 for greater than or equal to 90% of the 24 h in three of the 11 patients. With omeprazole, 160 mg (a loading dose of 80 mg), the median of individual median intragastric 24-h pH increased to 7.33. The pH was greater than or equal to 4 for greater than or equal to 90% of the 24 h in seven of the 11 patients. Median time to reach pH 4 was 39 min after 40 mg and 20 min after 80 mg omeprazole. An initial loading dose of 80 mg omeprazole seems preferable to 40 mg to achieve a fast and sustained increase in intragastric pH to above 4 in the fasting patient.

Identical 24-hour gastric pH profiles when using intragastric antimony or glass electrodes or aspirated gastric juice

Intragastric pH was continuously measured over 24 h with a monocrystalline antimony electrode system and was compared with pH measured in simultaneously aspirated gastric juice and with pH measured by using a conventional intragastric glass electrode. There was a marked correlation between the pH readings obtained with the monocrystalline antimony electrode and the pH values measured in aspirated gastric juice (r = 0.92, p less than 0.001) and with the pH readings obtained with the intragastric glass electrode (r = 0.92, p less than 0.001). Both readings of pH with glass electrode and of pH after aspiration can be predicted by readings of pH with antimony electrode by using linear regression lines with slopes close to 1. Intragastric pH measurement is an alternative to aspiration of gastric juice, and the result obtained with an electrode of monocrystalline antimony is comparable to that obtained with a conventional glass electrode.

A controlled randomized trial of budesonide versus prednisolone retention enemas in active distal ulcerative colitis

Sixty-four patients with active distal ulcerative colitis participated in a multicentre, randomized, investigator-blind trial to compare the effect of budesonide enema, 2 mg/100 ml, with prednisolone disodium phosphate enema, 31.25 mg/100 ml. Budesonide is a new potent corticosteroid with a rapid first-pass elimination. The patients were treated for 4 weeks, and the efficacy of the drugs were evaluated by sigmoidoscopy, histology, and subjective symptoms after 2 and 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment 16 of 31 patients (52%) receiving budesonide enema had healed endoscopically, compared with 8 of 33 (24%) (p = 0.045) receiving prednisolone enema. Budesonide was superior to prednisolone in terms of both significantly improved sigmoidoscopic and histologic scores and subjective symptoms evaluated by visual analogue scales. The patients receiving prednisolone had a significant depression of endogenous cortisol levels during the treatment period, but not the patients receiving budesonide. Budesonide enema seems to be a promising therapy for active distal ulcerative colitis and causes no adverse reactions.

The effect of 20 Mg omeprazole daily on serum gastrin, 24-h intragastric acidity, and bile acid concentration in duodenal ulcer patients

Serum gastrin, 24-h intragastric acidity, and bile acid concentrations were measured during physiologic conditions in 10 patients with duodenal ulcer disease. Omeprazole, 20 mg daily, for 8 days reduced acidity by greater than or equal to 99% in six patients and by 47-54% in four patients. The degree of acid reduction was related to the area under the plasma omeprazole concentration time curve (AUC). Serum gastrin levels were not significantly increased by omeprazole. Intragastric bile acid concentrations were increased by omeprazole, but this seems to be of little importance for the healing of duodenal ulcers.

Pharmacokinetics of [14C]omeprazole in patients with impaired renal function

Pharmacokinetics of [14C]omeprazole and its metabolites were studied after single intravenous and oral doses of 20 and 40 mg, respectively, to 12 patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Blood samples for determination of total radioactivity, omeprazole, OH-omeprazole, sulfone, and sulfide were taken for 24 hours. Urine was collected over 96 hours for determination of total radioactivity and during the first 24 hours for additional assay of omeprazole and metabolites. The mean systemic availability was 70%. The mean plasma t1/2 of omeprazole was 0.6 hours. Unchanged omeprazole was not measurable in urine. Derived pharmacokinetic constants of intact omeprazole were within the range of those reported in healthy individuals. The accumulated 24-hour excretion of radioactive metabolites was related significantly to creatinine clearance. The cumulative excretion of total radioactivity in urine over 96 hours in percent of given dose varied between 25% and 83%.

A comparison of two different doses of omeprazole versus ranitidine in treatment of duodenal ulcers

In a study involving three centers, 105 patients with duodenal ulcer proven by endoscopy were randomly assigned to treatment with either the H+, K+, ATPase inhibitor omeprazole (20 mg or 40 mg taken as a single morning dose), or ranitidine (150 mg morning and night). It was a double-blind study using a double-dummy technique. Clinical assessment and laboratory investigations were carried out at 2, 4, and 8 weeks; endoscopy was done at 2 weeks, and if not healed, at 4 and 8 weeks. The patients in the three treatment groups were well matched. Significantly more patients treated with omeprazole healed compared with ranitidine at 2 weeks (p = 0.007) and at 4 weeks (p = 0.007), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two omeprazole groups. Pain was of similar severity at the start in all groups, but patients treated with omeprazole had fewer days with pain (median values being omeprazole 20 mg: 2 days; omeprazole 40 mg: 1 day; ranitidine: 7 days). The difference between the combined omeprazole groups and ranitidine was significant (p less than 0.02). There was also a tendency towards less severe daytime pain on omeprazole during the first week. The difference was statistically significant between omeprazole (40 mg) and ranitidine for days 2-7 (p less than 0.01). No change in laboratory screen attributable to drug treatment occurred. After healing, 79 patients entered a 6-month follow-up study with endoscopy at 3 and 6 months or whenever symptoms occurred. After 6 months relapses occurred in 14/24, 19/23, and 15/25 after 20 mg omeprazole, 40 mg omeprazole, and ranitidine, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The rate of healing of duodenal ulcers during omeprazole treatment

We have studied the rate of healing of duodenal ulcers in 44 patients treated with omeprazole, 40 mg once daily for 4 weeks, with or without an 80-mg loading dose on day 1. Fourteen patients (32%) had healed by the end of the 1st week's treatment and a further 27 after a further week (giving a cumulative total of 93%). All patients (100%) had healed by the end of the treatment period. There was no significant difference in healing rate between the two treatment groups. Ulcer symptoms were relieved rapidly, and the drug was well tolerated.

Effect of omeprazole, a substituted benzimidazole, on 24-h intragastric acidity in patients with peptic ulcer disease

Intragastric pH was measured during physiological conditions over 24-h periods in patients with peptic ulcer disease. After single oral doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg omeprazole we found a dose-dependent reduction in mean intragastric acidity ranging from 38% to 99%. After treatment for 1 week with omeprazole, 40 mg daily, with or without an initial loading dose of 80 mg, intragastric acidity was decreased by more than 99%. This is a more pronounced decrease in acidity than can be achieved even with very high doses of histamine H2-receptor antagonists.