Empirical Proton Pump Inhibitor Research Articles

Clinical Trial: Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia According to Subtype Compared With Empirical Proton Pump Inhibitor.

International guidelines recommend contrasting initial treatment strategies for functional dyspepsia (FD). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment according to subtypes, compared with empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI), in the initial treatment of FD. We performed a single-blinded, randomised controlled trial of adults with FD. In the intervention group (treatment according to subtype), patients were categorised into epigastric pain syndrome (treatment esomeprazole); postprandial distress syndrome (PDS; treatment itopride) and overlap (treatment itopride, maintain, add/or switch to esomeprazole at week 4). The control group received esomeprazole only. The primary efficacy outcome was the assessment of global symptom improvement (primary end point: best two points from the 7-point Likert scale) over 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included assessment of the change in nine individual upper gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life (Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index) and adverse events. We randomised 180 patients (median age: 50; 68.7% female 56.7% PDS) 1:1 into intervention and control arms. The percentage of patients achieving the primary efficacy outcome were 74.4% and 72.2%, respectively (p = 0.74). The improvement of individual symptoms in both groups were similar. The SF-NDI improved after treatment in both groups (p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference in the degree of change between groups. Rates of adverse events between groups were similar at week 8. Initial treatment of FD according to subtype was not more effective than empirical PPI alone for up to 8 weeks. Further multicentre studies, with a larger sample size, are recommended to validate these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04918017.

A survey of practice patterns and adherence to national and international guidelines on the management of Helicobacter pylori infection among gastroenterologists and gastroenterology fellows in India.

Patients and primary care providers alike benefit greatly from the expertise of gastroenterologists when it comes to managing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, information on gastroenterologists' practices in the management of H. pylori infection is scarce in this part of the world. This study aimed at evaluating the practice patterns of gastroenterologists and gastroenterology fellows in India. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of gastroenterologists and gastroenterology fellows working in India. Total 207 gastroenterologists and 53 fellows filled out the questionnaire. Responses were received from all around India. Approximately 70% of respondents perceive H. pylori to be a gastric pathogen, while 20% regard it as a commensal bacterium. While the proportion of respondents who chose a test and treat method (34.6%) for uninvestigated dyspepsia without alarm symptoms was comparable to empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy (38.8%), about one-fifth chose a scope and treat strategy in this setting. Even in the absence of alarm signs, more than half of respondents (61.5%) preferred endoscopic biopsy to detect H. pylori. While rapid urease testing (RUT) was the preferred modality (80%) for detecting H. pylori, about one-third preferred single-site RUT (from the antrum). Only 40% followed the Updated Sydney protocol, while performing biopsies and a majority (78.8%) are unable to discontinue PPIs before testing for H. pylori. PPI-clarithromycin-based triple treatment was the preferred regimen (67%) for first-line eradication, while nearly a quarter of respondents did not utilize bismuth due to concerns about adverse effects. The survey reveals a lack of adherence to the currentH. pylori guidelines for diagnosis, testing and treatment among gastroenterologists and gastroenterology fellows in India. It is vital that scientific societies simplify guidelines, investigate challenges to their effective implementation and execute targeted interventions to increase adherence.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Diagnosis and Management.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common, with increasing worldwide disease prevalence and high economic burden. A significant number of patients will remain symptomatic following an empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial. Persistent symptoms despite PPI therapy are often mislabeled as refractory GERD. For patients with no prior GERD evidence (unproven GERD), testing is performed off antisecretory therapy to identify objective evidence of pathologic reflux using criteria outlined by the Lyon consensus. In proven GERD, differentiation between refractory symptoms (persisting symptoms despite optimized antisecretory therapy) and refractory GERD (abnormal reflux metrics on ambulatory pH impedance monitoring and/or persistent erosive esophagitis on endoscopy while on optimized PPI therapy) can direct subsequent management. While refractory symptoms may arise from esophageal hypersensitivity or functional heartburn, proven refractory GERD requires personalization of the management approach, tapping from an array of non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic, endoscopic, and surgical interventions. Proper diagnosis and management of refractory GERD is critical to mitigate undesirable long-term complications such as strictures, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. This review outlines the diagnostic workup of patients presenting with refractory GERD symptoms, describes the distinction between unproven and proven GERD, and provides a comprehensive review of the current treatment strategies available for the management of refractory GERD.

Exploring the Substantive Significance of Laryngoscopic Observations as Reliable Prognostic Indicators for the Therapeutic Efficacy in Cases of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) can be defined as the regurgitation of gastric acid and peptic substances into the laryngeal and hypopharyngeal regions, even in the case of a singular occurrence. A substantial body of recent research underscores the significance of non-acid reflux as a notable contributor to LPR symptoms. This current investigation delves into the assessment of laryngoscopic observations in their predictive capacity regarding the therapeutic outcomes of empirically administered proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in the context of LPR. In this study, 145 patients who had received a clinical diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) underwent rigorous laryngoscopic examinations. These patients were subsequently categorized into three distinct groups based on the Belafsky reflux findings score, which included the criteria for normal (scores ranging from 0 to 7), mild to moderate (scores ranging from 8 to 16), and moderate to severe (scores ranging from 17 to 26). Among the participants, 12 individuals from the normal group, 44 from the mild to moderate group, and 31 from the moderate to severe group reported experiencing a noteworthy alleviation of symptoms following a three-month period of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and lifestyle adjustments. It is important to note that these findings yielded statistically significant results. Preliminary laryngoscopic observations hold significant potential as predictors of favourable treatment outcomes in the context of empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study of the empirical role of proton pump inhibitor therapy on laryngopharyngeal reflux

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a highly prevalent disease and commonly encountered in the otolaryngologist’s office. Study to evaluate the presentation of different signs and symptoms of LPR along with evaluating the role of empiric PPI (proton pump inhibitor) in the management of LPR by observing its effect on RFS and RSI. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 cases having different symptoms of LPR. Reflux symptom index (RSI) and Reflux finding score (RFS) were used to diagnose LPR. Patients were put on PPI (Pantoprazole 40 mg OD for 12 weeks) and followed up at 4,8 and 12 weeks and successive RSI and RFS scores were evaluated. The results were compiled and analyzed statistically. Results: Among all symptoms, most common presenting symptom of LPR was foreign body/sensation of something sticking in throat (80%). Upon pharmacological therapy with PPIs (Pantoprazole), the mean RSI score changed from 22.94±5.83 to 11.19±2.97 at 12 weeks of PPI therapy. The mean RFS score changed from 12.93±3.55 to 6.86±2.86 at 12 weeks of PPI therapy. The change in the RFS and RSI score was highly significant (p=0.001). Conclusions: LPR is a common condition presenting in ENT settings, the symptoms and signs of which may be complex. RFS and RSI score are valuable tools for diagnosing LPR. PPIs are proven to be effective therapy for LPR, more studies are encouraged to affirm the efficacy of PPIs over other management options.

Optimizing the Management Algorithm for Heartburn in General Gastroenterology: Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Minimization Analysis

Heartburn is the most common symptom seen in gastroenterology practice. We aimed to optimize cost-effective evaluation and management of heartburn. We developed a decision analytic model from insurer and patient perspectives comparing 4 strategies for patients failing empiric proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): (1) PPI optimization without testing, (2) endoscopy with PPI optimization for all patients, (3) endoscopy with PPI discontinuation when erosive findings are absent, and (4) endoscopy/ambulatory reflux monitoring with PPI discontinuation as appropriate for phenotypic management. Health outcomes were respectively defined on systematic reviews of clinical trials. Cost outcomes were defined on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services databases and commercial multipliers for direct healthcare costs, and national observational studies evaluating healthcare utilization. The time horizon was 1 year. All testing was performed off PPI. PPI optimization without testing cost $3784/y to insurers and $3128 to patients due to lower work productivity and suboptimal symptom relief. Endoscopy with PPI optimization lowered insurer costs by $1020/y and added 11 healthy days/y by identifying erosive reflux disease. Endoscopy with PPI discontinuation added 11 additional healthy days/y by identifying patients without erosive reflux disease that did not need PPI. By optimizing phenotype-guided treatment, endoscopy/ambulatory reflux monitoring with a trial of PPI discontinuation was the most effective of all strategies (gaining 22 healthy days/y) and saved $2183 to insurers and $2396 to patients. Among patients with heartburn, endoscopy with ambulatory reflux monitoring (off PPI) optimizes cost-effective management by matching treatment to phenotype. When erosive findings are absent, trialing PPI discontinuation is more cost-effective than optimizing PPI.

S3363 A Case of Progressive Refractory Diarrhea due to Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Introduction: A 64-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus presents with acute on chronic diarrhea and refractory acid reflux is found to have Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Case Description/Methods: The patient had a two-year history of non-bloody diarrhea which worsened (7 bowel movements/day) in the two months prior to presentation. She described associated nausea, reflux, and abdominal pain. Notably, her mother had similar symptoms, requiring small bowel resection (records not available). Previous workup included a colonoscopy and an esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) showing duodenal ulcerations with negative biopsies for celiac disease. She was started on a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), colestipol, and loperamide without improvement. Medication review, stool infectious studies, and cross-sectional imaging had been unrevealing. On presentation, she had stable vitals and physical exam significant for diffuse abdominal tenderness. Labs were notable for a hemoglobin of 10.2 gm/dL (grams per deciliter) and an acute kidney injury (AKI). Abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) suggested multiple, small duodenal ulcers with a polypoid lesion in the gastric antrum (Figure). EGD revealed esophagitis, multiple small duodenal ulcerations (D1, D2), and gastric mucosal atrophy. Repeat colonoscopy was unremarkable. The fasting gastrin level was 211 pg/mL (picogram per milliliter). The secretin stimulation test showed serum gastrin blood levels of 121, 258, and 483 pg/mL at 2, 5, and 10 minutes respectively consistent with Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. The Dotatate PET/CT scan showed metastatic somatostatin receptor expressing portocaval adenopathy without a tracer-avid primary neuroendocrine tumor. She was started on lanreotide and is now referred to oncology. Discussion: This case represents an instructive example of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome (ZES), often discussed, but rarely diagnosed. In this case, the patient presented with progressive diarrhea, a subtle family history, and with several prior evaluations. ZES is a rare gastrin-secreting neuroendocrine tumor (NET) associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN-1), which leads to refractory acid reflux and chronic diarrhea, as seen in our patient. Non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms and empiric PPI use can delay the diagnosis. The gastric pH, gastric level, secretin stimulation, and Dotatate PET/CT are used to evaluate and localize the tumor.Figure 1.: A, B: Computed Tomography (CT) abdomen showed multiple, small duodenal ulcers and 4 millimeter (mm) enhancing polyp at the gastric antrum (red arrows).

Childhood gastroesophageal reflux disease with laryngopharyngeal reflux and association of psychosocial risk factors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) are inflammatory sequelae following the backflow of stomach contents to the esophagus or larynx/pharynx, respectively, the latter most often occurring in GERD. Unlike adults, the clinical parameters of “reflux symptom index” and “reflux finding score” are not routinely done in children suspected of LPR associated with GERD. Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) trial with a 50% reduction of symptom severity following 2–4 weeks of empirical PPI, which is then continued for 12 weeks, is considered a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for GERD in children. We present our successful management of an 8-year-old child, who had primarily respiratory symptoms with no associated respiratory, cardiac, or neurological etiology. Clinical evidence of underlying LPR secondary to GERD was confirmed by otolaryngologists with Reflux Finding Score. Significant psychosocial risk factors observed during her evaluation were addressed by psychologists. PPI therapy and behavioral therapy were initiated and the child improved drastically. The association of significant psychological issues in family and the social context appears to be significant in childhood GERD. A multidisciplinary comprehensive clinical approach is the cornerstone for its successful medical management.

Objective ambulatory pH monitoring and subjective symptom assessment of gastroesophageal reflux disease show type of carbohydrate and type of fat matter.

Background:Rising prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in US Veterans is concurrent with increasing excess body weight.Objective:The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine relationships between dietary macronutrients, gastrointestinal hormones, and GERD status.Methods:Ninety-eight veterans with overweight/obesity and empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment were enrolled from the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. Subjects had esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring. Subjective symptoms were assessed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) and Symptom Assessment Scale (GSAS). The primary outcomes, total acid exposure time (AET) and number of reflux episodes, enabled categorizing subjects as either pathologic GERD or inconclusive GERD. Data analysis included independent T-tests, Spearman Rho correlations, and multivariable linear regression modeling.Results:Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (sugar-sweetened tea, soda, and fruit juice) associated with higher AET. Higher saturated-to-unsaturated fat intake is associated with higher AET and number of reflux episodes. Overall, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, saturated-to-unsaturated fat ratio, tomato-based food items, glucagon-like polypeptide 1 (GLP-1) level, time of first meal, and education status accounted for a significant amount of the variability in AET. Pathologic GERD subjects reported more heartburn (p = 0.006), regurgitation (p = 0.01), acid taste (0.001), and nausea severity (p = 0.04). GERDQ score associated with AET (r = 0.31, p = 0.005), but GSAS did not (r = 0.12, p = 0.28).Conclusion:Of the many foods and nutrients tested, the type (not amount) of carbohydrate (simple sugars) and the type (not amount) of fat (saturated vs unsaturated fat) consumed associated with objective and/or subjective GERD testing. These novel findings contribute to the evidence base guiding specific dietary recommendations in the clinical management of GERD.

Новые международные рекомендации по ведению пациентов с гастроэзофагеальной рефлюксной болезнью: диагностика и лечение типичных синдромов

Objective of the Review: Analysis of the 2022 American College of Gastroenterology clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Key points. Empiric proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), symptom analysis, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, pH-impedancemetry, and highresolution manometry are important in the diagnosis of GERD. The main therapies for typical GERD syndromes are dietary modification, weight loss, and PPIs. In patients with non-erosive reflux disease, once a response to treatment has been achieved, PPIs may be discontinued or switched to on-demand PPI therapy. In patients with stage C and D esophagitis, long-term maintenance treatment with a PPI is appropriate. Conclusion. The recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology contain a number of important provisions that will be useful to practitioners. However, the clinical and epidemiological situation in Russia is very different from that in Western countries, and this must be taken into account when determining the tactics of managing patients with GERD. Keywords: gastroesophageal reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, diagnosis, treatment.

Empiric proton pump inhibitor therapy after esophageal food impaction may mask eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosis at follow-up.

Esophageal food impaction (EFI) is often the first presentation for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, there is significant heterogeneity in the management of EFI. We aimed to study the impact of EFI management, particularly post-EFI medication prescriptions on EoE diagnosis, follow-up, and recurrence in patients with endoscopic features of EoE. In our retrospective study, adults presenting between 2007 and 2017 with EFI requiring endoscopic dis-impaction with endoscopic features of EoE (furrows, rings, and/or exudates) were included. We examined the impact of demographics and EFI management on EoE diagnosis, follow-up (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] or clinic visit within 6months), and recurrence. We identified 164 cases of EFI due to suspected EoE. Biopsy was performed in 68 patients (41.5%), and 144 patients (87.8%) were placed on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and/or swallow corticosteroids after EFI, including 88.5% of those not biopsied. PPI use at time of biopsy was negatively associated with EoE diagnosis (odds ratio: 0.39, confidence interval: 0.17-0.85). Sixty-one (37.4%) patients were lost to follow-up at 6months. Recurrent EFI at 1year occurred in 3.7% of patients. Medications, most commonly PPI, are frequently prescribed after EFI when the endoscopic features of EoE are present, which may mask the diagnosis of EoE on follow-up EGD. We estimated that for every five patients biopsied on PPI, one case of EoE is masked. As recurrent EFI within 1year is uncommon, empiric therapy should be avoided until diagnostic biopsies are obtained. Further efforts to reduce loss to follow-up after EFI are also needed.

Optimal management of severe symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, and empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is often the first step of management; however, up to 40% of patients remain symptomatic despite PPI treatment. Refractory reflux refers to continued symptoms despite an adequate trial of PPI, and management remains challenging. The differential diagnosis is important; other oesophageal (e.g. eosinophilic oesophagitis) and gastroduodenal disorders (e.g. functional dyspepsia) should be ruled out, as this changes management. A combination of clinical assessment, endoscopic evaluation and in selected cases oesophageal function testing can help characterize patients with refractory reflux symptoms into oesophageal phenotypes so appropriate therapy can be more optimally targeted. Medical options then may include adding a H2 receptor antagonist, alginates, baclofen or antidepressant therapy, and there is emerging evidence for bile acid sequestrants and diaphragmatic breathing. The demonstration of a temporal association of symptoms with reflux events on pH-impedance testing (reflux hypersensitivity) serves to focus the management on modulating oesophageal perception and reducing the reflux burden, or identifies those with no obvious pathophysiologic abnormalities (functional heartburn). Anti-reflux surgery based on randomized controlled trial evidence has a role in reflux hypersensitivity or continued pathological acid reflux despite PPI in carefully considered, fully worked up cases that have failed medical therapy; approximately two of three cases will respond but there is a small risk of complications. In patients with persistent volume reflux despite medical therapy, given the lack of alternatives, anti-reflux surgery is a consideration. Promising newer approaches include endoscopic techniques. This review aims to summarize current diagnostic approaches and critically evaluates the evidence for the efficacy of available treatments.

Therapeutic success of proton pump inhibitors inthetherapyofcontact granulomas

According to the current S2k guideline "Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)" of 05/2014, an empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in double standard dose (e. g. Pantoprazole 40 mg 2 ×/day) is recommended for the extraesophageal GERD manifestation (e. g. with formation of a contact granuloma, CG) for 8 weeks. However, valid study data don't exist.In a prospective study from 05.2015 to 12.2019 39 patients consecutively randomized with endoscopically proven KG received PPIs in single (1 × PPI, n = 22) or double standard dose (2 × PPI, n = 17) for 8 weeks. A possible gastrolaryngeal reflux as well as throat sensations, a tendency to clear the throat or a hoarseness were recorded at first presentation and at control after 4 months.This was archieved by videolaryngostroboscopy to detect hoarseness and to assess the development of the granuloma (progression, constant, remission < 50 %, > 50 % or complete). The two groups were compared.The granuloma disappeared or regressed in 40 % of the cases with 1 × PPIs and in 77 % of the cases with 2 × PPIs (p < 0.05) after therapy. At the control appointment 23 % of the patients with 1 × PPIs were completely symptom-free and 77 % of the patients with 2 × PPIs. Throat sensation was the most frequent symptom at first presentation with 64 %. In the control group after PPI therapy in single or double standard dose, throat sensations were only detectable in 33 % and 15 % in case of granuloma remission. However, if the granuloma was persistent, the symptoms could hardly be influenced.The therapy of a KG with PPIs in double standard dose is more effective than in single standard dose. These results must be confirmed on a larger collective.

Reflux finding score and reflux symptom index as potential predictors for proton pump inhibitor response in globus pharyngeus patients: A prospective study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the patient-reported reflux symptom index (RSI) and the doctors-reported Reflux finding score (RFS) as potential predictors for proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response in patients with suspected lower pharyngeal reflux, presenting with globus pharyngeus as their primary complaint. MethodsThe research project was performed at the ENT department of Isala hospital Zwolle, the Netherlands. A before and after design was used for this single institution prospective exploratory study. 101 participants with globus pharyngeus symptoms as a primary complaint were included. All participants were assessed by an otorhinolaryngologist at enrollment and after eight weeks of esomeprazole use. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy was performed to document the RFS, and RSI questionnaires were self-administered by the participants. Our main outcome measurement was the patient- reported therapeutic response evaluation, that differentiated three categories: responders, partial responders and non-responders. For evaluation of the assessment tools, RFS > 7 and RSI > 13 were considered deviant. ResultsAmong the 101 participants, 43 (42.6%) were responders, 28 (27.7%) partial responders and 30 (29.7%) non-responders. Both baseline RSI > 13 and RFS > 7 were statistically significant associated with treatment response. Also, combined into RSI/RFS baseline categories, a significant overall association between baseline scores and patient-reported treatment response was found. Patients reported success rates for deviant RSI and RFS baseline scores were 76.6% and 96%, respectively. 95.5% of patients with both deviant RSI and RFS baseline scores, reported (partial) treatment response. ConclusionBoth together, as well individually, pre-treatment RSI and RFS ratings can help predict treatment response of empirical PPI treatment in patients experiencing globus pharyngeus symptoms.

Diagnosis and Management of Functional Chest Pain in the Rome IV Era

Functional chest pain accounts for about a third of the patients with noncardiac chest pain. It is a very common functional esophageal disorder that remains even today a management challenge to the practicing physician. Based on the definition offered by the Rome IV criteria, diagnosis of functional chest pain requires a negative workup of noncardiac chest pain patients that includes, proton pump inhibitor test or empirical proton pump inhibitor trial, endoscopy with esophageal mucosal biopsies, reflux testing, and esophageal manometry. The mainstay of treatment are neuromodulators that are primarily composed of anti-depressants. Alternative medicine and psychological interventions may be provided alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities.

Is the Diagnostic Trial with Proton Pump Inhibitors Reasonable for School Age Children with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms?

PurposeOn the basis of evidence, we aimed to reevaluate the necessity of the empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial for children with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).MethodsWe analyzed the frequency of GERD in 85 school-age children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms, who received 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and/or upper endoscopy. According to the reflux index (RI), the children were classified into normal (RI <5%), intermediate (5%≤ RI <10%), or abnormal (RI ≥10%) groups.ResultsFifty six were female and 29 were male. Their mean age was 12.6±0.5 (±standard deviation) years (range: 6.8–18.6). The RI analysis showed that the normal group included 76 patients (89.4%), the intermediate group included 6 patients (7.1%), and the abnormal group included 3 patients (3.5%). The DeMeester score was 5.93±4.65, 14.68±7.86 and 40.37±12.96 for the normal, intermediate and abnormal group, respectively (p=0.001). The longest reflux time was 5.56±6.00 minutes, 9.53±7.84 minutes, and 19.46±8.35 minutes in the normal, intermediate, and abnormal group, respectively (p=0.031). Endoscopic findings showed reflux esophagitis in 7 patients. On the basis of the Los Angeles Classification of Esophagitis, 5 of these patients were included in group A, 1 patient, in group B and 1 patient, in group C.ConclusionThe incidence of GERD was very low in school-age children with GER symptoms. Therefore, injudicious diagnostic PPI trials would be postponed until the actual prevalence of GERD is verified in future prospective studies.

Relationship between extralaryngeal endoscopic findings, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response, and pH measures in suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a clinical entity diagnosed by history laryngoscopic findings that has a variable response to empiric proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. While the reflux finding score (RFS), an endoscopic scoring scheme, has been advanced as a measure of LPR, it has not been externally validated against symptom severity in practice. Extralaryngeal pharyngeal endoscopic findings may have diagnostic utility but remain underexplored. This study assesses the correlation between extralaryngeal findings and (1) 24-hour oropharyngeal pH & (2) PPI response in patients with suspected LPR. Subjects presented to a tertiary care center with laryngeal symptoms ≥1 month and reflux symptom index (RSI) ≥13. Following baseline questionnaires, laryngoscopy, and a 24-hour oropharyngeal pH probe study, subjects were prescribed 8-12 week omeprazole trials. Baseline endoscopic findings were scored in a blinded fashion using the RFS and extralaryngeal score criteria, summatively the 'ELS.' PPI response was defined as ≥50% improvement in RSI. Thirty-three subjects with flexible endoscopic recordings completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. The cohort's baseline mean RSI was 23.0±7.2 with a ΔRSI=9.8 after PPI therapy. The baseline RFS score averaged 5.3±2.7. 45% of our subjects was found to be PPI responsive. The Cohen's kappa for the ELS but not the RFS was significant. There were no significant differences between the RFS (P=0.10) or ELS (P=0.07) for PPI responders & nonresponders. Oropharyngeal pH measures did not correlate with the RFS or ELS. In conclusion, endoscopic scores of laryngeal and extralaryngeal findings did not predict PPI response or oropharyngeal acid exposure in suspected LPR.

Empirical treatment of outpatients with gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton pump inhibitors: A survey of Chinese patients (the ENLIGHT Study).

Empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment is recommended as a diagnostic indicator for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and as a therapy for symptomatic control, with responses generally seen within 4weeks. However, there are no real-world data assessing the effectiveness of short-term empirical treatment with PPIs in patients with GERD in China. The ENLIGHT study was a multicenter, prospective, observational study conducted in China. The primary outcome was the overall response rate after 4weeks' empirical treatment with PPIs. Adult patients aged between 18 and 65years of age, with a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score of ≥8, prescribed empirical PPI treatment by their physicians and with no planned endoscopy were eligible to participate. Statistical analyses were primarily descriptive. Overall, 987 patients were eligible to participate and were included in the full analysis set (FAS); 707 patients were included in the per protocol set. In the FAS, esomeprazole was received by 57.1% of patients and was the most commonly used PPI. After 4-week treatment, 71.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.9% to 74.2%) of patients were considered responders to PPI. The response rate at the end of 2-week PPI treatment reached 57.0% (95% CI, 52.5% to 61.7%). The median time to response was 13days (95% CI, 12 to 15). Response rates at 2 and 4weeks of the per protocol set were similar to those of the FAS. Short-term empirical PPI treatment can provide an effective relief of GERD symptoms in most Chinese patients in real-world practice.

What is the place of empirical proton pump inhibitor testing in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease? (Description, duration, and dosage).

Empirical acid suppression tests that are performed with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are used to detect both the presence of acid-related gastrointestinal symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In comparison to other diagnostic methods, it is non-invasive, easily applicable, and cost-effective in the diagnosis of GERD. In addition to typical reflux symptoms, it can also be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). If the symptom response is 50% and above when obtained using the PPI test in patients with NCCP, it can be considered as positive and the treatment should be continued sensitivity of the PPI test in patients with typical symptoms of GERD is 27%-89%, while its specificity is 35%-83%. Although there are differences related to the duration and dosage of the PPI test, a significant difference has not been found according to the type of PPI. When PPI test sensitivity and specificity were calculated by cumulatively evaluating the data regarding the PPI test in the literature, a sensitivity of 82.3% and specificity of 51.5% was obtained. It has been found that high doses of PPI were mostly used in studies, and the duration of the median test was 14 days. As a result, the sensitivity of PPI trial test is good, but the specificity is low in the diagnosis of GERD in patients with typical reflux symptoms.

Effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor in unexplained chronic cough.

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend that patients with unexplained chronic cough undergo empirical proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment, but scientific evidence for this treatment is lacking. We investigated the effectiveness and appropriate dose of PPI therapy in chronic cough.MethodsWe included 27 patients with unexplained chronic cough after excluding subjects with positive response to postnasal drip medication. Subjects were randomized to a placebo, standard, and high dose of PPI groups with blinding. The drug or placebo was administered orally for 8 weeks, and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were collected.ResultsThe LCQ score in the PPI group significantly improved from 0 weeks (11.4 ± 1.4) to 4 weeks (14.8 ± 1.4) and to 8 weeks (17.1 ± 1.4), whereas that in the placebo group did not improve from 0 weeks (13.7 ± 1.1) to 8 weeks (11.8 ± 1.4); the difference between the 2 groups was significant (P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis according to reflux, significant improvements in the LCQ score were observed in the PPI group regardless of reflux (P < 0.001 in the reflux group and P < 0.001 in the no reflux group, respectively; P = 0.188 between the 2 groups). In addition, improvements in LCQ and VAS scores between the standard- and high-dose PPI groups were not significantly different; however, adverse reactions were induced by only the high dose (16.7%).ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study support the empirical use of the standard dose of PPI for 8 weeks in patients suffering from unexplained chronic cough regardless of whether reflux is present.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov NCT01888549 www.clinicaltrials.gov; cris.nih.go.kr KCT0000543 cris.nih.go.kr/