The effectiveness of esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with persistent symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease following treatment with a full dose proton pump inhibitor

Int J Clin Pract. 2008 Dec;62(12):1844-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01923.x.

Abstract

Background: Some patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) remain symptomatic despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. There is a need to determine the most appropriate management of these patients.

Aims: To assess the effectiveness of esomeprazole 40 mg in GORD symptoms persisting in patients receiving a full daily dose PPI.

Methods: In this multi-centre open label study patients who had received full daily dose PPI for 8 weeks, but were still experiencing persistent GORD symptoms, were treated with esomeprazole 40 mg for 8 weeks (n = 99). The primary outcome variable was the change in the frequency of heartburn. Patient-reported outcomes were also assessed using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) and the GORD Impact Scale (GIS).

Results: The mean frequency of heartburn was reduced by 78% from 4.4 days a week to 1 day a week at the end of the 8-week treatment period (p < 0.0001). Other GORD symptoms were also significantly reduced following of treatment with esomeprazole (all p < 0.0001). All RDQ dimensions and the level of symptom control as measured by the GIS also showed significant improvement at 8 weeks.

Conclusions: In patients with persistent GORD symptoms despite full dose daily PPI therapy, esomeprazole 40 mg significantly improved the frequency and severity of all GORD symptoms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Ulcer Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Esomeprazole / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / drug therapy*
  • Heartburn / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Ulcer Agents
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Esomeprazole