Histamine-2 receptor antagonists at night improve gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms for patients on proton pump inhibitor therapy

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.

Current Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

Objectives: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a complex syndrome characterized by the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the pharynx or larynx, resulting in a range of symptoms, including chronic cough, throat clearing, pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, and dysphonia. Despite the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis or treatment, various strategies have been proposed to manage LPR. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is compromised by the lack of a uniform treatment protocol, which places a burden on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system. This study aims to systematically review the treatments of LPR and provide updated and useful clinical information to clinical physicians. Methods: The literature with an emphasis on LPR and related keywords is searched and reviewed in PubMed. Results: Treatment of LPR includes health education, lifestyle modification, dietary changes, medications, and surgery, as well as the emergence of a novel treatment method involving external upper esophageal sphincter compression devices. Conclusions: Currently, medication is the main treatment, supplemented with lifestyle and dietary changes, but there is still a lack of effective means for patients with drug-resistant or intolerant LPR. More high-quality and rigorous trials must continue to be conducted to determine the best treatment options and find novel treatments. Taking into account the complexity of LPR, this study proposes a simple algorithm to help clinicians with the initial management of this disease.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Extraesophageal Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update is to review the available evidence and expert advice regarding the clinical management of patients with suspected extraesophageal gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

This article provides practical advice based on the available published evidence including that identified from recently published reviews from leading investigators in the field, prospective and population studies, clinical trials, and recent clinical guidelines and technical reviews. This best practice document is not based on a formal systematic review. The best practice advice as presented in this document applies to patients with symptoms or conditions suspected to be related to extraesophageal reflux (EER). This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. These Best Practice Advice (BPA) statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these BPA statements do not carry formal ratings of the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Gastroenterologists should be aware of potential extraesophageal manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and should inquire about such disorders including laryngitis, chronic cough, asthma, and dental erosions in GERD patients to determine whether GERD may be a contributing factor to these conditions. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: Development of a multidisciplinary approach to extraesophageal (EER) manifestations is an important consideration because the conditions are often multifactorial, requiring input from non-gastroenterology (GI) specialties. Results from diagnostic testing (ie, bronchoscopy, thoracic imaging, laryngoscopy, etc) from non-GI disciplines should be taken into consideration when gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is considered as a cause for extraesophageal symptoms. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Currently, there is no single diagnostic tool that can conclusively identify GER as the cause of EER symptoms. Determination of the contribution of GER to EER symptoms should be based on the global clinical impression derived from patients' symptoms, response to GER therapy, and results of endoscopy and reflux testing. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: Consideration should be given toward diagnostic testing for reflux before initiation of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in patients with potential extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, but without typical GERD symptoms. Initial single-dose PPI trial, titrating up to twice daily in those with typical GERD symptoms, is reasonable. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: Symptom improvement of EER manifestations while on PPI therapy may result from mechanisms of action other than acid suppression and should not be regarded as confirmation for GERD. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: In patients with suspected extraesophageal manifestation of GERD who have failed one trial (up to 12 weeks) of PPI therapy, one should consider objective testing for pathologic GER, because additional trials of different PPIs are low yield. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: Initial testing to evaluate for reflux should be tailored to patients' clinical presentation and can include upper endoscopy and ambulatory reflux monitoring studies of acid suppressive therapy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Testing can be considered for those with an established objective diagnosis of GERD who do not respond to high doses of acid suppression. Testing can include pH-impedance monitoring while on acid suppression to evaluate the role of ongoing acid or non-acid reflux. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Alternative treatment methods to acid suppressive therapy (eg, lifestyle modifications, alginate-containing antacids, external upper esophageal sphincter compression device, cognitive-behavioral therapy, neuromodulators) may serve a role in management of EER symptoms. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: Shared decision-making should be performed before referral for anti-reflux surgery for EER when the patient has clear, objectively defined evidence of GERD. However, a lack of response to PPI therapy predicts lack of response to anti-reflux surgery and should be incorporated into the decision process.

Gastrointestinal Tract Considerations Part I

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is frequently involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and may impact quality of life, physical function and survival. Although we are currently very proactive in terms of screening for heart and lung involvement, patients with SSc are not routinely screened for GI involvement. This review details the available investigations for common upper GI symptoms in SSc, including dysphagia, reflux and bloating and provides advice as to how to integrate these investigations into current clinical care.

Effects of Tegoprazan Versus Esomeprazole on Nighttime Heartburn and Sleep Quality in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Multicenter Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently experience nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbance. Tegoprazan is a new potassium-competitive acid blocker that can rapidly block acid secretion. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of tegoprazan compared with esomeprazole in relieving nighttime heartburn and sleep disturbances.

Methods

Patients with erosive esophagitis, nighttime heartburn, and sleep disturbances were randomized to receive tegoprazan 50 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg for 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to first nighttime heartburn-free interval. The percentage of nighttime heartburn-free days was also compared between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study. Time to the first nighttime heartburn-free interval was shorter with tegoprazan than with esomeprazole but the difference was not statistically significant (1.5 days vs 3 days, P = 0.151). The percentage of nighttime heartburn-free days was higher in the tegoprazan group but the difference was insignificant (57.8% vs 43.1%, P = 0.107). Adverse events occurred in 2 patients. They were mild in severity.

Conclusions

Tegoprazan may induce faster relief of nighttime heartburn symptoms and may improve sleep disorders associated with nighttime heartburn. Further large-scale studies are required to validate our findings.

Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis: An updated review

The gastrointestinal tract (GI) is the second most affected organ system in individuals suffering from systemic/localized scleroderma (SSc) or localized scleroderma. SSc can affect any part of the GI, between the oral cavity and anorectum. The annual incidence of SSc in the United States is estimated to be 19.3 cases per million adults, with the highest incidence reported in people aged 44 to 55. Females are 5 times more likely than males to suffer from SSc. Morbidity and mortality rates associated with SSc are predominantly elevated among patients with GI manifestations. Esophageal and intestinal manifestations impact 90% and 40% to 70% of patients with systemic scleroderma, respectively. SSc patients are known to suffer from small bowel hypomotility and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which cause malabsorption and malnutrition, ultimately contributing to the 50% mortality rate. Fecal incontinence is a common symptom of SSc that can lead to depression. SSc patients may suffer from gastrointestinal complications that can negatively impact their quality of life on a daily basis. Multidisciplinary approaches are necessary for systematically managing gastrointestinal complications associated with SSc. A prospective study should focus on developing targeted therapies to improve recovery patterns and prognosis in cases of SSc. This article summarizes the epidemiology, commonly reported clinical manifestations, complications, and available treatments for treating GI pathology in SSc patients.

Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective in healing lesions and improving symptoms in most cases, although up to 40% of GERD patients do not respond adequately to PPI therapy. Refractory GERD (rGERD) is one of the most challenging problems, given its impact on the quality of life and consumption of health care resources. The definition of rGERD is a controversial topic as it has not been unequivocally established. Indeed, some patients unresponsive to PPIs who experience symptoms potentially related to GERD may not have GERD; in this case the definition could be replaced with “reflux-like PPI-refractory symptoms.” Patients with persistent reflux-like symptoms should undergo a diagnostic workup aimed at finding objective evidence of GERD through endoscopic and pH-impedance investigations. The management strategies regarding rGERD, apart from a careful check of patient's compliance with PPIs, a possible change in the timing of their administration and the choice of a PPI with a different metabolic pathway, include other pharmacologic treatments. These include histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), alginates, antacids and mucosal protective agents, potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs), prokinetics, gamma aminobutyric acid-B (GABA-B) receptor agonists and metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) antagonists, and pain modulators. If there is no benefit from medical therapy, but there is objective evidence of GERD, invasive antireflux options should be evaluated after having carefully explained the risks and benefits to the patient. The most widely performed invasive antireflux option remains laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS), even if other, less invasive, interventions have been suggested in the last few decades, including endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) or radiofrequency therapy (Stretta). Due to the different mechanisms underlying rGERD, the most effective strategy can vary, and it should be tailored to each patient. The aim of this paper is to review the different management options available to successfully deal with rGERD.

2020 Seoul Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which gastric contents regurgitate into the esophagus or beyond, resulting in either troublesome symptoms or complications. GERD is heterogeneous in terms of varied manifestations, test findings, and treatment responsiveness. GERD diagnosis can be established with symptomatology, pathology, or physiology. Recently the Lyon consensus defined the “proven GERD” with concrete evidence for reflux, including advanced grade erosive esophagitis (Los Angeles classification grades C and or D esophagitis), long-segment Barrett’s mucosa or peptic strictures on endoscopy or distal esophageal acid exposure time > 6% on 24-hour ambulatory pH-impedance monitoring. However, some Asian researchers have different opinions on whether the same standards should be applied to the Asian population. The prevalence of GERD is increasing in Asia. The present evidence-based guidelines were developed using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. In GERD with typical symptoms, a proton pump inhibitor test can be recommended as a sensitive, cost-effective, and practical test for GERD diagnosis.

Based on a meta-analysis of 19 estimated acid-exposure time values in Asians, the reference range upper limit for esophageal acid exposure time was 3.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-3.9%) in the Asian countries. Esophageal manometry and novel impedance measurements, including mucosal impedance and a post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave, are promising in discrimination of GERD among different reflux phenotypes, thus increasing its diagnostic yield. We also propose a long-term strategy of evidence-based GERD treatment with proton pump inhibitors and other drugs.

Sorting out the Relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Sleep

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common conditions encountered by primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, foregut surgeons and otolaryngologists. While approximately 50% of patients experience nocturnal reflux symptoms, the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep is often overlooked. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current understanding of this relationship and its clinical implications. Recent studies pertaining to the association between GERD and sleep with focus on sleep disturbances, obstructive sleep apnea, extraesophageal manifestations of GERD and treatment are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a close relationship between GERD and sleep disturbances, but the nature of this relationship remains to be elucidated. Similarly, new data supports the association between GERD and obstructive sleep apnea, but whether this association is independent of confounding risk factors remains unresolved. Extraesophageal manifestations due to nocturnal GERD are primarily respiratory and can be explained by microaspiration and vagally-induced bronchospasm. Treatment of nocturnal GERD, both pharmacologically and surgically, improves sleep quality. Conversely, pharmacologic treatment of sleep disorders can improve nocturnal GERD symptoms. There is a bi-directional relationship between GERD and sleep. GERD is associated with various sleep disturbances. Sleep deficiency can exacerbate GERD. There is an association between extraesophageal manifestations and nocturnal GERD. Treatment directed towards GERD can improve sleep experience, and treatment directed to improve sleep can improve GERD symptoms.

ESNM/ANMS consensus paper: Diagnosis and management of refractory gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Up to 40% of patients with symptoms suspicious of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) do not respond completely to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The term "refractory GERD" has been used loosely in the literature. A distinction should be made between refractory symptoms (ie, symptoms may or may not be GERD-related), refractory GERD symptoms (ie, persisting symptoms in patients with proven GERD, regardless of relationship to ongoing reflux), and refractory GERD (ie, objective evidence of GERD despite adequate medical management). The present ESNM/ANMS consensus paper proposes use the term "refractory GERD symptoms" only in patients with persisting symptoms and previously proven GERD by either endoscopy or esophageal pH monitoring. Even in this context, symptoms may or may not be reflux related. Objective evaluation, including endoscopy and esophageal physiologic testing, is requisite to provide insights into mechanisms of symptom generation and evidence of true refractory GERD. Some patients may have true ongoing refractory acid or weakly acidic reflux despite PPIs, while others have no evidence of ongoing reflux, and yet others have functional esophageal disorders (overlapping with proven GERD confirmed off therapy). In this context, attention should also be paid to supragastric belching and rumination syndrome, which may be important contributors to refractory symptoms.

Sleep disorders in patients with functional dyspepsia: A multicenter study from the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The few studies concerning the association between sleep disorders and functional dyspepsia (FD) have yielded inconsistent results. We compared the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with FD and healthy controls, and evaluated whether FD was independently associated with sleep disorders, and the risk factors for sleep disorders in patients with FD.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2014 to December 2017 at 12 hospitals in South Korea. The inclusion criterion was the presence of FD (for ≥18 years) according to the Rome III criteria. Healthy controls were recruited from among patients who visited the Health Examination Center for check-ups.

RESULTS

In total, 526 subjects were prospectively enrolled in this study (201 with FD and 325 healthy controls). The prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly higher among the patients with FD than among the healthy controls (41.8% vs 18.8%, P = 0.000). In a multivariate analysis, FD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.851; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.194-2.870; P = 0.006), female sex (OR = 1.672; 95% CI 1.063-2.628; P = 0.026), and anxiety (OR = 3.325; 95% CI 2.140-5.166; P = 0.000) were independent risk factors for sleep disorders in the overall cohorts. In patients with FD only, low body mass index, heartburn, and anxiety were independent risk factors for sleep disorders in a further multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disorders were common in patients with FD. FD was significantly associated with sleep disorders in our patient population, irrespective of the presence of heartburn or psychiatric disorders.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

INTRODUCTION

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

AREAS COVERED

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

EXPERT OPINION

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

The potential role of potassium-competitive acid blockers in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is primarily a motor disorder, but its pathogenesis is multifactorial. Although gastric acid secretion is usually normal in GERD patients, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has become the standard of care, despite increasing awareness of their shortcomings. In this article, a new class of antisecretory drugs (namely potassium-competitive acid blockers, P-CABs), developed to overcome these limitations, is discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

P-CABs block the K exchange channel of the proton pump, resulting in rapid, competitive, reversible inhibition of acid secretion. These drugs offer a more rapid elevation of intragastric pH than PPIs, while maintaining similar antisecretory effect, the duration of which is dependent on half-life and can be prolonged with extended release formulations. Thus, P-CABs offer advances in the treatment of GERD including rapid heartburn relief, faster and more reliable healing of severe grades of erosive esophagitis, as a consequence of better control of nighttime acid secretion than PPIs.

SUMMARY

P-CABs overcome many of the drawbacks of PPIs. The unique antisecretory effects of vonoprazan might be especially useful in the long-term treatment of patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Proton Pump Inhibitor-Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by the presence of troublesome GERD symptoms despite PPI optimization for at least 8 weeks in the setting of ongoing documented pathologic gastroesophageal reflux. It arises from a dysfunction in protective systems to prevent reflux and as propagation of physiologic reflux events. Treatment possibilities include pharmacologic options, invasive management strategies, and endoluminal therapies. Management strategy should be personalized to the patient's needs and mechanistic dysfunction. This article reviews the definition, mechanisms, and management options for PPI-refractory GERD.

Proton pump inhibitor-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: challenges and solutions

A significant percentage of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) will not respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The causes of PPI-refractory GERD are numerous and diverse, and include adherence, persistent acid, functional disorders, nonacid reflux, and PPI bioavailability. The evaluation should start with a symptom assessment and may progress to imaging, endoscopy, and monitoring of esophageal pH, impedance, and bilirubin. There are a variety of pharmacologic and procedural interventions that should be selected based on the underlying mechanism of PPI failure. Pharmacologic treatments can include antacids, prokinetics, alginates, bile acid binders, reflux inhibitors, and antidepressants. Procedural options include laparoscopic fundoplication and LINX as well as endoscopic procedures, such as transoral incisionless fundoplication and Stretta. Several alternative and complementary treatments of possible benefit also exist.

Recent Advances in the Pharmacological Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The management of proton pump inhibitor-refractory GERD (rGERD) is a challenge in clinical practice. Since up to one-third of patients with typical GERD symptoms (heartburn and/or acid regurgitation) are not satisfied with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, new drug development targeting different pathophysiologies of GERD is imperative. At present, no other drugs serve as a more potent acid suppression agent than PPIs. As an add-on therapy, histamine type-2 receptor antagonists, alginates, prokinetics and transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation inhibitors have some impact on the subgroups of rGERD, but greater effectiveness and fewer adverse effects for widespread use are required. Visceral hypersensitivity also contributes to the perception of GERD symptoms, and neuromodulators including antidepressants play a role in this category. Esophageal pH-impedance monitoring helps to distinguish functional heartburn from true GERD, and psychologic medication and cognitive behavior therapy are further therapy options instead of PPIs.

A review of medical therapy for proton pump inhibitor nonresponsive gastroesophageal reflux disease

Up to 40% of patients report persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. This review outlines the evidence for medical therapy for PPI nonresponsive GERD. A literature search for GERD therapies from 2005 to 2015 in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified 2928 unique citations. Of those, 40 unique articles specific to the impact of PPI metabolizer genotype on PPI response and the use adjunctive medical therapies were identified. Thirteen articles reported impacts on CYP genotypes on PPI metabolism demonstrating lower endoscopic healing rates in extensive metabolizers; however, outcomes across genotypes were more uniform with more CYP independent PPIs rabeprazole and esomeprazole. Twenty-seven publications on 11 adjunctive medications showed mixed results for adjunctive therapies including nocturnal histamine-2 receptor antagonists, promotility agents, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation inhibitors, and mucosal protective agents. Utilizing PPI metabolizer genotype or switching to a CYP2C19 independent PPI is a simple and conservative measure that may be useful in the setting of incomplete acid suppression. The use of adjunctive medications can be considered particularly when the physiologic mechanism for PPI nonresponse is suspected. Future studies using adjunctive medications with improved study design and patient enrollment are needed to better delineate medical management options before proceeding to antireflux interventions.

Effective and safe proton pump inhibitor therapy in acid-related diseases - A position paper addressing benefits and potential harms of acid suppression

BACKGROUND

The introduction of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) into clinical practice has revolutionized the management of acid-related diseases. Studies in primary care and emergency settings suggest that PPIs are frequently prescribed for inappropriate indications or for indications where their use offers little benefit. Inappropriate PPI use is a matter of great concern, especially in the elderly, who are often affected by multiple comorbidities and are taking multiple medications, and are thus at an increased risk of long-term PPI-related adverse outcomes as well as drug-to-drug interactions. Herein, we aim to review the current literature on PPI use and develop a position paper addressing the benefits and potential harms of acid suppression with the purpose of providing evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate use of these medications.

METHODS

The topics, identified by a Scientific Committee, were assigned to experts selected by three Italian Scientific Societies, who independently performed a systematic search of the relevant literature using Medline/PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane databases. Search outputs were distilled, paying more attention to systematic reviews and meta-analyses (where available) representing the best evidence. The draft prepared on each topic was circulated amongst all the members of the Scientific Committee. Each expert then provided her/his input to the writing, suggesting changes and the inclusion of new material and/or additional relevant references. The global recommendations were then thoroughly discussed in a specific meeting, refined with regard to both content and wording, and approved to obtain a summary of current evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty-five years after their introduction into clinical practice, PPIs remain the mainstay of the treatment of acid-related diseases, where their use in gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease and bleeding as well as, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is appropriate. Prevention of gastroduodenal mucosal lesions (and symptoms) in patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antiplatelet therapies and carrying gastrointestinal risk factors also represents an appropriate indication. On the contrary, steroid use does not need any gastroprotection, unless combined with NSAID therapy. In dyspeptic patients with persisting symptoms, despite successful H. pylori eradication, short-term PPI treatment could be attempted. Finally, addition of PPIs to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in patients with refractory steatorrhea may be worthwhile.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, PPIs are irreplaceable drugs in the management of acid-related diseases. However, PPI treatment, as any kind of drug therapy, is not without risk of adverse effects. The overall benefits of therapy and improvement in quality of life significantly outweigh potential harms in most patients, but those without clear clinical indication are only exposed to the risks of PPI prescription. Adhering with evidence-based guidelines represents the only rational approach to effective and safe PPI therapy. Please see related Commentary: doi: 10.1186/s12916-016-0724-1 .

Ineffective Esophageal Motility (IEM): the Old-New Frontier in Esophagology

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is characterized by distal esophageal contraction amplitude of <30 mmHg on conventional manometry (Blonski et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 103(3):699-704, 2008), or a distal contractile integral (DCI) < 450 mmHg*s*cm on high-resolution manometry (HRM) (Kahrilas et al. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 27(2):160-74, 2015) in≥50 % of test swallows. IEM is the most common abnormality on esophageal manometry, with an estimated prevalence of 20-30 % (Tutuian and Castell Am J Gastroenterol. 99(6):1011-9, 2004; Conchillo et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 100(12):2624-32, 2005). Non-obstructive dysphagia has been considered to be frequently associated with severe esophageal peristaltic dysfunction. Defective bolus transit (DBT) on multichannel intraluminal impedance testing was found in more than half of IEM patients who presented with dysphagia (Tutuian and Castell Am J Gastroenterol. 99(6):1011-9, 2004), highlighting the functional defect of this manometric finding. Treatment of IEM has been challenging because of lack of promotility agents that have a definite effect on esophageal function.

Refractory chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux: Definition, mechanism and management

Refractory chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux is a troublesome condition unresponsive to the standard medical anti-reflux therapy. Its underlying mechanisms may include incomplete acid suppression, non-acid reflux, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and esophageal hypersensitivity. The diagnosis of this disorder depends on both the findings of multi-channel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and the subsequent intensified anti-reflux therapy. The strategies of pharmacological treatment for refractory chronic cough due to reflux include the optimization of proton pump inhibitors and add-on therapies with histamine H₂ receptor antagonists, baclofen and gabapentin. However, the further study is needed to satisfy its management.

The Proton Pump Inhibitor Non-Responder: A Clinical Conundrum

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent chronic condition where in stomach contents reflux into the esophagus causing symptoms, esophageal injury, and subsequent complications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) remain the mainstay of therapy for acid suppression. Despite their efficacy, significant proportions of GERD patients are either partial or non-responders to PPI therapy. Patients should be assessed for mechanisms that can lead to PPI failure and may require further evaluation to investigate for alternative causes. This monograph will outline a diagnostic approach to the PPI non-responder, review mechanisms associated with PPI failure, and discuss therapeutic options for those who fail to respond to PPI therapy.

Proton pump inhibitors therapy vs H2 receptor antagonists therapy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopy: A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effects of proton pump inhibitors vs H₂ receptor antagonists for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients after successful endoscopy.

METHODS: We searched the Cochrane library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed for randomized controlled trials until July 2014 for this study. The risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and all of the studies had acceptable quality. The main outcomes included mortality, re-bleeding, received surgery rate, blood transfusion units and hospital stay time. These outcomes were estimated using odds ratios (OR) and mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). RevMan 5.3.3 software and Stata 12.0 software were used for data analyses.

RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials involving 1283 patients were included in this review; 678 subjects were in the proton pump inhibitors (PPI) group and the remaining 605 subjects were in the H₂ receptor antagonists (H₂RA) group. The meta-analysis results revealed that after successful endoscopic therapy, compared with H₂RA, PPI therapy had statistically significantly decreased the recurrent bleeding rate (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.25-0.51) and receiving surgery rate (OR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.09-0.96). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.17-1.23). However, significant heterogeneity was present in both the numbers of patients requiring blood transfusion after treatment [weighted mean difference (WMD), -0.70 unit; 95%CI: -1.64 - 0.25] and the time that patients remained hospitalized [WMD, -0.77 d; 95%CI: -1.87 - 0.34]. The Begg’s test (P = 0.283) and Egger’s test (P = 0.339) demonstrated that there was no publication bias in our meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION: In patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding after successful endoscopic therapy, compared with H₂RA, PPI may be a more effective therapy.

Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus causes troublesome symptoms, esophageal injury, and/or complications. Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) remains the standard therapy for GERD and is effective in most patients. Those whose symptoms are refractory to PPIs should be evaluated further and other treatment options should be considered, according to individual patient characteristics. Response to PPIs could be total (no symptoms), partial (residual breakthrough symptoms), or absent (no change in symptoms). Patients experiencing complete response do not usually need further management. Patients with partial response can be treated surgically or by using emerging endoscopic therapies. Patients who exhibit no response to PPI need further evaluation to rule out other causes.

Management of gastrointestinal involvement in scleroderma

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) commonly affects patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The GI involvement is quite heterogeneous varying from asymptomatic disease to significant dysmotility causing complications like malabsorption, weight loss and severe malnutrition. This review focuses on the management of GI involvement in SSc and has been categorized based on the segment of GIT involved. A brief discussion on the role of patient reported outcome measures in SSc-GI involvement has also been incorporated.

Impact of sleep disorders, quality of life and gastric emptying in distinct subtypes of functional dyspepsia in Japan

Background/Aims

The association between clinical symptoms, gastric emptying, quality of life and sleep disorders in distinct functional dyspepsia (FD) patients has not been studied yet in detail.

Methods

We enrolled 79 FD patients (postprandial distress syndrome [PDS], n = 65; epigastric pain syndrome [EPS], n = 47; EPS-PDS overlap, n = 33) and 44 healthy volunteers. Gastric motility was evaluated. We used Rome III criteria to evaluate clinical symptoms and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores to determine anxiety status. Sleep disorder was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, sex and Helicobacter pylori positivity between FD subtypes and healthy volunteers. The scores of Glasgow dyspepsia severity scores (GDSS), SF-8 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in distinct subtypes of FD patients were significantly different from those in healthy volunteers. However, there were not significant differences in these scores, Tmax and T_1/2 among 3 subtypes of FD patients. PSQI score was significantly (P = 0.027, P = 0.002 and P = 0.039, respectively) associated with GDSS among EPS, PDS and EPS-PDS overlap patients. In addition, 8-item short form health survey (SF-8; Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score) was significantly associated with global PSQI score in PDS and EPS-PDS overlap patients. In contrast, SF-8 (Mental Component Score) only was significantly linked to global PSQI score in EPS patients.

Conclusions

Prevalences for sleep disorders, gastric motility and quality of life in 3 subtypes of FD patients were similar levels. In PDS and EPS-PDS overlap patients, SF-8 was significantly associated with global PSQI score.

Impact of sleep disorders in Japanese patients with functional dyspepsia (FD): nizatidine improves clinical symptoms, gastric emptying and sleep disorders in FD patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The association between functional dyspepsia (FD) and sleep disorders has yet to be studied in detail. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with sleep disorders and the clinical response to nizatidine therapy for sleep disorders in Rome III-based FD patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 94 FD patients and 52 healthy volunteers. We used Rome III criteria to evaluate upper abdominal symptoms, and the Self-Rating Questionnaire for Depression scores to determine depression status. Sleep disorder was evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, and degree of anxiety by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Gastric motility was evaluated. Thirty-four FD patients were treated with nizatidine (300 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks in a crossover trial. The primary end point of this study was to determine whether nizatidine could improve clinical symptoms and sleep disorders in FD patients.

RESULTS

The global PSQI score for FD patients was significantly (P < 0.001) higher compared with healthy volunteers. There were significant correlations between global PSQI scores and total Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Self-Rating Questionnaire for Depression scores (P < 0.001, P < 0.0001, respectively) in FD patients than in healthy volunteers. We found significant relationships between subjective sleep quality and both Tmax and T1/2 values in FD patients. Nizatidine significantly improved certain clinical symptoms, gastric emptying, and global PSQI score compared with placebo treatment.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disorders in FD patients correlated significantly with both clinical symptoms of dyspepsia and depression compared with healthy volunteers. Nizatidine significantly improved gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, gastric emptying, and sleep disorders in FD patients.

Current pharmacological management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common disorder with troublesome symptoms caused by reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, has adverse impact on quality of life. A variety of medications have been used in GERD treatment, and acid suppression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for GERD. Although proton pump inhibitor is the most potent acid suppressant and provides good efficacy in esophagitis healing and symptom relief, about one-third of patients with GERD still have persistent symptoms with poor response to standard dose PPI. Antacids, alginate, histamine type-2 receptor antagonists, and prokinetic agents are usually used as add-on therapy to PPI in clinical practice. Development of novel therapeutic agents has focused on the underlying mechanisms of GERD, such as transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, motility disorder, mucosal protection, and esophageal hypersensitivity. Newer formulations of PPI with faster and longer duration of action and potassium-competitive acid blocker, a newer acid suppressant, have also been investigated in clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the current and developing therapeutic agents for GERD treatment.

Management of reflux-related symptoms

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease develops when the reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus results in troublesome symptoms and/or complications [1]. Refluxate contains predominantly acid which causes tissue injury at oesophageal and extra-oesophageal sites. It is one of the commonest gastrointestinal diagnosis worlds over. It is associated with chronic symptoms, reduced QOL, significant cost and serious complications. Goals of therapy are to provide symptom relief, heal oesophagitis and prevent long-term complications. Therapeutic measures are directed at reducing the noxiousness of the refluxate; reducing the gastro-oesophageal reflux; enhancing clearance; protecting the mucosa; reducing the mucosal sensitivity and improving healing. Acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors remains the cornerstone of therapy. Recent studies have resulted in better understanding of disease and relative efficacies of various strategies. This has paved way for a better evidence based approach. The therapy however needs to be individualized depending upon the clinical profile, disease severity, the dominant pathophysiological mechanism, cost, availability and individual preferences.

Characterization of gastric and neuronal histaminergic populations using a transgenic mouse model

Histamine is a potent biogenic amine that mediates numerous physiological processes throughout the body, including digestion, sleep, and immunity. It is synthesized by gastric enterochromaffin-like cells, a specific set of hypothalamic neurons, as well as a subset of white blood cells, including mast cells. Much remains to be learned about these varied histamine-producing cell populations. Here, we report the validation of a transgenic mouse line in which Cre recombinase expression has been targeted to cells expressing histidine decarboxylase (HDC), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of histamine. This was achieved by crossing the HDC-Cre mouse line with Rosa26-tdTomato reporter mice, thus resulting in the expression of the fluorescent Tomato (Tmt) signal in cells containing Cre recombinase activity. As expected, the Tmt signal co-localized with HDC-immunoreactivity within the gastric mucosa and gastric submucosa and also within the tuberomamillary nucleus of the brain. HDC expression within Tmt-positive gastric cells was further confirmed by quantitative PCR analysis of mRNA isolated from highly purified populations of Tmt-positive cells obtained by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). HDC expression within these FACS-separated cells was found to coincide with other markers of both ECL cells and mast cells. Gastrin expression was co-localized with HDC expression in a subset of histaminergic gastric mucosal cells. We suggest that these transgenic mice will facilitate future studies aimed at investigating the function of histamine-producing cells.

[Updated guidelines 2012 for gastroesophageal reflux disease]

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

Novel pharmaceutical approaches to reflux disease

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

Comparison of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and proton pump inhibitor response using gastroesophageal reflux disease impact scale questionnaire

Background/Aims

To compare gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) or functional heartburn (FH) using GERD impact scale (GIS) questionnaire.

Methods

Total 126 patients with GERD symptoms were diagnosed as EE (n = 62), NERD (n = 34) and FH (n = 30) by endoscopy, 24-hour esophageal pH testing and Bernstein test, prospectively. Analysis of risk factors and GIS questionnaire for GERD symptoms and quality of life were performed before and 8 weeks after PPI treatment.

Results

EE group had a higher proportion of men, frequent alcohol consumption, smoking, hiatal hernia, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m² and triglyceride levels (≥ 150 mg/dL) than the other groups (all P < 0.05). On the other hand, both psychiatric treatment and psychopharmacotherapy were more frequent in patients with FH than in those with EE and NERD (both P < 0.05). Among GERD symptoms, chest pain was more frequent in FH group than in EE and NERD groups (P < 0.05). Eating problems and limitation of productive daily activities occurred frequently in FH group and NERD group, respectively. GIS after 8 week PPI treatment showed improvement in all of the GERD symptoms in EE (all P < 0.05) and in acid regurgitation, epigastric pain and hoarseness in NERD group (all P < 0.05). In terms of quality of life, PPI treatment improved sleep disturbance in EE (P = 0.031) and limitation of productive activity in the NERD group (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

GIS questionnaire showed that different characteristics and symptoms improved after PPI therapy among patients with EE, NERD and FH, demonstrating the usefulness of the GIS questionnaire.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disturbances

Nighttime reflux during sleep plays a crucial role in several conditions associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reflux patterns during arousal and sleep are different because of delayed gastric emptying, reduced esophageal peristalsis, decreases in swallowing and salivary secretion, and prolonged esophageal clearance during sleep. Clinical evidence strongly suggests that GERD is associated with sleep disturbances such as shorter sleep duration, difficulty falling asleep, arousals during sleep, poor sleep quality, and awakening early in the morning. New mechanisms on how GERD affects sleep have been recently identified by using actigraphy, and sleep deprivation was found to induce esophageal hyperalgesia to acid perfusion. Thus, the relationship between GERD and sleep disturbances is bidirectional. Among lifestyle modifications, avoidance of a late night meal plays a role in prevention of nighttime reflux. Treatment with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) improves both nighttime symptoms and subjective sleep parameters, but its effects on objective sleep parameters remain unclear. Better control of nighttime acid secretion by administering a PPI at different times or by providing a double-dose PPI, adding H(2) receptor antagonists, or other new agents is proposed. The effects of such treatments on sleep disturbances remain to be elucidated. GERD patients with sleep disturbances report more severe symptoms and poorer quality of life as compared to those without sleep disturbances. Consequently, GERD should also be classified as GERD with sleep disturbance and GERD without sleep disturbance.

Symptoms and esophageal motility based on phenotypic findings of scleroderma

Scleroderma esophagus is characterized by ineffective peristalsis and reduced esophageal sphincter pressure. Esophageal disease in scleroderma can precede cutaneous manifestations and has been associated with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of cutaneous findings, RP, and PF on demographics, symptoms, and esophageal motility in patients with scleroderma. Scleroderma patients with esophageal involvement were included after review of esophageal manometries and charts over a 6-year period. High-resolution esophageal manometry was performed. Patients completed a symptom questionnaire. The study enrolled 28 patients (22 females; mean age 50.3 ± 12.8 years) with scleroderma esophagus. Patients without skin involvement (n= 12) reported more severe heartburn (P= 0.02), while those with cutaneous findings (n= 16) had more frequent dysphagia with solids (P= 0.02). Patients with RP (n= 22) had lower amplitude of distal esophageal contractions (P= 0.01) than those without RP (n= 6). Patients with PF (n= 11) reported more severe coughing and wheezing (both P= 0.03) than those without lung disease (n= 17). This study highlights subgroups of patients with scleroderma esophagus according to phenotypic findings of dermatologic changes, RP, and PF. Heartburn and dysphagia are important symptoms that may be associated with different stages of disease progression based on skin changes in scleroderma. RP was associated with greater esophageal dysmotility. Coughing and wheezing were more severe in patients with PF.

Therapeutic options for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease may affect up to one-third of the patients that consume proton pump inhibitor (PPI) once daily. Treatment in clinical practice has been primarily focused on doubling the PPI dose, despite lack of evidence of its value. In patients who failed PPI twice daily, medical treatment has been primarily focused on reducing transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate or attenuating esophageal pain perception using visceral analgesics. In patients with evidence of reflux as the direct trigger of their symptoms, endoscopic treatment or antireflux surgery may be helpful in remitting symptoms. The role of psychological interventions, as well as non-traditional therapeutic strategies remains to be further elucidated.

New pharmacologic approaches in gastroesophageal reflux disease

This article highlights current and emerging pharmacological treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), opportunities for improving medical treatment, the extent to which improvements may be achieved with current therapy, and where new therapies may be required. These issues are discussed in the context of current thinking on the pathogenesis of GERD and its various manifestations and on the pharmacologic basis of current treatments.

An algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of refractory GERD

Patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are not responding to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) given once daily are very common. These therapy-resistant patients have become the new face of GERD in clinical practice in the last decade. Upper endoscopy appears to have a limited diagnostic value. In contrast, esophageal impedance with pH testing on therapy appears to provide the most insightful information about the subsequent management of these patients. Commonly, doubling the PPI dose or switching to another PPI will be offered to patients who failed PPI once daily. Failure of such therapeutic strategies is commonly followed by assessment for weakly or residual acidic reflux. There is growing information about the potential value of compounds that can reduce transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate. Esophageal pain modulators are commonly offered to patients with functional heartburn although supportive clinical studies are still missing.

New pharmacologic therapies in gastrointestinal disease

Many gastrointestinal diseases remain poorly responsive to therapies, and even in the cases of conditions for which there are many effective drugs, there is still considerable room for improvement. This article is focused on drugs for digestive disorders that have entered the marketplace recently, or are expected to reach the marketplace within the next 1 to 2 years. Although advances have been made in understanding gastrointestinal motility, visceral pain, mucosal inflammation, and tissue repair, the major gastrointestinal diseases remain as significant therapeutic challenges.

New pharmacologic approaches in gastroesophageal reflux disease

This article highlights current and emerging pharmacological treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), opportunities for improving medical treatment, the extent to which improvements may be achieved with current therapy, and where new therapies may be required. These issues are discussed in the context of current thinking on the pathogenesis of GERD and its various manifestations and on the pharmacologic basis of current treatments.

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease that does not respond well to proton pump inhibitors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are not responding to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) given once daily are very common. These therapy-resistant patients have become the new face of GERD in clinical practice in the last decade and presently pose a significant therapeutic challenge to the practicing physician. We reviewed newly accumulated information about the management of PPI failure that has been published over the past 2 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are diverse mechanisms that contribute to the failure of PPI treatment in GERD patients and they are not limited to residual reflux. Some of the causes of PPI failure may coincide in the same patient. Upper endoscopy appears to have limited diagnostic value. In contrast, esophageal impedance with pH testing on therapy appears to provide the most insightful information about the subsequent management of these patients. Commonly, doubling the PPI dose or switching to another PPI will be offered to patients who failed PPI once daily. Failure of such therapeutic strategies is commonly followed by assessment for residual reflux. There is growing information about the potential value of compounds that can reduce transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. Esophageal pain modulators are commonly offered to patients with functional heartburn, although supportive clinical studies are still missing.

SUMMARY

Management of refractory GERD patients remains an important clinical challenge. Recent studies have cemented the value of impedance-pH testing in pursuing proper treatment. Presently, the most promising therapeutic development for this patient population is transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation reducers.

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

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

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: evidence for a causal link and therapeutic implications

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep disturbances are both common health problems. There is a significant association between disturbed sleep and GERD, and this may be bidirectional. Sleep disorders may induce gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, while GI symptoms also may provoke or worsen sleep derangements. Reflux of gastric acid is a less frequent event during sleep, however, acid clearance mechanisms (including swallowing, salivation and primary esophageal motility) are impaired during sleep resulting in prolongation of acid contact time. Nighttime reflux can lead to sleep disturbance and sleep disturbance may further aggravate GERD by prolonged acid contact time and heightened sensory perception. This may facilitate the occurrence of complicated GERD and decreased quality of life. However, the interplay between sleep problems and GERD is complex, and there are still relatively limited data on this issue. Further investigation of sleep-related GERD may identify common pathophysiological themes and new therapeutic targets.

Gastroprotective drugs in Australia: utilization patterns between 1997 and 2006 in relation to NSAID prescribing

BACKGROUND

In Australia, the prescribing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine type 2 receptor antagonists (H(2)RAs) for defined gastrointestinal disorders is approved for subsidy by the universal Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. These agents also may be used with NSAIDs, but this prescribing is not approved for subsidy. PPI prescribing increased in Australia between 1997 and 2006, and some authorities are concerned that this increase may be due to prescriptions outside the approved indications.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to quantify gastroprotective drug consumption in Australia between 1997 and 2006 and to investigate the relationship over time between this prescribing and NSAID prescribing.

METHODS

Data from concession beneficiaries (seniors and welfare recipients) were included. Data on PPIs, H(2)RAs, NSAIDs, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors dispensed between 1997 and 2006 were gathered from Medicare Australia and are expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 concession beneficiaries per day (CBPDs). Gastroprotective drugs were defined using the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification of 2006. Drug utilization 90% and expenditures in Australian dollars (AUD $, not normalized to an index year) were calculated.

RESULTS

H(2)RA prescribing was stable between 1997 and 2001, at approximately 60 DDDs/1000 CBPDs. Dispensation of H(2)RAs began to decrease in 2001 to 20 DDDs/ 1000 CBPDs in 2006. PPI consumption increased consistently, with a sharp change beginning in 2001 (from about 45 to 140 DDDs/1000 CBPDs between 2001 and 2006). The government expenditure for PPIs per concession beneficiary per year also increased from about AUD $26 in 1997 to almost AUD $74 in 2006, whereas the expenditure for H2RAs decreased from about AUD $24 to about AUD $5. Nonselective NSAID prescribing decreased with the introduction of COX-2 inhibitors in 2000. COX-2 inhibitors increased the overall consumption of total NSAIDs in the first 4 years (2000-2003) after their introduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The prescribing of H(2)RAs decreased, whereas the prescribing of PPIs increased, between 1997 and 2006 in this population of concession beneficiaries in Australia. During the same period, nonselective NSAID prescribing decreased while COX-2 inhibitor prescribing increased.