Dong H, Luo Y, Liu D, Du X, Du H. Efficacy of Baclofen as Add-on Therapy for Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-analysis.
J Clin Gastroenterol 2024:00004836-990000000-00304. [PMID:
38869961 DOI:
10.1097/mcg.0000000000002021]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
As a GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (r-GERD). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of baclofen as an add-on therapy for this condition.
METHOD
We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for studies published up until October 2023. Subsequently, we performed a meta-analysis encompassing all eligible trials.
RESULTS
From 719 records, 10 studies were included, most of these studies were moderate risk. The findings demonstrated that the addition of baclofen as a supplementary treatment effectively improves symptoms (GERD Q score) in r-GERD (standardized mean difference=-0.78, 95% CI: -1.06 to -0.51, I2=0%). The addition of this treatment also resulted in a decrease in the frequency of nonacidic reflux episodes (standardized mean difference=-0.93, 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.37, I2=63%) and an improvement in DeMeester scores (standardized mean difference=-0.82, 95% CI: -1.61 to -0.04, I2=81%) among patients with r-GERD when compared with the use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs alone. However, no significant disparity was observed in terms of reducing acid reflux episodes (standardized mean difference=-0.12, 95% CI: -0.49 to 0.19, I2=0%) and proximal reflux (standardized mean difference=-0.47, 95% CI: -1.08 to 0.14, I2=60%).
CONCLUSION
Baclofen as an add-on treatment can effectively improve the symptoms of patients with r-GERD and reduce the incidence of nonacidic reflux and improve DeMeester score. However, long-term use of baclofen leads to an increased incidence of side effects and is not effective in reducing the occurrence of acid reflux.
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