Reflux esophagitis

Omeprazole for gastroesophageal reflux disease in the first 2 years of life: a dose-finding study with dual-channel pH monitoring

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs in the majority of infants, with severity ranging from asymptomatic to severe esophagitis and failure to thrive. Omeprazole is recognized as a safe and effective treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in older children, at an initial dosage of 0.7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1). To our knowledge, no dose-finding studies have been carried out in children under 2 years of age. The aim of the present study was to prospectively determine the dosage of omeprazole required to treat symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux in children younger than 2 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Children under 2 years with clinical suspicion of gastroesophageal reflux underwent 24-hour dual-channel intraesophageal/gastric pH monitoring. A reflux index above 10% in children under 1 year and above 6% in children older than 1 year was deemed significant. Treatment with omeprazole at an initial dosage of 0.7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) (in 2 divided doses) was followed by dual-channel pH study after 14 days. The dosage was increased in increments of 0.7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), and pH studies were repeated until the gastroesophageal reflux was controlled.

RESULTS

Ten children (5 male, 5 female), mean age 7.75 months (range, 1.25-20 months), were investigated. The initial median reflux index was 18.5% (range, 6.5%-56.3%). Follow-up median reflux index was improved at 1.6% (0.1%-8.1%) (P < 0.05). The median dosage required was 1.05 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1). Four children required 1.4 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), and 1 required 2.8 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1). Corrected reflux index improved from 34.8% (16.8%-90.8%) to 20.1% (0.4%-100%) but did not achieve statistical significance. There were no serious complications or side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole is an effective treatment for gastroesophageal reflux in children younger than 2 years. The majority respond to a dosage of 0.7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), but increased dosages up to 2.8 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) may be required.

Minimal changes in reflux esophagitis: red ones and white ones

Minimal change esophagitis is commonly accepted as part of the spectrum of reflux esophagitis in Japan as well as in many reflux esophagitis classification systems. However, the Los Angeles system excludes minimal changes as a sign of reflux esophagitis because of low interobserver agreement. The high prevalence of minimal change esophagitis suggests that many endoscopists can recognize such findings in their patients' esophagi. However, we do not have a clear definition of minimal changes, which requires proven interobserver agreement, histological evidence, and response data to therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, erythematous changes (red ones) and acanthotic changes (white ones) are not distinguished in the definition of minimal change used in Japan. It is time to clarify such issues.

Pilot Study of On-Demand Therapy with Pantoprazole 20mg for Long-Term Treatment in Patients with??Mild Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND

Few clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as on-demand therapy for the long-term management of patients with mild gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). On-demand therapy with pantoprazole 20mg may offer an effective strategy for the management of mild GORD.

METHODS

Patients with mild GORD grade 0 or 1 and heartburn of at least moderate intensity at the start of the study were treated with pantoprazole 20mg once daily for 28 days (n = 254). Patients with no heartburn during the final 3 days of the acute treatment phase entered the long-term treatment phase and took pantoprazole 20mg on demand for 6 months. Antacids were provided as rescue medication during this phase. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients unwilling to continue the study because of insufficient control of symptoms. In addition, the intensities and the relapse rates for heartburn, acid eructation and epigastric pain were determined.

RESULTS

At the end of the acute treatment phase, 234 of 254 patients (92.1%) were free from heartburn and entered the long-term treatment phase (intention-to-treat [ITT]). The time until study discontinuation because of inadequate control of heartburn during the on-demand treatment phase ranged from 9 to 147 days. In the ITT population, only 2.8% of patients were unwilling to continue the study because of insufficient heartburn control. Relapse rates were 4.3% for heartburn, 2.3% for acid eructation and 1.0% for epigastric pain. After 6 months of on-demand treatment, 82% of patients stated that improvements in their symptoms were maintained. For symptom control during the on-demand phase, patients took one tablet of pantoprazole 20mg every 2.3 days. Additionally, patients took one magaldrate tablet every 2.4 days.

CONCLUSION

Results of this pilot study show that on-demand therapy with pantoprazole 20mg appears to be an effective treatment strategy for the long-term treatment of mild GORD. Treatment acceptance by patients was high.

The effects of lansoprazole on erosive reflux oesophagitis are influenced by CYP2C19 polymorphism

BACKGROUND

The acid suppressive effect of lansoprazole is influenced by the P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphism.

AIM

To investigate whether the CYP2C19 genotype is related to the healing of erosive reflux oesophagitis during treatment with lansoprazole.

METHODS

Eighty-eight Japanese patients with erosive reflux oesophagitis were treated with a daily oral dose of 30 mg lansoprazole for 8 weeks. The CYP2C19 genotype, Helicobacter pylori infection status and serum pepsinogen I/II ratio were assessed before treatment. At 4 and 8 weeks, the healing of erosive reflux oesophagitis was evaluated endoscopically.

RESULTS

The healing rates were 57.1%, 69.2% and 72.7% at 4 weeks and 77.4%, 95.0% and 100% at 8 weeks in homozygous extensive metabolizers, heterozygous extensive metabolizers and poor metabolizers, respectively. At 8 weeks, the healing rate of erosive reflux oesophagitis was significantly lower in homozygous extensive metabolizers than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The H. pylori status and serum pepsinogen I/II ratio had less influence than CYP2C19 polymorphism on the healing rate of erosive reflux oesophagitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effect of lansoprazole on erosive reflux oesophagitis is influenced by the CYP2C19 genotype status. Therefore, a test of CYP2C19 genotype may be useful for the medical treatment of reflux oesophagitis with lansoprazole.

Rumination syndrome in children and adolescents: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the clinical features, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment outcomes for children and adolescents with rumination syndrome.

METHODS

Review of the medical records for all 147 patients ages 5 to 20 diagnosed with rumination syndrome at our institution between 1975 and 2000. Data are presented as mean +/- the standard error of the mean.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight percent were female. Age at diagnosis was 15.0 +/- 0.3 years. Symptom duration before diagnosis was 2.2 +/- 0.3 years, 73% missed school/work, and 46% had been hospitalized because of symptoms. Before diagnosis, 16 (11%) underwent surgery for evaluation or management of symptoms. Twenty-four (16%) had psychiatric disorders; 3.4% had anorexia or bulimia nervosa. All patients described postprandial regurgitation after almost every meal (2.7 +/- 0.1 meals per day). Weight loss was described by 42.2% (median: 7 kg). Additional symptoms included: abdominal pain, 38%; constipation, 21%; nausea, 17%; and diarrhea, 8%. Structural studies were normal. Gastric emptying of solids at 4 hours was delayed in 26 of 56 patients. Esophageal pH testing in 24 patients showed reflux/regurgitation in 54%. Gastroduodenal manometry in 65 patients showed characteristic rumination-waves in 40%. Outcome data (at median follow-up 10 months) were available for 54 patients. Symptoms resolved in 16 (30%) and improved in 30 (56%).

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of the clinical features of rumination syndrome in children and adolescents is essential; the diagnosis is often delayed and associated with morbidity. Extensive diagnostic testing is unnecessary. Early behavioral therapy is advocated, and patient outcomes are generally favorable.

Effect of caloric density of a meal on lower oesophageal sphincter motility and gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy subjects

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are advised to avoid the ingestion of large meals. In healthy volunteers, a relationship between the amount of postprandial gastro-oesophageal reflux and the volume of a liquid meal has been demonstrated.

AIM

To evaluate whether the amount of postprandial gastro-oesophageal reflux is also related to the calorie content of a meal, a second parameter that will be reduced by avoidance of the ingestion of large meals.

METHODS

Twelve healthy volunteers (six female, 19-31 years) received two solid-liquid meals with either 842 kcal (solid 582 kcal, liquid 260 kcal) or 582 kcal (31% reduction) in a randomized order. The nutritional components (10% fat, 76% carbohydrates, 14% protein) and the volume of the meals were identical in both meals. The lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was measured continuously in the first postprandial hour with a Dent sleeve, and pH-metry was performed for 3 h postprandially with a glass electrode in the distal oesophagus. Blinded to the type of ingested meal, we calculated the mean lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, the frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations, the number of reflux episodes, and the fraction of time for which pH < 4.

RESULTS

A similar decrease in lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was observed after ingestion of the high calorie meal (median 10.9 mmHg, range 4.8-16.7 mmHg) and low calorie meal (median 9.9 mmHg, range 3.9-18.4 mmHg). No difference in the number of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (high calorie: median 9 per hour, range 5-13 per hour; low calorie: median 7 per hour, range 0-14 per hour) and of reflux episodes (high calorie: median 12 in 3 h, range 3-22 in 3 h; low calorie: median 12 in 3 h, range 3-30 in 3 h) was registered after intake of both types of meal. Additionally, no difference was identified regarding the fraction of time for which pH < 4 between the high calorie (mean 2.3%, 0.2-23.7%) and low calorie meal (3.3%, 0.5-17.8%).

CONCLUSION

Reducing the caloric density of a meal neither influences postprandial lower oesophageal sphincter pressure nor decreases gastro-oesophageal reflux in healthy volunteers. Thus, the amount of gastro-oesophageal reflux induced by ingestion of a meal seems to depend on the volume but not on the caloric density of a meal.

Standard-dose lansoprazole is more effective than high-dose ranitidine in achieving endoscopic healing and symptom relief in patients with moderately severe reflux oesophagitis. The Dutch Lansoprazole Study Group

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of reflux oesophagitis, H2-receptor antagonists are still widely used in spite of the apparent higher efficacy of proton pump inhibitors. In an attempt to compensate for the lower efficacy, H2-receptor antagonists are now increasingly being used at a higher dose.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether or not standard-dose lansoprazole (30 mg o.d.) is more effective than high-dose ranitidine (300 mg b.d.) in moderately severe reflux oesophagitis (grades II-III).

METHODS

Lansoprazole or ranitidine was given to 133 patients for 4-8 weeks in a double-blind, randomized, parallel group, multicentre trial.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with endoscopically-verified healing was significantly higher on lansoprazole than on ranitidine both after 4 weeks (79% vs. 42%) and 8 weeks (91% vs. 66%), though smoking had a negative impact on oesophagitis healing with lansoprazole. Heartburn, retrosternal pain and belching improved significantly better with lansoprazole than with ranitidine, as did the patient-rated overall symptom severity. Relief of heartburn appeared somewhat faster with ranitidine, but was more pronounced with lansoprazole. The number of patients with adverse events was similar in both treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

Standard-dose lansoprazole is better than high-dose ranitidine in moderately severe reflux oesophagitis.

Safety and efficacy of pantoprazole 40 mg daily as relapse prophylaxis in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis-a 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Pantoprazole is a benzimidazole derivative which selectively inhibits the proton pump H+, K+-ATPase, necessary for the final step in gastric acid secretion.

AIM

To assess safety and efficacy of oral pantoprazole (40 mg o.d.) used as a prophylaxis against relapse in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis during an open-label, 2-year study.

METHODS

Outpatients (n=157) with healed stage II or III reflux oesophagitis (Savary-Miller classification) were enrolled into a long-term, multicentre maintenance study. Endoscopy was performed at entry into the study, after 12 and 24 months, or when disease-specific symptoms occurred on more than three consecutive days. Symptoms were assessed at 3-monthly intervals. Endoscopically confirmed relapses (at least stage I) were evaluated as treatment failures.

RESULTS

Of the 178 adverse events, experienced by 88 (56%) patients (intention-to-treat population), 12 (7%) were assessed by the investigators as possibly related to the study medication. Median serum gastrin levels increased from a baseline of 46 ng/L to 90 ng/L, reaching a plateau after 9 months. For the intention-to-treat population the endoscopic remission rates after 12 and 24 months were 87% and 76%, respectively (Life-Table survival analysis, Kaplan-Meier).

CONCLUSION

Pantoprazole 40 mg proved to be safe and efficacious during a 2-year prophylaxis treatment in patients with healed reflux oesophagitis.

A Comparison of Retrospective and Concurrent Drug Utilization Review of Omeprazole

Objective:

To compare the appropriateness of omeprazole prescriptions in a concurrent drug utilization review (DUR) with the assessed appropriateness of a retrospective DUR.

Methods:

A retrospective DUR of omeprazole was conducted on prescriptions written from August 23, 1993, to October 8, 1993, in a 340-bed university hospital. This DUR served as a baseline for a concurrent DUR that began on January 27, 1995, and ended on March 16, 1995. The concurrent DUR integrated three steps aimed at improving the quality of omeprazole use: Approval of the criteria by the pharmacology and therapeutics committee of the hospital, distribution of a drug bulletin to all physicians, and a pharmacist's verbal recommendations to physicians whose prescriptions did not meet explicit criteria.

Results:

Twenty-nine and 64 prescriptions were reviewed in the retrospective and concurrent DURs, respectively. During the concurrent DUR, the pharmacist made 34 verbal recommendations. Of these, 25 (74%) were agreed to by the prescribers. In comparison with the retrospective DUR, the percentage of prescriptions meeting the criteria of indication, combination therapy, and dosage went from 38% to 75% (p < 0.05), from 76% to 95% (p < 0.05), and from 83% to 100% (p > 0.05), respectively, during the concurrent DUR.

Conclusions:

The concurrent DUR appeared to successfully improve the quality of omeprazole utilization in the hospital.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

This is a retrospective review from March 1994 through October 1996 of 78 patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative results and complications.

METHODS

The patient profile included 38 men and 40 women with a mean age of 46 years (range 11 to 81). The main preoperative symptoms included heartburn (92%), respiratory problems (42%), and dysphagia (32%). Preoperative assessment included esophagogastroduodenoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour pH monitoring. Essential indications for surgery included esophagitis (83%), Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia (22%), and esophageal stricture (23%). All patients underwent a 360-degree wrap with a Maloney dilator and division of the short gastric vessels.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 206 minutes (range 90 to 455). The average time for patients to tolerate a full liquid diet was 1.2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 2.4 days. Current follow-up, from 3 to 36 months, showed complete resolution of heartburn without medications in 67 patients (86%), occasional heartburn in 8 patients (10%), and slight improvement of heartburn in 3 patients (4%). Five patients with preoperative Barrett's metaplasia showed no evidence of it postoperatively (n = 2) or marked regression (n = 3).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the procedure of choice for patients with complicated GERD.

Omeprazole for severe reflux esophagitis in children

BACKGROUND

Severe esophagitis is a rare complication of gastroesophageal reflux in children. In adults, omeprazole therapy of severe erosive esophagitis has become the gold standard short-term treatment of the disease. In children, data on its use are limited, and problems about the dosage are unresolved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a simplified, body-weight-based daily dosage of omeprazole in children with severe esophagitis.

METHODS

Ten children (median age 75.6 months; range 25-109 months) with severe esophagitis were prospectively investigated. All patients were evaluated by endoscopy, histology, and 24-h pH-metry study before and after 3 months of omeprazole. The starting dose of omeprazole was 20 mg as a single daily dose in children weighing less than 30 kg, and 40 mg daily for those weighing over 30 kg.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in all the children was demonstrated after 3 months of treatment by clinical, endoscopic, and pH-metry assessment. However, histologic study failed to show significant improvement of both inflammatory and hyperplastic findings. Relapse occurred in six of 10 patients after discontinuation of therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Omeprazole is effective in the short-term treatment of severe oesophagitis in children. The daily dose of the drug could be easily based on the body weight. The persistence of histologic features of esophagitis in spite of clinical and endoscopic healing could be an indicator of poor outcome.

The diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

GERD is a common clinical problem. Generally, its clinical presentation and management are straightforward. Greater awareness of the numerous extraesophageal manifestations of the disease aids patients and physicians in appropriate recognition and treatment. Medical therapy is effective in the majority of cases but often requires long-term medication for acceptable symptom control. A small, but significant proportion of patients presents with or develops complications of GERD, most importantly Barrett's esophagus. Although the logistics of long-term surveillance of persons with Barrett's esophagus is unclear, the association of this metaplastic change with esophageal adenocarcinoma underscores the importance of regular follow-up.

Laparoscopic Rosetti fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Early experiences with laparoscopic fundoplication using the Rosetti technique are presented and compared with retrospective results from conventional fundoplication procedures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have performed 70 consecutive laparoscopic procedures. Conversion to open surgery was done in seven cases because of anatomical reasons and in two because of peroperative progressive subcutaneous emphysema and CO2-retention. The complication rate was low. The range of postoperative hospital stay is 1-4 days for non-converted patients. Symptomatic follow-up has hitherto been performed in 41 patients with a follow-up time of 3-9 months. The follow-up results do not differ from those achieved in patients operated upon with the conventional open Nissen (n = 41) and Rosetti (n = 36) techniques. Pre- and postoperative control of 24 h pH and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in 19 laparoscopically treated patients showed normalization of LESP in all cases and postoperative 24 h pH < 4 ranging between 0 and 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic and reflux surgery is effective for the treatment of reflux esophagitis. Follow-up results compare well with open surgery.

Laparoscopic Rosetti fundoplication

Early experiences with laparoscopic fundoplication using the Rosetti technique are presented and compared with retrospective results from conventional fundoplication procedures. A 360 degrees floppy fundoplication was laparoscopically constructed without division of short gastric vessels. We have performed 60 consecutive procedures. Conversion to open surgery was done in seven cases due to anatomical reasons and in two due to progressive subcutaneous emphysema and CO2-retention. The complication rate was low. The range of postoperative hospital stay is 1-4 days for non-converted patients. Symptomatic follow up has hitherto been performed in 41 patients with a follow-up time of 3-9 months. Regurgitation and heartburn had disappeared in all but one patient. The follow-up results do not differ from those achieved in patients operated upon with the conventional open Nissen (N = 41), Toupét (N = 9) or Rosetti (N = 36) technique. Pre and postoperative control of 24h pH and lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) in 19 laparoscopically treated patients showed normalisation of LESP in all cases and postoperative 24h pH < 4 ranging between 0 and 3%. Assessment of quality of life showed postoperative results in accordance with normal population for all treated groups.

Omeprazole or ranitidine in long-term treatment of reflux esophagitis. The Scandinavian Clinics for United Research Group

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Patients with reflux esophagitis have rapid relapses after treatment withdrawal. This study was designed to investigate the relapse rate of symptomatic esophagitis during maintenance treatment with omeprazole or ranitidine.

METHODS

Patients with endoscopically verified acute erosive or ulcerative esophagitis were initially treated with 20-40 mg omeprazole daily for 8-12 weeks. After healing, the patients were randomized to maintenance treatment with omeprazole (20 or 10 mg each morning) or ranitidine (150 mg twice daily). Control endoscopy was performed at the end of the healing phase and after 12 months of maintenance treatment or symptomatic relapse.

RESULTS

Of 426 initially treated patients, 392 were healed and entered the maintenance study. The months of maintenance treatment with 20 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 131), 10 mg omeprazole once daily (n = 133), and 150 mg ranitidine twice daily (n = 128) were 72%, 62%, and 45%, respectively. Both the 10- and 20-mg doses of omeprazole were significantly better than the dose of ranitidine (P < 0.001 and P < 0.005, respectively). There was no significant difference between the 10- and 20-mg doses of omeprazole (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance treatment with omeprazole (20 or 10 mg once daily) is superior to ranitidine (150 mg twice daily) in keeping patients with erosive reflux esophagitis in remission over a 12-month period.

Review article: drug therapy for reflux oesophagitis

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder and symptoms can be mild to severe. Management of the disease should be individualized. Life-style changes are important for all patients. Drug therapy is often necessary but only very few patients with severe disease need surgical treatment. The purpose of this article is to focus on drug therapy and to review the clinical trials of all the drugs used for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Thereafter, judged solely on the data derived from these trials, a practical approach to the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is suggested.

Antacids. Indications and limitations

Antacids have served us well for over a century. In terms of peptic ulcer disease, the attitude in the late 1950s to 1970s that antacids should be taken only on demand was unjustified and erroneous. 13 recent endoscopic controlled studies have confirmed the efficacy of antacids in the healing of duodenal ulcer, achieving about 75% healing in 4 weeks. The efficacy of antacids in promoting gastric ulcer healing has been less well studied and the results are controversial. The most appropriate and economical antacid regimens for the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease should include tablets or liquid that have acid neutralising capacity of 400 mmol/day given at least an hour after meals. As a long term therapy, antacids appear to work, but need be taken in multiple daily doses, a regimen which is unlikely to meet with long term patient compliance. Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disorders or pregnancy-related reflux have also benefited from the usage of antacids ad libitum. Early previous studies have clearly demonstrated the efficacy of antacids in reducing gastro-oesophageal reflux and healing of reflux oesophagitis. The acidity of the gastric contents is the major determining factor in the outcome of the aspiration pneumonitis occurring during delivery. The prophylactic use of antacids during delivery has helped to reduce the severity of this complication. Similarly, the prophylactic administration of antacid aiming to maintain gastric pH between 3.5 to 7.0 has resulted in significant reduction of bleeding due to stress associated ulcers and/or erosive haemorrhagic gastritis in critically ill patients. Antacid therapy, however, is controversial in the management of nonulcer dyspepsia or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug related upper gastrointestinal mucosal damage. Undoubtedly, antacids have major roles to play in the treatment of gastric acid related disorders. They have clear advantages and disadvantages when compared with the antisecretory agents. New proton pump inhibitors in particular have certainly superseded antacids and even the H2-receptor antagonists in many respects. However, the long term safety record of antacids remains unsurpassed by any of the new antisecretory agents.

Long-term treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with omeprazole

Reflux oesophagitis is a chronic disorder with frequent relapses on cessation of initial successful treatment. In patients with reflux oesophagitis, treatment with the acid pump inhibitor, omeprazole, has repeatedly been demonstrated to prevent the recurrence of symptoms and of erosive and/or ulcerative lesions in the oesophagus. Comparative trials have shown that an average of 82% of oesophagitis patients were maintained in endoscopic and symptomatic remission over a period of 12 months when treated with omeprazole, 20 mg once daily. This compares with only 36% of patients in remission when given 'full-dose' H2-receptor antagonist therapy (ranitidine, 300 mg daily). It is interesting to note that, in a recent trial, 62% of reflux oesophagitis patients were in remission after 12 months of treatment with omeprazole, 10 mg once daily, compared with the corresponding figure of 72% among those on 20 mg once daily. In patients poorly responsive to control of oesophagitis with H2-receptor antagonists, omeprazole at a dose of at least 20 mg daily is required to achieve symptom resolution and endoscopic healing--and remission can be maintained for years with continued omeprazole treatment. Omeprazole has been shown to have a good long-term safety profile, as evaluated in these trials.

Two different dose regimens of cisapride in the treatment of reflux oesophagitis: a double-blind comparison with ranitidine

We conducted a double-blind study comparing two dosage regimens of a prokinetic drug, cisapride (10 mg q.d.s. and 20 mg b.d.), with a low dose of a H2-receptor antagonist (150 mg ranitidine b.d.) in the treatment of 155 patients with reflux oesophagitis as determined by endoscopy. The active treatment took 8 to 12 weeks depending on whether complete healing was found at endoscopy. Improvement in oesophagitis grades from baseline to endpoint was observed in 68% of patients in the 10 mg cisapride q.d.s. group, 83% in the cisapride 20 mg b.d. group and 81% in the ranitidine group (N.S.). At endpoint, the percentages of endoscopically cured patients with initial grades I or II were 52% for 10 mg cisapride q.d.s., 71% for 20 mg cisapride b.d. and 80% for ranitidine (N.S.). The proportional improvement of the overall reflux symptom score (60%) also showed no significant difference between the three groups. In the treatment of mild reflux oesophagitis (grades I and II) similar results can be expected from 20 mg cisapride b.d. and 150 mg ranitidine b.d. As the results of the two dosage regimens of cisapride were not different, the 20 mg twice daily regimen is preferred because it will improve patient compliance. It is concluded that in reflux oesophagitis grades I and II, the efficacy of 20 mg cisapride b.d. and 150 mg ranitidine b.d. are broadly similar.

Effect of cisapride on relapse of esophagitis. A multinational, placebo-controlled trial in patients healed with an antisecretory drug. The Italian Eurocis Trialists

The effect of a prokinetic agent, cisapride, on the relapse of reflux esophagitis was investigated in a randomized, double-blind trial conducted in 443 patients whose esophagitis had previously been healed with an acid antisecretory drug. Patients received cisapride, 20 mg at night, cisapride 10 mg twice daily, or placebo for 12 months or until endoscopic relapse was confirmed endoscopically. In 88% of all patients (respectively 133, 132, and 124), endoscopic data were available at discontinuation of treatment. In comparison with placebo, the two cisapride regimens prolonged both the time to endoscopically confirmed relapse (Kaplan-Meier analysis; P = 0.001) and the time to symptomatic relapse (P = 0.012). The life-table endoscopic relapse rates at 12 months were 51% for placebo, 32% for cisapride 20 mg at night (P = 0.005), and 34% for cisapride 10 mg twice daily (P = 0.02). Patients with more severe esophagitis before healing relapsed more rapidly during maintenance therapy, regardless of the treatment regimen. Adverse events were infrequent in all three groups. These findings indicate that maintenance treatment with the prokinetic drug cisapride prevents the relapse of esophagitis after it has been healed by acid antisecretory therapy.

Long-term treatment with 300 mg ranitidine once daily after dilatation of peptic oesophageal strictures

This clinical, double-blind, multicentre trial evaluates the long-term effect of ranitidine in patients dilated for peptic oesophageal strictures. Seventy-one consecutive outpatients were dilated with hydrostatic balloons to a diameter of 18-20 mm and randomized to a 1-year treatment with 300 mg ranitidine in the evening or with placebo. Endoscopies with measurement of the stricture size were performed before the initial dilatation, after 6 and 12 months, and in between when necessary. Symptoms and use of antacids were registered at inclusion and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Thirteen patients were withdrawn before study end point. Fifteen of 30 (50%) in the ranitidine group and 11 of 28 (39.3%) in the placebo group were redilated. The difference in disfavour of ranitidine was 10.7% (95% confidence interval, -14.9; 36.2%). Nor were there any statistically significant differences between the treatment groups with regard to stricture size at end point, symptoms, or use of antacids. In conclusion, there is no evidence of any clinically significant effect of a 1-year treatment with 300 mg ranitidine once daily after dilatation of peptic oesophageal strictures.

Maintenance therapy: Is there still a place for antireflux surgery?

Effective and safe maintenance medical therapy for uncomplicated reflux esophagitis is now feasible with omeprazole and it is likely that other H+K+ATPase blockers, and possibly very high dose H2 receptor antagonist regimens, will also be acceptable. In addition, many patients with ulceration, strictures, and Barrett's esophagus will respond to conservative medical therapy and a proportion of patients with erosive esophagitis may remain in remission with cisapride or with low dose H2 receptor antagonists, if disease is less severe. Thus, there is now a medical "gold standard" against which surgical therapy for uncomplicated esophagitis must be judged and it is essential that all future studies be conducted with clearly defined criteria for the assessment of the symptoms and endoscopic signs of esophagitis and its complications. As ever, the patient's wishes are paramount, but he or she must be allowed to select his or her therapy on the basis of a balanced and fully informed assessment of the long-term and short-term risks of all therapeutic modalities. The burdensome prospect of lifelong tablet ingestion and its potential dangers must be weighed against the alternative, in up to 30% of cases, that surgery may produce dysphagia, gas bloat, or dumping with no guarantee of a long-term cure.

Effect of cisapride on relapse of reflux oesophagitis, healed with an antisecretory drug

Maintenance treatment with cisapride was evaluated in 298 patients in whom reflux oesophagitis had been healed with antisecretory drugs. Initially, 34% of the patients had grade-I oesophagitis, 33% had grade II, and 33% had grade III. The patients were treated with 20 mg cisapride twice daily or placebo for 6 months or until endoscopic relapse was shown if this occurred earlier. Survival analysis showed that cisapride significantly prolonged the time to endoscopic relapse in grade-I patients (P = 0.02). The intergroup difference in symptomatic relapse in all patients was also significant (P = 0.010). The effect of cisapride was less clearcut in grade II or III, and/or in patients healed with omeprazole. Factors associated with early relapse were placebo therapy, prior omeprazole therapy, duration of pre-trial symptomatic period, and initial endoscopic severity grade. Adverse experiences were limited; diarrhoea was reported by 9% of the cisapride patients.

Omeprazole. An updated review of its pharmacology and therapeutic use in acid-related disorders

Omeprazole is the first of a new class of drugs, the acid pump inhibitors, which control gastric acid secretion at the final stage of the acid secretory pathway and thus reduce basal and stimulated acid secretion irrespective of the stimulus. In patients with duodenal or gastric ulcers, omeprazole as a single 20 mg daily dose provides more rapid and complete healing compared with ranitidine 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg at nighttime, or cimetidine 800 or 1000 mg/day. Patients poorly responsive to treatment with histamine H2-receptor antagonists respond well to omeprazole--most ulcers healed within 4 to 8 weeks of omeprazole 40 mg/day therapy. Omeprazole 20 or 40 mg/day has been administered as maintenance therapy for peptic ulcer disease for up to 5.5 years with very few ulcer recurrences. In patients with erosive or ulcerative oesophagitis, omeprazole 20 or 40 mg/day produces healing in about 80% of patients after 4 weeks, and is superior to ranitidine with respect to both healing and symptom relief. Healing rates of greater than 80% are achieved after 8 weeks in patients with severe reflux oesophagitis unresponsive to H2-receptor antagonists. Maintenance therapy with a daily 20 mg dose prevents relapse in about 80% of patients over a 12-month period. Omeprazole is considered to be the best pharmacological option for controlling gastric acid secretion in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Daily dosages of 20 to 360 (median 60 to 70 mg successfully reduce basal acid output to target levels (less than 10 mmol/h or less than 5 mmol/h in patients with severe oesophagitis or partial gastrectomy) during treatment for up to 4 years. Omeprazole is well tolerated in short term studies (up to 12 weeks); the reported incidence of serious side effects (about 1%) being similar to that seen in patients treated with an histamine H2-receptor antagonist. The longer term tolerability of omeprazole has been investigated in patients treated for up to 5.5 years. Slight hyperplasia, but no evidence of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell dysplasia or neoplasia or ECL cell carcinoids has been reported. ECL cell carcinoids have been observed in rats after life-long treatment with high doses of omeprazole or ranitidine, or in rats with partial corpectomy; the weight of experimental evidence indicates that this is a result of prolonged hypergastrinaemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Histamine and the stomach: introduction

The physiologic role of histamine in the stomach has for many years been a subject of controversy. The introduction of histamine-2-receptor antagonists and, later, of proton pump inhibitors has not only stimulated the interest in the topic but has also made it relevant for the clinician. The main and still unsettled issue is the interrelationship between histamine and gastrin on the parietal cell.