[Recurrence of reflux esophagitis can be prevented with maintenance therapy with sucralfate].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the recurrence of reflux oesophagitis can be prevented with sucralfate suspension 2 g daily.


METHODS
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational drug study.


METHODS
Sixteen research centres in Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.


METHODS
184 Patients whose earlier reflux oesophagitis Savary-Miller grades I and II were cured by an antisecretory therapy before being included in the study. For 6 months, they were given 2 g of a sucralfate suspension or a placebo twice daily, with random division. The symptoms were checked monthly. Endoscopy was performed at the end of the study or when there was a clinical suspicion of recurrence.


RESULTS
Eighty-eight patients of the sucralfate group and 93 of the placebo group could be evaluated. The proportion of endoscopical recurrence was significantly reduced (31 in the sucralfate group as against 55 in the placebo group; p < 0.001). This decrease was particularly clear where symptomatic recurrences were concerned (10 and 34%, respectively; p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first trial that demonstrates that sucralfate suspension can prevent recurrences of reflux oesophagitis in patients with solitary or confluent erosions previously cured with an antisecretory therapy.
Academisch Medisch Centrum, afd. Gastro-enterologie, Amsterdam.
G N
GN
Tytgat
H R
HR
Koelz
G D
GD
Vosmaer
D000328:Adult; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D013392:Sucralfate
Recidief van reflux-oesofagitis te voorkomen met onderhoudstherapie van sucralfaat.