Omeprazole improves peak expiratory flow rate and quality of life in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine if omeprazole improves pulmonary function and quality of life in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux.


METHODS
This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. After a 4-wk lead-in period, nine patients with documented asthma and gastroesophageal reflux, were prescribed either omeprazole 20 mg, daily or placebo for 8 wk and then crossed over to the alternate treatment. Outcome measurements included: forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and responses on the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, a validated disease specific measure of functional status.


RESULTS
After omeprazole treatment, compared with placebo, patients had higher mean morning and evening PEFR, mean absolute difference (95% CI): morning: 37.8 L/min. (10.9-64.6), evening: 31.2 (3.2-59.2). Omeprazole treatment led to higher mean overall scores on the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and on the subdomains of activity limitation, symptoms, and emotions (p = 0.039, 0.049, 0.024, 0.040). A trend toward higher FEV1 (mean: 15.6% difference) with omeprazole failed to reach statistical significance (p > 0.2).


CONCLUSIONS
After taking omeprazole for 8 wk, asthmatics with GER have better PEFR and quality of life than after placebo.
Department of Medicine, San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, California, USA.
T R
TR
Levin
R M
RM
Sperling
K R
KR
McQuaid
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D010919:Placebos; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D010919:Placebos; D009853:Omeprazole