High dose proton pump inhibitor response as an initial strategy for a clinical diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Swedish multi-centre group in primary health care.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care rests primarily on symptoms. Oesophageal acid exposure is the most important pathogenic factor and it is likely that symptom response to acid inhibition also identifies patients with GERD.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a symptom-based strategy in the management of GERD patients in primary care.


METHODS
Patients in general practice with main symptoms of at least moderate heartburn or regurgitation were given omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. openly for 7 days (first phase). Responders with later relapse were randomized to double-blind treatment with omeprazole 20 mg o.m. or placebo for 2 weeks (second phase). A response in both phases was defined as a decrease by at least three grades on a seven-grade Likert scale and no more than mild intensity of the main symptom.


RESULTS
Of the 362/371 recruited patients who were evaluated in the first phase, 73% were responders. A total of 174/179 patients with a relapse were assessed in the second phase, and 74 and 28% in the omeprazole and placebo group, respectively, were defined as responders (P: < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 33-59).


CONCLUSIONS
GERD patients are highly responsive to omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. They are equally responsive to omeprazole 20 mg o.m. at symptomatic relapse, but have a low response rate to placebo. Omeprazole is a valuable therapeutic instrument to detect and treat patients with GERD in general practice.
Brun
J
J
Södra Hälsocentralen, S-824 81 Hudiksvall, Sweden.
Sörngård
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D009853:Omeprazole