Pharmacoeconomic issues of the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diagnoses in a gastroenterologist's practice. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) describes the retrograde movement of gastric contents through the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) to the oesophagus. GER can occur physiologically and may be accompanied by symptoms. The introduction of endoscopes and ambulatory devices for continuous monitoring of oesophageal pH (24 h pH monitoring) has led to great improvement in the ability to diagnose reflux disease and reflux-associated complications. The development of pathological reflux and GERD can be attributed to many factors. Pathophysiology of GERD includes transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), incompetent LES because of a decreased lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and deficient or delayed oesophageal acid clearance. Uncomplicated GERD may be treated by modification of lifestyle and eating habits in an early stage of GERD. The various agents currently used for treatment of GERD include mucoprotective substances, antacids, H2-blockers, prokinetics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Although these drugs are effective, they do not necessarily influence the underlying causes of the disease by improving the oesophageal clearance, increasing the LESP or reducing the frequency of TLESRs. The following article gives an overview regarding current concepts of the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of GERD stressing on pharmacoeconomic issues of the treatment and discusses the advantages and disadvantages for step-up and step-down therapy.
Storr
M
M
Department of Internal Medicine II, Technical University of Munich, Germany. martin.storr@lrz.tum.de
Meining
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Allescher
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D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008787:Metoclopramide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009853:Omeprazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D000863:Antacids; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D013392:Sucralfate; D009853:Omeprazole; D008787:Metoclopramide