An evaluation of the antireflux properties of sodium alginate by means of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH-metry.
BACKGROUND
Alginate-based preparations act as mechanical antireflux barrier, which can reduce both acid and non-acid reflux events and limit the proximal migration of oesophageal refluxate.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate all the above features with a novel technique, multichannel electrical impedance and pH-metry.


METHODS
Ten reflux patients underwent stationary impedancemetry and pH-metry after eating a refluxogenic meal. They were studied 1 h in basal conditions and 1 h after taking 10 mL of Gaviscon Advance. In both sessions, measurements were obtained in right lateral and supine decubitus.


RESULTS
Alginate preparation was able to decrease significantly (P < 0.05) the number of acid reflux events and the percentage time pH < 4.0 compared with baseline. There was no effect of the drug on non-acid refluxes. Gaviscon Advance was also significantly effective (P < 0.05) in reducing the height of proximal migration of reflux events compared with baseline in both decubitus positions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings explain how Gaviscon Advance controls acid reflux episodes, limits the proximal migration of refluxed material and thereby decreases symptoms in clinical practice.
Zentilin
P
P
Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Dulbecco
P
P
Savarino
E
E
Parodi
A
A
Iiritano
E
E
Bilardi
C
C
Reglioni
S
S
Vigneri
S
S
Savarino
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000464:Alginates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000464:Alginates; D000863:Antacids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D012824:Silicic Acid; D000536:Aluminum Hydroxide; C007829:alginate, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, sodium bicarbonate drug combination; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate