title: The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) test in GERD: does it still have a role?
abstract: The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) test is a short course of high-dose PPI, used to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This diagnostic strategy is commonly used globally, primarily because of its availability, simplicity, and high sensitivity. The PPI test has been proven to be a sensitive tool for diagnosing GERD in noncardiac chest pain patients and in preliminary trials in extraesophageal manifestations of GERD. Several recent meta-analyses reevaluated the value of the PPI test in patients with classic GERD-related symptoms and noncardiac chest pain. Although the results were conflicting, the PPI test remains a popular tool for determining the presence of GERD. Attempts to challenge the PPI test without offering attractive alternatives are unlikely to alter clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: The Neuroenteric Clinical Research Group, Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gasiorowska
authors.forename: Ronnie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fass
mesh_terms: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003938:Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System / Q000191:economics; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors