Effect of proton pump inhibition on the gastric volume: assessed by magnetic resonance imaging.
BACKGROUND
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is known to suppress gastric acid secretion. Thus PPI therapy may decrease gastric volume and gastric contents available for gastro-oesophageal reflux by decreasing acid secretion.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of PPI therapy on the gastric volume after a standard meal.


METHODS
A total of nine healthy subjects were studied using magnetic resonance imaging, before and after a standard liquid meal mixed with a paramagnetic contrast to help demarcate the gastric region. Images were acquired for a total of 90 min after the meal. Studies were conducted before and following esomeprazole twice daily for 7 days. Images were analysed to determine the gastric liquid volume.


RESULTS
Gastric volume, 15 min after the meal peaked to 611 +/- 37 mL on the control day and 539 +/- 30 mL following the PPI administration (P < 0.001). Average gastric volume remained significantly lower (56 +/- 9 mL, P < 0.05) on the PPI therapy from 5 to 75 min after the meal.


CONCLUSIONS
Proton pump inhibitor therapy causes a significant reduction in the gastric contents volume during first 75 min after the meal. In addition to increasing the gastric pH, PPI therapy may decrease the frequency of gastro-oesophageal reflux by decreasing the volume of gastric contents.
Babaei
A
A
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
Bhargava
V
V
Aalam
S
S
Scadeng
M
M
Mittal
R K
RK
D000328:Adult; D064098:Esomeprazole / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013270:Stomach / Q000187:drug effects*
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D064098:Esomeprazole