Endoscopic Healing of GERD using Esomeprazole Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To assess improvement on endoscopy in patients suffering from gastro-esophageal
reflux disease (GERD) with esomeprazole therapy.
Place and Duration of study: Gastroenterology section of Medical Unit I, Services Hospital,
Lahore from May 2006 to November 2006.
Patients and Methods: Fifty patients having symptoms of GERD, like retro-sternal burning,
pain epigastrium, nausea, vomiting and any associated complaints suggestive of GERD were
selected for upper GI endoscopy. Patients who had positive GERD findings on endoscopy were
included in the study and were put on esomeprazole. Repeat endoscopy was done after 4 to 6
weeks to look for any improvement in endoscopic findings.
Results:All of the 50 patients who were selected had positive endoscopic findings suggestive of
reflux disease. All of them were put on proton pump inhibitor therapy for 4 to 6 weeks and repeat
endoscopy was performed. Thirty seven (74%) showed full recovery while 13 (26%) showed no
or partial healing on upper GI endoscopy.
Conclusion: Esomeprazole is an effective treatment in healing of GERD with improvement in
symptoms like retro-sternal burning, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and associated
symptoms like chronic cough, asthma, non cardiac chest pain