Abstract
Objective
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is generally treated with twice-daily proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. In this study, the efficacy of esomeprazole 40 mg once-daily together with lifestyle modifications was determined by repeated 24-hour pH monitoring.
Study Design and Setting
A prospective study. Fortynine patients with suspected LPR underwent 24-hour pH monitoring. Twenty-seven of 49 patients with measurable abnormal proximal reflux reflected by a reflux area index (RAI) >6.3 were treated with esomeprazole 40 mg every day, and a second pH study was performed.
Results
In 22 of 27 patients, everyday PPI treatment reduced the RAI. Four of 5 patients with no RAI reduction reported on symptomatic relief.
Conclusion
In a considerable number of patients with suspected LPR, pH monitoring reveals no abnormal proximal reflux. Esomeprazole 40 mg every day together with lifestyle modifications could reach adequate acid suppression in a large number of patients. Symptom improvement is also reported by patients without measurable effects of therapy.
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