Symptom diversity of patients with reflux esophagitis: Effect of omeprazole treatment

Objective: A number of clinical trials have reported that proton-pump inhibitors are efficacious in the treatment of upper abdominal symptoms, but most of these trials have been carried out in Caucasians. This study investigated the type of upper abdominal symptoms reported by Japanese patients with reflux esophagitis and the efficacy of omeprazole for treating their symptoms. Methods: A total of 234 patients aged :20 years with grade A to D reflux esophagitis were enrolled in this multicenter, open study. Patients received omeprazole 10 or 20 mg/day for 4 weeks. Symptom and quality of life questionnaires were administered at baseline, week 2 and week 4. Results: Among the 221 evaluable patients, almost 70% reported reflux-type symptoms (e.g. regurgitation and heartburn). Ulcer- and dysmotility-type symptoms (e.g. stomach pain and belching) were also common, occurring in 38-62% of patients. After 4 weeks of omeprazole treatment, all symptoms (except anorexia) were improved in approximately 90% of patients. Quality of life was also improved following omeprazole treatment. Conclusion: Reflux-type symptoms as well as ulcer- and dysmotility-type symptoms were seen frequently in Japanese patients with reflux esophagitis. However, omeprazole improved all symptom types and quality of life in this patient population.