Long-term administration of omeprazole in mice: a study of behavior, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations with focus on central nervous system.

Chronic use of omeprazole has been linked to central effects alongside with the global concern of increasing appearance of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identifying behavioral, inflammatory, and oxidative stress alterations after long-term administration of omeprazole. C57BL/6 mice were divided in groups: OME and Sham, each received either solutions of omeprazole or vehicle, administered for 28 days by gavage. Results observed in the omeprazole-treated mice: Decrease in the crossing parameter in the open field, no change in the motor performance assessed by rotarod, an immobility time reduction in the forced swimming test, improved percentage of correct alternances in the Ymaze and an exploration time of the novel object reduction in the novel object recognition. Furthermore, a reduced weight gain and hippocampal weight were observed. There was an increase in the cytokine IL1-ß levels in both prefrontal cortex (PFC) and serum, whereas TNF-α increased only in the PFC. Nitrite levels increased in the hippocampus (HP) and PFC, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. These findings suggest that omeprazole improves depressive-like behavior and working memory, likely through the increase in nitrite and reduction in MDA levels in PFC and HP, whereas, the impairment of the recognition memory is more likely to be related to the reduced hippocampal weight. The diminished weight gain might be associated with the IL-1ß increased levels in the peripheral blood. Altogether, omeprazole showed to have the potential to impact at central level and inflammatory and oxidative parameters might exert a role between it.

Proton pump inhibitor and community pharmacies: Usage profile and factors associated with long-term use.

AIM: To characterize the usage profile and the factors associated with the prolonged use of proton pump inhibitor drugs in a community pharmacy. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional, prospective and observational study involving interviews with 410 patients who acquired PPI for their own use from community pharmacies. To characterize the factors associated with the prolonged use of PPI, a multivariate logistic regression model was used. RESULTS: Pantoprazole (42.7%) and omeprazole (31%) were the most acquired PPIs, prescribed mainly by gastroenterologists (49.5%). They are used in the morning, especially for gastrointestinal symptoms, however, they had been consumed for more than 5 years in 30% of cases. The factors associated with prolonged use are old age (OR 1.03 CI95% 1.01-1.05), body mass index (OR 1.07 CI95% 1.01-1.12), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (OR 3.18 CI95% 1.20-8.43) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR 3.5 95% CI 1.39-8.88). CONCLUSION: PPIs are adequate in terms of indication and form of use, however, prolonged use associated with old age, being overweight and use of anti-inflammatories and antidepressants is frequent.

Antioxidative defense against omeprazole-induced toxicogenetical effects in Swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: Omeprazole (OME), a most frequently used proton pump inhibitor in gastric acidosis, is evident to show many adverse effects, including genetic instability. This study evaluated toxicogenic effects of OME in Mus musculus. METHODS: For this study, 40 male Swiss mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 5) and treated with OME at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg and/or treated with the antioxidants retinol palmitate (100 IU/kg) and ascorbic acid (2.0 µM/kg). Cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg, (cytotoxic agent) and the vehicle were served as positive and negative control group, respectively. After 14 days of treatment, the stomach cells along with the bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected and submitted to the comet assay (alkaline version) and micronucleus test. Additionally, hematological and biochemical parameters of the animals were also determined inspect of vehicle group. RESULTS: The results suggest that OME at all doses induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in the treated cells. However, in association with the antioxidants, these effects were modulated and/or inhibited along with a DNA repair capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, antioxidants (such as retinol palmitate and ascorbic acid) may be one of the best options to counteract OME-induced cytogenetic instability.

Omeprazole prescriptions for older adults in health care units in Curitiba, Brazil: an analysis based on Beers Criteria / Prescrições de omeprazol para idosos em unidades de saúde de Curitiba: análise segundo os Critérios de Beers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate omeprazole prescriptions for older adults based on the Beers Criteria, with an analysis of indications and duration of use longer than eight weeks. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data were collected from the electronic medical records of older adults with an omeprazole prescription seen at two health care units in Curitiba, Brazil, between June and August 2019. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, Student t and χ2 tests. RESULTS: Medical records of 386 patients were analyzed, and 69.95% were female. The mean age was 71 (SD, 8.15) years. Most patients had incomplete primary education (50.52%) and income level ranging from one to two Brazilian minimum monthly wages (39.90%). No indication for omeprazole prescription was found in 23.83% of medical records. Use longer than eight weeks was predominant for all indications in 96.60% of medical records. Duration of use more extended than the Beers Criteria recommendation was independent of sex (p = 0.327), education (p = 0.805), and income level (p = 0.629). A relationship between polypharmacy and long-term drug use was demonstrated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the need for periodic review of omeprazole prescriptions considering deprescribing when they appropriate.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as prescrições de omeprazol para idosos de acordo com os Critérios de Beers, por meio das indicações e do tempo de uso do medicamento por período superior a oito semanas. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, no qual foram coletados dados dos prontuários eletrônicos de idosos com prescrição de omeprazol atendidos entre junho e agosto de 2019 em duas unidades de saúde em Curitiba. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e aos testes t de Student e do χ2 . RESULTADOS: Foram analisados prontuários de 386 usuários, sendo 69,95% do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 71 anos (DP, 8,15). A maioria dos usuários tem ensino fundamental incompleto (50,52%) e faixa de renda de um a dois salários mínimos (39,90%). Não foi encontrada a indicação para a prescrição de omeprazol em 23,83% dos prontuários. O uso por período superior a oito semanas foi predominante, para todas as indicações, em 96,60% dos prontuários. Demonstrou-se que o tempo de uso superior ao recomendado nos Critérios de Beers independe do sexo (p = 0,327), da escolaridade (p = 0,805) e da faixa de renda (p = 0,629). Evidenciou-se a relação entre polifarmácia e uso do medicamento por períodos prolongados (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo apontam para a necessidade de revisão periódica das prescrições de omeprazol, considerando-se a desprescrição quando apropriado.

Dabigatran Dual Therapy vs Warfarin Triple Therapy Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation With/Without a Proton Pump Inhibitor: A Pre-Specified Analysis of the RE-DUAL PCI Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In patients with atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention, if a proton pump inhibitor is used, could that allow the use of warfarin triple therapy, or is there additional reduction in bleeding while using it with dual therapy? METHODS: The RE-DUAL PCI trial randomized 2725 patients with atrial fibrillation post-percutaneous coronary intervention to dabigatran dual therapy (110 or 150 mg twice daily, with clopidogrel or ticagrelor) or warfarin triple therapy (with clopidogrel or ticagrelor, and aspirin for 1-3 months). This prespecified subgroup analysis evaluated risks of a first major bleeding event or clinically relevant non-major bleeding event, all gastrointestinal bleeding, and a composite efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality/thromboembolic event or unplanned revascularization according to baseline use of a proton pump inhibitor. RESULTS: Of 2678 analyzed patients, 1641 (61.3%) were receiving a proton pump inhibitor at baseline. Dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy reduced the risk of major bleeding events or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events vs warfarin triple therapy regardless of proton pump inhibitor use, with comparable risk of the composite efficacy endpoint (all interaction p values > 0.05). For gastrointestinal bleeding, no interaction was observed between study treatment and proton pump inhibitor use (interaction p values 0.84 and 0.62 for dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy, respectively, vs warfarin triple therapy). CONCLUSIONS: Dabigatran 110 and 150 mg dual therapy reduced the risk of major bleeding events or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events vs warfarin triple therapy, regardless of proton pump inhibitor use at baseline, in patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Risk of the composite efficacy endpoint appeared to be similar for dabigatran dual therapy vs warfarin triple therapy in patients receiving/not receiving a proton pump inhibitor. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV UNIQUE IDENTIFIER: NCT02164864.

Consistent gastric pH-dependent effects of suppressors of gastric acid secretion on the antihypertensive responses to oral nitrite.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are suppressors of gastric acid secretion (SGAS) that decrease gastric nitric oxide (NO) formation from nitrite and increase the cardiovascular risk. However, H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) are considered safer than PPIs. We challenged this notion and hypothesized that both omeprazole (PPI) and ranitidine (H2RA) attenuate the responses to oral nitrite because both drugs increase gastric pH and therefore could decrease nitrite-derived NO formation in the stomach. We examined the blood pressure responses to oral nitrite in hypertensive rats treated with omeprazole, ranitidine, or vehicle. Chemiluminensce-based assays were used to measure gastric NO formation, plasma and gastric concentrations of nitrite, nitrate, and nitrosylated species (RXNO) to clarify the mechanism involved in the effects of SGAS on the responses to oral nitrite. Both drugs increased gastric pH, impaired oral nitrite-induced hypotensive responses, gastric NO formation, and blunted the increases in circulating RXNO concentrations, but not in circulating nitrite and nitrate concentrations. These findings were reproduced in a second study using sodium acetate buffers at pH 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 to mimic gastric pH found with vehicle, ranitidine, and omeprazole, respectively. Increasing gastric pH impaired oral nitrite-induced hypotensive responses, gastric NO formation, and blunted the increases in circulating RXNO concentrations, but not in circulating nitrite and nitrate concentrations. Our results clearly indicate that SGAS impair nitrite-induced gastric formation of NO and vasoactive RXNO in a pH-dependent manner, thus resulting in impaired responses to oral nitrite. These findings may have several clinical implications, particularly to patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Pharmaceutical intervention in the rational use of intravenous omeprazole.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmaceutical interventions of a vertical clinical pharmacy service to promote the rational use of intravenous omeprazole. METHODS: A prospective and descriptive study carried out at a university hospital in the Midwestern Region of Brazil, from November 2014 to May 2015. The service consisted of the analysis of adequacy of the route of administration of omeprazole in relation to the clinical conditions of the patient, as well as the use of the appropriate diluent. Interventions were recorded in medical records and subsequently evaluated for acceptance. RESULTS: A total of 770 prescriptions were evaluated. Interventions related to diluent replacement were more accepted (p<0.001), and surgeons were the specialty that used the intravenous route inappropriately (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although partially accepted, pharmaceutical interventions could contribute to improve patient safety, since they allowed the use of a safer route of administration.

Case-control analysis of fundic gland polyps and proton-pump inhibitors. A pathologist's perspective. / Análisis de casos y controles de pólipos de glándulas fúndicas e inhibidores de bomba de protones. La perspectiva de un patólogo.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Adequately preserved slides and tissue blocks in pathology archives, when re-reviewed and associated with patient charts, are important tools to further assess prevalence changes and associations of certain pathologies. Our aim was to identify whether proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use, dose, and duration of use were associated with gastric polyps and their phenotypes in a case-control study. METHODS: The slides from patients with a morphologic diagnosis of either hyperplastic polyps or fundic gland polyps were retrieved from the 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2016 surgical pathology files at a tertiary care hospital in Mexico City and re-evaluated. Cases were paired by age and sex with patients that underwent endoscopy and gastric mucosa biopsy in the same year, with no evidence of polyps. RESULTS: A total of 133 (3.8%) patients with gastric polyps were identified from 3,499 gastric biopsies taken in the abovementioned years and compared with 133 paired controls. Dyspepsia was more prevalent in the controls (p=0.002) and abdominal pain was more prevalent in the patients with gastric polyps (p=0.001). PPI use (OR 7.7, 95% confidence interval, 4.4-13.3) and taking more than one PPI medication (OR 4.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-22.3) were significantly associated with the presence of gastric polyps. The fundic gland phenotype in the oxyntic mucosa was more frequently associated with PPI use (p<0.042), with a continuous increase in its prevalence starting in the year 2000 (p=0.017 for trend). CONCLUSION: PPI administration for at least one year was associated with gastric fundic gland polyps.

Pharmaceutical intervention in the rational use of intravenous omeprazole / Intervenção farmacêutica no uso racional de omeprazol intravenoso

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the pharmaceutical interventions of a vertical clinical pharmacy service to promote the rational use of intravenous omeprazole. Methods: A prospective and descriptive study carried out at a university hospital in the Midwestern Region of Brazil, from November 2014 to May 2015. The service consisted of the analysis of adequacy of the route of administration of omeprazole in relation to the clinical conditions of the patient, as well as the use of the appropriate diluent. Interventions were recorded in medical records and subsequently evaluated for acceptance. Results: A total of 770 prescriptions were evaluated. Interventions related to diluent replacement were more accepted (p<0.001), and surgeons were the specialty that used the intravenous route inappropriately (p<0.001). Conclusion: Although partially accepted, pharmaceutical interventions could contribute to improve patient safety, since they allowed the use of a safer route of administration.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as intervenções farmacêuticas de um serviço farmacêutico clínico vertical, para a promoção do uso racional do omeprazol intravenoso. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e descritivo realizado em um hospital universitário da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil, no período de novembro de 2014 a maio de 2015. O serviço consistia na análise da adequabilidade da via de administração do omeprazol em relação às condições clínicas do paciente, bem como a utilização do diluente adequado. As intervenções eram registradas em prontuário e, posteriormente, avaliadas quanto à aceitação. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 770 prescrições. As intervenções relacionadas à substituição do diluente foram mais aceitas (p<0,001), e os cirurgiões foram a especialidade que utilizou a via intravenosa de maneira inadequada (p<0,001). Conclusão: Embora parcialmente aceitas, as intervenções farmacêuticas puderam contribuir com a melhoria da segurança dos pacientes, uma vez que permitiram a utilização de uma via de administração mais segura.

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled N-of-1 Trial: The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is defined as a condition developed when the reflux of gastric contents causes troublesome symptoms (heartburn and regurgitation). This requires adequate treatment since it can lead to long-term complications including esophagus adenocarcinoma. Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are generally used to treat GERD due to their high-security profile and efficiency on most patients. However, recurrent reflux despite initial treatment is frequent. N-of-1 trial is a study that allows the identification of the best treatment for each patient. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of standard dose with double dosage of esomeprazole, to improve the GERD symptoms in a single patient. Methods: A single-patient trial, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, was carried out from September 25th, 2012, to April 26th, 2013. It included one outpatient at the gastroenterology service in a fourth-level hospital, diagnosed with nonerosive reflux disease (NERD). Yet, his symptoms were heartburn and reflux, and his endoscopic results were normal esophageal mucosa, without hiatal hernia, though pathological pH values. A no-obese male without any tobacco or alcohol usage received esomeprazole 40 mg/day and 40 mg/bid for 24 weeks. A standardized gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was used weekly to evaluate symptom frequency and severity. The consumption of 90% of the capsules was considered as an adequate treatment adherence. D'agostino-Pearson and Wilcoxon test were used to determine normal or nonnormal distribution and compare both treatments, respectively, both with a significant statistical difference of p < 0.05. Results: The patient completed the study with 96% of adherence. The double dosage of esomeprazole did not improve the control of symptoms compared with the standard dosage. Mean symptomatic score was 9.5±0.5 and 10.2±0.6 for each treatment, respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There was no significant improvement in the patient GERD symptoms increasing the dose of oral esomeprazole during the 6 months of study. N-of-1 trials in chronic pathologies including GERD are recommended due to their potential value as systematic methods that evaluate therapies without strong scientific evidence.

Sintomas persistentes ao tratamento com inibidor da bomba de prótons são devidos à doença do refluxo gastroesofágico refratária ou decorrentes de outras afecções? / Are the persistent symptoms to proton pump inhibitor therapy due to refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease or to other disorders?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is the main pathophysiological mechanism of GERD. Symptoms and complications can be related to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, oral cavity, larynx and/or the lung. Symptoms and other possible manifestations of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, non-cardiac chest pain, chronic cough, chronic laryngitis, asthma and dental erosions. The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is the first-choice drug and the most commonly medication used for the treatment of GERD. The most widespread definition of Refractory GERD is the clinical condition that presents symptoms with partial or absent response to twice-daily PPI therapy. Persistence of symptoms occurs in 25% to 42% of patients who use PPI once-daily and in 10% to 20% who use PPI twice-daily. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe a review of the current literature, highlighting the causes, diagnostic aspects and therapeutic approach of the cases with suspected reflux symptoms and unresponsive to PPI. CONCLUSION: Initially, the management of PPI refractoriness consists in correcting low adherence to PPI therapy, adjusting the PPI dosage and emphasizing the recommendations on lifestyle modification change, avoiding food and activities that trigger symptoms. PPI decreases the number of episodes of acid reflux; however, the number of "non-acid" reflux increases and the patient continues to have reflux despite PPI. In this way, it is possible to greatly reduce greatly the occurrence of symptoms, especially those dependent on the acidity of the refluxed material. Response to PPI therapy can be evaluated through clinical, endoscopic, and reflux monitoring parameters. In the persistence of the symptoms and/or complications, other causes of Refractory GERD should be suspected. Then, diagnostic investigation must be initiated, which is supported by clinical parameters and complementary exams such as upper digestive endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory reflux monitoring (esophageal pH monitoring or esophageal impedance-pH monitoring). Causes of refractoriness to PPI therapy may be due to the true Refractory GERD, or even to other non-reflux diseases, which can generate symptoms similar to GERD. There are several causes contributing to PPI refractoriness, such as inappropriate use of the drug (lack of patient adherence to PPI therapy, inadequate dosage of PPI), residual acid reflux due to inadequate acid suppression, nocturnal acid escape, "non-acid" reflux, rapid metabolism of PPI, slow gastric emptying, and misdiagnosis of GERD. This is a common cause of failure of the clinical treatment and, in this case, the problem is not the treatment but the diagnosis. Causes of misdiagnosis of GERD are functional heartburn, achalasia, megaesophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, other types of esophagitis, and other causes. The diagnosis and treatment are specific to each of these causes of refractoriness to clinical therapy with PPI.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) é a condição clínica que se desenvolve quando o refluxo do conteúdo gástrico provoca sintomas incômodos e/ou complicações. O relaxamento transitório do esfíncter inferior do esôfago é o principal mecanismo fisiopatológico da DRGE. Os sintomas e complicações podem estar relacionados ao refluxo do conteúdo gástrico para o esôfago, cavidade oral, laringe e/ou pulmão. Os sintomas e outras possíveis manifestações da DRGE são pirose, regurgitação, disfagia, dor torácica não-cardíaca, tosse crônica, laringite crônica, asma e erosões dentárias. O inibidor da bomba de prótons (IBP) é o medicamento de primeira escolha e o mais comumente utilizado para o tratamento da DRGE. A definição mais difundida de DRGE Refratária é a condição clínica que apresenta sintomas com resposta parcial ou ausente ao tratamento com IBP duas vezes ao dia. A persistência dos sintomas ocorre em 25% a 42% dos pacientes que utilizam IBP uma vez ao dia e em 10% a 20% dos que utilizam IBP duas vezes ao dia. OBJETIVO: O objetivo é apresentar uma revisão da literatura atual, salientando as causas, aspectos diagnósticos e abordagem terapêutica dos casos com sintomas suspeitos de refluxo e não responsivos ao IBP. CONCLUSÃO - Inicialmente, o manejo da refratariedade ao IBP consiste em corrigir a baixa aderência à terapia com IBP, ajustar a dosagem do IBP e reforçar as recomendações sobre modificação do estilo de vida, evitando alimentos e atividades que desencadeiem os sintomas. O IBP diminui o número de episódios de refluxo ácido, no entanto o número de refluxos "não-ácidos" aumenta e o paciente continua apresentando refluxo apesar do IBP. Desta forma, é possível reduzir consideravelmente a ocorrência de sintomas, especialmente aqueles dependentes da acidez do material refluído. A resposta à terapia com IBP pode ser avaliada através de parâmetros clínicos, endoscópicos e de monitorização do refluxo. Na persistência dos sintomas, outras causas de DRGE Refratária devem ser suspeitadas. Em seguida, deve ser iniciada a investigação diagnóstica, que é apoiada por parâmetros clínicos e exames complementares, como endoscopia digestiva alta, manometria esofágica e monitorização ambulatorial do refluxo (pHmetria esofágica ou impedancio-pHmetria esofágica). As causas de refratariedade à terapia com IBP podem ser devidas à DRGE Refratária verdadeira ou mesmo a outras doenças não relacionadas ao refluxo, que podem gerar sintomas semelhantes à DRGE. Existem várias causas de refratariedade ao IBP, como uso inadequado da droga (falta de aderência do paciente à terapia com IBP, dosagem inadequada de IBP), refluxo ácido residual devido à supressão ácida inadequada, escape ácido noturno, refluxo "não-ácido", metabolismo rápido do IBP, esvaziamento gástrico lento e diagnóstico equivocado de DRGE. Este representa uma causa frequente de insucesso do tratamento clínico e neste caso, o problema não é o tratamento, mas sim o diagnóstico. As causas de diagnóstico equivocado da DRGE são pirose funcional, acalásia, megaesôfago, esofagite eosinofílica, outros tipos de esofagite e outras causas. O diagnóstico e o tratamento são específicos para cada uma dessas causas de refratariedade ao tratamento clínico com IBP.

ARE THE PERSISTENT SYMPTOMS TO PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR THERAPY DUE TO REFRACTORY GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE OR TO OTHER DISORDERS?

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition that develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation is the main pathophysiological mechanism of GERD. Symptoms and complications can be related to the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, oral cavity, larynx and/or the lung. Symptoms and other possible manifestations of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, non-cardiac chest pain, chronic cough, chronic laryngitis, asthma and dental erosions. The proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is the first-choice drug and the most commonly medication used for the treatment of GERD. The most widespread definition of Refractory GERD is the clinical condition that presents symptoms with partial or absent response to twice-daily PPI therapy. Persistence of symptoms occurs in 25% to 42% of patients who use PPI once-daily and in 10% to 20% who use PPI twice-daily. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe a review of the current literature, highlighting the causes, diagnostic aspects and therapeutic approach of the cases with suspected reflux symptoms and unresponsive to PPI. CONCLUSION: Initially, the management of PPI refractoriness consists in correcting low adherence to PPI therapy, adjusting the PPI dosage and emphasizing the recommendations on lifestyle modification change, avoiding food and activities that trigger symptoms. PPI decreases the number of episodes of acid reflux; however, the number of "non-acid" reflux increases and the patient continues to have reflux despite PPI. In this way, it is possible to greatly reduce greatly the occurrence of symptoms, especially those dependent on the acidity of the refluxed material. Response to PPI therapy can be evaluated through clinical, endoscopic, and reflux monitoring parameters. In the persistence of the symptoms and/or complications, other causes of Refractory GERD should be suspected. Then, diagnostic investigation must be initiated, which is supported by clinical parameters and complementary exams such as upper digestive endoscopy, esophageal manometry and ambulatory reflux monitoring (esophageal pH monitoring or esophageal impedance-pH monitoring). Causes of refractoriness to PPI therapy may be due to the true Refractory GERD, or even to other non-reflux diseases, which can generate symptoms similar to GERD. There are several causes contributing to PPI refractoriness, such as inappropriate use of the drug (lack of patient adherence to PPI therapy, inadequate dosage of PPI), residual acid reflux due to inadequate acid suppression, nocturnal acid escape, "non-acid" reflux, rapid metabolism of PPI, slow gastric emptying, and misdiagnosis of GERD. This is a common cause of failure of the clinical treatment and, in this case, the problem is not the treatment but the diagnosis. Causes of misdiagnosis of GERD are functional heartburn, achalasia, megaesophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, other types of esophagitis, and other causes. The diagnosis and treatment are specific to each of these causes of refractoriness to clinical therapy with PPI.

Efficacy of Ketoprofen With or Without Omeprazole for Pain And Inflammation Control After Third Molar Removal.

In view of the gastrointestinal problems generated by the ketoprofen use, the ketoprofen association with omeprazole is available on the market. However, this association efficacy in acute pain control has not been established. Bilateral extraction of lower third molars in similar positions is currently the most used model for the evaluation and investigation of the efficacy and pharmacological effects of new compounds for the treatment of acute postoperative pain. The randomized and crossover study consisted in evaluating the clinical efficacy of therapy performed by ketoprofen 100 mg (twice daily-b.i.d.) versus ketoprofen 200 mg + omeprazole 20 mg (once daily-q.d.) to pain, swelling and trismus control in the bilateral extraction model of lower third molars in similar positions in two different appointments, in 50 volunteers. Volunteers reported significantly less postoperative pain at various post-operative periods and consumed less rescue analgesic medication (acetaminophen 750 mg) throughout the study when they took the combination of ketoprofen 200 mg + omeprazole 20 mg (q.d.). Following administration of both study drugs, no gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported by volunteers. Furthermore, the evaluations of the drugs in pain control by the volunteers were significantly favorable to ketoprofen 200 mg + omeprazole 20 mg (q.d.). For swelling and trismus control, the treatments presented similar results. In conclusion, when volunteers took ketoprofen 200 mg + omeprazole 20 mg (q.d.), they reported significantly less postoperative pain at various post-surgical periods and consumed less rescue analgesic medication throughout the study compared with ketoprofen 100 mg (b.i.d).

Efficacy of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate treatment in gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review. / Eficacia del tratamiento con omeprazol y bicarbonato de sodio en la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico: revisión sistemática.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but their onset of action may be slow. OBJECTIVES: To assess the available literature regarding the efficacy of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate in gastroesophageal reflux patients. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. A systematic literature search starting from 2000. Reviewed manuscripts concerning the effectiveness of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate treatment in gastroesophageal reflux disease were reviewed and the data were extracted. Data were subsequently analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: This review included information of four studies. Two trials compared the efficacy of omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate versus omeprazole. One study compared the efficacy of once-daily morning or nighttime dosing. And another study compared omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate/alginate versus omeprazole. In total, there was no difference between omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate and omeprazole. However, there is a trend towards more sustained response and a greater proportion of patients with sustained total relief by 30 minutes with omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate. CONCLUSION: Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate therapy is not more effective than omeprazole in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, data obtained suggest that it can have a more sustained response and sustained total relief.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los inhibidores de la bomba de protones son la terapia médica más efectiva para la enfermedad de reflujo gastroesofágico, pero su inicio de acción puede ser lento. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la literatura referida a la eficacia del omeprazol y bicarbonato de sodio en la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. MÉTODOS: Revisión sistemática de la literatura desde el año 2000. Se revisaron los manuscritos relativos a la efectividad del tratamiento de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Se extrajo la información relevante, la cual fue subsecuentemente analizada con estadística descriptiva. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó información de cuatro estudios. Dos estudios compararon la eficacia de omeprazol y bicarbonato de sodio versus omeprazol, y un estudio comparó la eficacia de la dosis diaria matutina con la nocturna. El otro estudio comparó omeprazol más bicarbonato de sodio y alginato versus omeprazol. No hubo diferencia entre omeprazol con bicarbonato de sodio y omeprazol. Sin embargo, hubo una tendencia hacia una respuesta más sostenida y una mayor proporción de alivio total sostenido por 30 minutos con omeprazol y bicarbonato de sodio. CONCLUSIÓN: La terapia con omeprazol y bicarbonato de sodio no es más efectiva que el omeprazol en el tratamiento de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico. Sin embargo, la información sugiere que puede tener una respuesta más sostenida y un alivio total de mayor duración.

Obese Children Require Lower Doses of Pantoprazole Than Nonobese Peers to Achieve Equal Systemic Drug Exposures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess appropriate pantoprazole dosing for obese children, we conducted a prospective pharmacokinetics (PK) investigation of pantoprazole in obese children, a patient population that is traditionally excluded from clinical trials. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 41 obese children (6-17 years of age), genotyped for CYP2C19 variants *2, *3, *4, and *17, received a single oral dose of pantoprazole, ~1.2 mg/kg lean body weight (LBW), with LBW calculated via a validated formula. Ten post-dose pantoprazole plasma concentrations were measured, and PK variables generated via noncompartmental methods (WinNonlin). Linear and nonlinear regression analyses and analyses of variance were used to explore obesity, age, and CYP2C19 genotype contribution to pantoprazole PK. PK variables of interest were compared with historic nonobese peers treated with pantoprazole. RESULTS: Independent of genotype, when normalized to dose per kg total body weight, pantoprazole apparent clearance and apparent volume of distribution were significantly lower (P < .05) and systemic exposure significantly higher (P < .01) in obese vs nonobese children. When normalized per kg LBW, these differences were not evident in children ≥12 years of age and markedly reduced in children <12 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: LBW dosing of pantoprazole led to pantoprazole PK similar to nonobese peers. Additional factors, other than body size (eg, age-related changes in CYP2C19 activity), appear to affect pantoprazole PK in children <12 years of age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02186652.

Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Mortality in Patients with Cirrhosis and Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a life-threatening infection in patients with cirrhosis. However, it is unknown whether patients with SBP and cirrhosis who do not have active gastrointestinal bleeding have a poorer prognosis if treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database to identify 858 patients with SBP and cirrhosis who were administered PPIs and hospitalized between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013. One-to-two propensity score matching was performed to select a comparison group based on age, gender, and comorbidities. All patients obtained follow-up for 1 year. RESULTS: The overall 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality was 27.9%, 49.0%, and 73.7%, respectively, in the PPI group and 25.6%, 43.8%, and 67.2%, respectively, in the non-PPI group. After adjusting the Cox regression model for age, gender, and comorbidities, the hazard ratios for PPIs regarding 30-day, 30- to 90-day, and 90-day to 1-year mortality were 1.074 (95% CI 0.917-1.257, P = 0.377), 1.390 (95% CI 1.154-1.673, P = 0.001), and 1.297 (95% CI 1.099- 1.531, P = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PPIs did not increase the short-term mortality of patients with SBP and cirrosis who did not have active gastrointestinal bleeding, but PPIs increased the long-term mortality risk. For these patients, physicians should discontinue PPIs as early as possible.