Vonoprazan 10 mg or 20 mg vs. lansoprazole 15 mg as maintenance therapy in Asian patients with healed erosive esophagitis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Erosive esophagitis (EE) is a gastroesophageal reflux disease characterized by mucosal breaks in the esophagus. Proton pump inhibitors are widely used as maintenance therapy for EE, but many patients still relapse. In this trial, we evaluated the noninferiority of vonoprazan vs. lansoprazole as maintenance therapy in patients with healed EE. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial among non-Japanese Asian adults with endoscopically confirmed healed EE from April 2015 to February 2019. Patients from China, South Korea, and Malaysia were randomized to vonoprazan 10 mg or 20 mg once daily or lansoprazole 15 mg once daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was endoscopically confirmed EE recurrence rate over 24 weeks with a noninferiority margin of 10% using a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded. RESULTS: Among 703 patients, EE recurrence was observed in 24/181 (13.3%) and 21/171 (12.3%) patients receiving vonoprazan 10 mg or 20 mg, respectively, and 47/184 (25.5%) patients receiving lansoprazole (differences: -12.3% [95% CI, -20.3% to -4.3%] and -13.3% [95% CI, -21.3% to -5.3%], respectively), meeting the primary endpoint of noninferiority to lansoprazole in preventing EE recurrence at 24 weeks. Evidence of superiority (upper bound of 95% CI <0%) was also observed. At 12 weeks, endoscopically confirmed EE recurrence was observed in 5/18, 2/20, and 7/20 of patients receiving vonoprazan 10 mg, vonoprazan 20 mg, and lansoprazole, respectively. TEAEs were experienced by 66.8% (157/235), 69.0% (156/226), and 65.3% (158/242) of patients receiving vonoprazan 10 mg, vonoprazan 20 mg, and lansoprazole, respectively. The most common TEAE was upper respiratory tract infection in 12.8% (30/235) and 12.8% (29/226) patients in vonoprazan 10 mg and 20 mg groups, respectively and 8.7% (21/242) patients in lansoprazole group. CONCLUSION: Vonoprazan maintenance therapy was well-tolerated and noninferior to lansoprazole for preventing EE recurrence in Asian patients with healed EE. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02388737.

Xuanfu Daizhe Tang alleviates reflux esophagitis in rats by inhibiting the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Reflux esophagitis (RE) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the esophageal mucosa with a high prevalence and recurrence rate, for which a satisfactory therapeutic strategy is still lacking. Chinese medicine has its characteristics and advantages in treating RE, and the clinical application of Xuanfu Daizhe Tang (XDT) in treating RE has achieved sound therapeutic effects. However, there needs to be more research on its mechanism of action. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work aimed to investigate the mechanism of XDT action in RE through the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1)/Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main active components of XDT were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS). The effect of XDT on RE was evaluated in a rat model of RE induced by "Cardioplasty + pyloric ligation + Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy". Each administration group was treated by gavage. The degree of damage to the esophageal mucosa was evaluated by visual observation, and the Potential of Hydrogen (PH) method and Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) staining were performed. Serum levels of Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) were measured by ELISA. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR), Western Blot (WB), and Immunofluorescence (IF) methods were used to detect Claudin-4, Claudin-5, TREM-1, and p-STAT1 in esophageal tissues for studying the mechanism of action and signaling pathway of XDT. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was used to detect the expression of TREM-1 and CD68 in esophageal tissues. Flow Cytometry (FC) was used to detect the polarization of macrophages in the blood. After conducting preliminary experiments to verify our hypothesis, we performed molecular docking between the active component of XDT and STAT1 derived from rats and parallel experiments with STAT1 inhibitor. The selective increaser of STAT1 transcription (2-NP) group was used to validate the mechanism by which XDT acts. RESULTS: XDT alleviated esophageal injury and attenuated histopathological changes in RE rats. XDT also inhibited the inflammatory response and decreased serum IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS levels in RE rats. qPCR and WB results revealed that XDT inhibited the expression of Claudin-4, Claudin-5, TREM-1, and STAT1 in the esophageal mucosa of RE rats. IHC and FC results showed that XDT reduced TREM-1 levels in esophageal tissues and polarized macrophages toward M2. The molecular docking results showed that rat-derived STAT1 can strongly bind to Isochronogenic acid A in XDT. The parallel experimental results of STAT1 inhibitor showed that XDT has anti-inflammatory effects similar to STAT1 inhibitors. The 2-NP group confirmed that XDT exerts its therapeutic effect on reflux esophagitis through the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway, with STAT1 as the upstream protein. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that XDT may treat reflux esophagitis by modulating the STAT1/TREM-1 pathway.

Prevalence and risk factors for medication-refractory reflux esophagitis in patients with systemic sclerosis in Japan.

BACKGROUNDS: Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often have esophageal motility abnormalities and weak esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) barrier function, which causes proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-refractory reflux esophagitis (RE). The aims of this study were to clarify the current management of RE and prevalence and risk factors of medication-refractory RE in patients with SSc in Japan. METHODS: A total of 188 consecutive patients with SSc who underwent both esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were reviewed. The presence of RE and grades of the gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) were assessed. Esophageal motility was assessed retrospectively according to the Chicago classification v3.0. When RE was seen on a standard dose of PPI or any dose of vonoprazan (VPZ), it was defined as medication-refractory RE. RESULTS: Approximately 80% of patients received maintenance therapy with acid secretion inhibitors regardless of esophageal motility abnormalities. Approximately 50% of patients received maintenance therapy with PPI, and approximately 30% of patients received VPZ. Medication-refractory RE was observed in 30 patients (16.0%). In multivariable analyses, the number of EGD and absent contractility were significant risk factors for medication-refractory RE. Furthermore, combined absent contractility and GEFV grade III or IV had higher odds ratios than did absent contractility alone. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with persistent reflux symptoms and those with absent contractility and GEFV grade III or IV should receive maintenance therapy with strong acid inhibition to prevent medication-refractory RE.

The efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in treating erosive esophagitis: a phase III, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Fexuprazan is a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB). This study aimed to explore the noninferior efficacy and safety of fexuprazan to esomeprazole in treating erosive esophagitis (EE). METHODS: This was a phase III, randomized, double-blind multicenter study. Patients with endoscopically confirmed EE were randomized to receive fexuprazan 40 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg once a daily for 4-8 weeks. The healing rates of EE, symptom response, GERD-health-related quality life (GERD-HRQL), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were compared between fexuprazan group and esomeprazole group. RESULTS: A total of 332 subjects were included in full analysis set (FAS) and 311 in per-protocol set (PPS). The healing rates of fexuprazan and esomeprazole groups at 8 weeks were 88.5% (146/165) and 89.0% (145/163), respectively, in FAS and 97.3% (145/149) and 97.9% (143/146), respectively, in PPS. Noninferiority of fexuprazan compared with esomeprazole according to EE healing rates at 8 weeks was demonstrated in both FAS and PPS analysis. No significant difference was found between groups in EE healing rates at 4 weeks, symptom responses, and changes of GERD-HRQL. The incidence of drug-related AEs was 19.4% (32/165) in fexuprazan arm and 19.6% (32/163) in esomeprazole arm. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated noninferior efficacy of fexuprazan to esomeprazole in treating EE. The incidence of TEAEs was similar between fexuprazan and esomeprazole. Trial registration number NCT05813561.

Proton pump inhibitors in esophageal atresia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequent and prolonged in esophageal atresia (EA) pediatric patients requiring routine use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, there are still controversies on the prophylactic use of PPIs and the efficacy of PPIs on GERD and EA complications in this special condition. The aim of the study is to assess the prophylactic use of PPIs in pediatric patients with EA and its complications. We, therefore, performed a systematic review including all reports on the subject from 1980 to 2022. We conducted meta-analysis of the pooled proportion of PPI-and no PPI groups using random effect model, meta-regression, and estimate heterogeneity by heterogeneity index I2 . Thirty-eight reports on the topic met the criteria selection, representing a cumulative 6044 patients with EA. Prophylactic PPI prescription during the first year of life does not appear to prevent GERD persistence at follow-up and is not associated with a significantly reduced rate of antireflux surgical procedures (ARP). PPIs improve peptic esophagitis and induce remission of eosinophilic esophagitis at a rate of 50%. Their effect on other GERD outcomes is uncertain. Evidence suggests that PPIs do not prevent anastomotic stricture, Barrett's esophagus, or respiratory complications. PPI use in EA can improve peptic and eosinophilic esophagitis but is ineffective on the other EA complications. Side effects of PPIs in EA are almost unknown.

Efficacy and safety of HIP1601 (dual delayed-release esomeprazole) 40 mg in erosive esophagitis compared to HGP1705 (delayed-release esomeprazole) 40 mg: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most effective drugs for treating acid-related disorders. However, once-daily dosing with conventional PPIs fail to fully control acid secretion over 24 h. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of HIP1601 (dual delayed-release esomeprazole) and HGP1705 (delayed-release esomeprazole) in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE). METHODS: We enrolled 213 patients with EE randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 40 mg HIP1601 (n = 107) or HGP1705 (n = 106) once daily for 4 or 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the EE healing rate, confirmed by endoscopy up to week 8. GERD-related symptoms and treatment-emergent adverse events were compared between both groups. RESULTS: By week 8, the estimated healing rates of EE were 97.8% and 96.8% in the HIP1601 and HGP1705 groups, respectively, with a 95% confidence interval of -4.7 to 7.2. After 4 or 8 weeks of treatment, the EE healing rate at week 4, complete resolution rate of symptoms, time to sustained resolution of symptoms, and number of rescue medications used were similar in both groups. The proportion of heartburn- and acid regurgitation-free nights by week 4 were higher in the HIP1601 group compared to the HGP1705 group, but the difference did not reach clinical significance (87.7% vs. 85.8%, P = 0.514, 87.5% vs. 85.8%, P = 0.774). The number of adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of HIP1601 40 mg were comparable to those of HGP1705 40 mg for the treatment of EE and symptomatic improvement of GERD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04080726 ( https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT04080726 ), registration date: 25/10/2018.

Network meta-analysis of multiple doses of vonoprazan for the treatment of erosive esophagitis.

Aim: 20 mg of vonoprazan (VPZ20) is recommended in most countries to treat erosive esophagitis (EE). Whether other doses of vonoprazan, such as 5 mg (VPZ5), 10 mg (VPZ10), 20 mg (VPZ20), and 40 mg (VPZ40) are more effective is unknown. Materials & methods: Three databases were electronically searched to identify studies published before November 2021. Network meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14.0. Results: VPZ20 and VPZ40 were comparable to PPI, VPZ5 and VPZ10 in 4- and 8-week healing rates, and this was also detected in patients with refractory EE. All regimens resulted in similar treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). However, VPZ40 ranked first for healing rate and TEAEs; however, VPZ20 ranked worst for TEAEs. Conclusion: Different doses of VPZ are comparable in efficacy and safety, but VPZ40 may be best in both effectiveness and safety.

Therapeutic Effect of Polaprezinc on Reflux Esophagitis in the Rat Model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To explore the protective effects and therapeutic mechanism of Esomeprazole (PPI), polaprezinc granule (PZ), and PPI + PZ on reflux esophagitis (RE) in the rat model. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups, which contain the control group, the acid cessation group (0.7% HCl, Q3D × 4), and the acid persistence group (0.7% HCl, Q3D × 11). PPI was administered by gavage at 8 mg·kg-1 body weight and PZ was administered by gavage at 120 mg·kg-1 body weight once a day for 15 days. The gastric cardia tissue of the feeding tube was observed under the light microscope, and the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured by ELISA. The expression of EGFR, Akt, p-Akt, and p-mTOR was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-8 and PGE2 were significantly increased in the model group, but decreased in all groups after treatment. In the acid cessation group, PZ treatment had the most significant effect on reducing IL-8 levels and PPI + PZ treatment had the most significant effect on reducing PGE2 levels. In the acid persistence group, the PPI treatment had the most significant effect on reducing the levels of IL-8 and PGE2, and the PZ treatment could also significantly reduce their levels, close to the normal value. Western blot results showed that the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway protein was increased in the model group, while its expression was decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Polaprezinc has a significant therapeutic effect on RE in rats, which can reduce the levels of IL-8 and PGE2 and downregulate the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway protein. The efficacy of polaprezinc in the treatment of reflux esophagitis is comparable to that of PPI, and the combination of them is more effective in the reflux esophagitis treatment.

Hidróxido de alumínio em suspensão de 60 mg/mL para o tratamento de gastrite, úlceras gástricas e duodenais e esofagite de refluxo / Aluminum hydroxide in suspension of 60 mg/mL for the treatment of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers and reflux esophagitis

INTRODUÇÃO: Há um grupo de doenças cuja patogênese está relacionada ao ácido gástrico, tanto em função de distúrbios na secreção, quanto da ação direta desse composto na mucosa do trato gastrintestinal. A hipersecreção gástrica está diretamente relacionada à patogênese de úlceras duodenais, e a magnitude da supressão ácida é diretamente proporcional à taxa de recuperação dessas lesões. Já nas úlceras gástricas, enquanto a secreção gástrica se mantém em níveis normais, a inibição da secreção por tempo e em magnitude adequados está associada a melhoria nas taxas de recuperação e cura. O mesmo ocorre para doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. A utilização de antiácidos como o hidróxido de alumínio é preconizada nos casos com sintomas leves a moderados e infrequentes em associação ao tratamento com anti-secretores. Faz-se nesse relatório uma revisão rápida da literatura sobre a utilização de hidróxido de alumínio no tratamento dessas doenças. PERGUNTAS: Hidróxido de alumínio em suspensão é eficaz e seguro para o tratamento de gastrite, úlceras gástricas e duodenais e doença do refluxo esofágico? EVIDÊNCIAS CLÍNICAS: Em gastrite a utilizaçã de hidróxido alumínio ou desse em associação a hidróxido de magnésio em adultos em suspensão entre 6 a 7 vezes ao dia por 4 a 8 semanas foi mais eficaz que placebo e igualmente eficaz a misoprostol, antagonistas dos receptores H2, sucralfato e hidróxido de magnésio no alívio completo ou redução da severidade de sintomas relacionados à gastrite tais como dor abdominal; pirose; regurgitação; náusea; êmese. No tratamento de úlceras pépticas em adultos (gástrica e duodenal) a utilização de hidróxido de alumínio isolado ou em associação com hidróxido de magnésio em doses de 10 a 30 mL entre uma e 8 vezes ao dia por 4 a 8 semanas foi igualmente ou mais eficaz que placebo na diminuição dos episódios e severidade da dor e do tempo com dor. A utilização de ranitidina em associação a antiácido a base de hidróxido de alumínio não foi diferente do antiácido isolado na diminuição da intensidade de dor. Da mesma forma não se identificaram diferenças entre o antiácido e cimetidina de 800 a 1.200 mg por dia por 4 a 8 semanas na redução de dor dispepsia e pirose; ou entre o antiácido isolado e a associação com oxetacaína. No tratamento de doença do refluxo gastresofágico em adultos a utilização de hidróxido de alumínio e magnésio (1,5 g (15 mL) uma vez ao dia por 12 semanas) foi mais eficaz que placebo na redução dos episódios de refluxo, do número de episódios de refluxo com mais de cinco minutos e do tempo médio dos episódios. O número de pacientes com pH esofágico menor do que 4 diminuiu mais no grupo que recebeu o antiácido. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa quando se compararam tratamentos com ranitidina na dose de 300 mg ao dia e antiácido a base de hidróxido de magnésio e alumínio (10 mL sete vezes ao dia por 6 semanas). ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: O impacto orçamentário relacionado à aquisição da suspensão de 60 mg/mL é de cerca de 1,5 milhões por ano para o período de 2023 a 2027. O impacto total para o período foi de 7,6 milhões. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: Segundo as especificações da Farmacopeia brasileira é permitida uma variação de 10% para mais ou para menos na quantidade de alumínio na suspensão. Entende-se que entre as suspensões com concentrações de 6,15% e 6,00% há uma variação de 2,5% da quantidade de hidróxido de alumínio para menos, o que está dentro da faixa de variação permitida mínima para o produto segundo os critérios da farmacopeia. Segundo esses critérios espera-se que esses produtos apresentem a mesma eficácia em termos de capacidade de neutralização ácida. Segundo a evidência constante em estudos controlados randomizados, tratamentos em adultos com hidróxido de alumínio em suspensão isolado ou em associação ao hidróxido de magnésio são mais eficazes que placebo e não diferentes de antagonistas do receptor H2 na redução ou resolução de sintomas relacionados à gastrite, úlcera duodenal e doença do refluxo gastresofágico. Na população pediátrica há pouca ou nenhuma evidência que suporte o uso dessa medicação. Esse medicamento pode ser utilizado como alternativa, em adultos intolerantes aos tratamentos com medicamentos anti-secretores ácidos. Entretanto, esses estudos, em sua maioria, foram publicados nas décadas de 70 e 80 e estão relacionados a um alto risco de viés. PERSPECTIVA DO PACIENTE: Foi aberta chamada pública para inscrição de participantes na perspectiva do paciente para discussão deste tema, entre os dias 10/03/2023 e 20/03/2023. Duas pessoas se inscreveram, contudo, não deram seguimento ao processo preparatório. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: Os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos presentes na 117ª Reunião Ordinária da Conitec, realizada no dia 28 de março de 2023, deliberaram por unanimidade recomendar a incorporação da suspensão oral de hidróxido de alumínio na concentração de 60,0 mg/mL. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: A Consulta Pública nº 10/2023 foi realizada entre os dias 19/04/2023 e 08/05/2023. Foi recebida uma contribuição pelo formulário para contribuições técnico-científicas, mas nenhuma pelo formulário para contribuições sobre experiência ou opinião de pacientes, familiares, amigos ou cuidadores de pacientes, profissionais de saúde ou pessoas interessadas no tema. Na contribuição recebida identificou-se posicionamento favorável à recomendação preliminar do Comitê de Medicamentos, apesar da manifestação desfavorável constante no formulário. Dessa forma, declarou-se que o hidróxido de alumínio é um medicamento eficaz para o tratamento de gastrite, úlceras gástricas e duodenais e esofagite de refluxo. Disse também que a única razão para a exclusão desse medicamento do SUS fora a caducidade do registro sanitário, complementando que a nova formulação discutida neste relatório fora aprovada pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) para comercialização. Sobre o impacto orçamentário não houve contribuições recebidas por meio de consulta pública, entretanto, na apreciação inicial do tema o Comitê solicitou que se refizesse a projeção de impacto orçamentário incluindo a estimativa do quantitativo de pacientes que, devido à exclusão da ranitidina do SUS, passariam a utilizar, como substituto terapêutico, o hidróxido de alumínio. Dessa forma elaborou-se nova análise de impacto orçamentário. Pela nova projeção haveria um aumento médio de R$ 100.000,00 (8%) pela absorção da demanda criada pela exclusão da ranitidina do SUS (novos valores no compêndio econômico). RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: O Comitê de Medicamentos da Conitec, em sua 119ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 31 de maio de 2023, deliberou por unanimidade recomendar a incorporação da suspensão oral de hidróxido de alumínio na concentração de 60,0 mg/mL no SUS. Os membros do Comitê de Medicamentos consideraram que não houve novas evidências que pudessem alterar a recomendação preliminar. Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 830/2023. DECISÃO: Incorporar, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, a suspensão oral de hidróxido de alumínio na concentração de 60 mg/mL, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 140, seção 1, página 125, em 25 de julho de 2023.

Microbiota in Reflux Esophagitis and Peptic Ulcer Disease.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux esophagitis (RE), and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. More than simple anatomic abnormalities, these conditions are tethered to a variety of external influences as well as those related to genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics. Furthermore, each of these conditions is clearly related to abnormalities of the microbiota of the oropharynx, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. Certain therapeutics used to address these conditions such as antibiotic agents and proton pump inhibitors worsen microbiome dysbiosis while pursuing clinical benefit. Therapeutics that protect, shape adaptively, or restore microbiota balance are key aspects of current and future therapy to pursue. How the microbiota is involved in clinical condition genesis and progression, as well as how therapeutic support or derange the microbiota are herein explored.

Elevated Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Acute Reflux Esophagitis Are Reduced by 1,25 Dihydroxy Vitamin D3.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric acid reflux into the esophagus can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus and progress to reflux esophagitis (RE). Vitamin D3 (VitD3) has anti-inflammatory effects and plays an important regulatory role in adaptive and innate immunity. We hypothesized that VitD3 may play a protective role in RE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, and acute RE (n=35) or chronic RE (n=35) were surgically induced. The effects of different doses of VitD3 on morphological changes and alteration of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were examined in the rat models. Western blot analysis was performed to determine protein expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 in esophageal tissues. Serum levels of VitD3 and calcium were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: The protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 was found significantly increased in RE. VitD3 treatment significantly reduced the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines in both the low-dose and high-dose VitD3 groups compared to control groups in acute RE, but not chronic RE. Macrographic and histopathological examination revealed various degrees of esophageal impairment in rats following surgical induction of acute or chronic RE in rats. These impairments were not improved by VitD3. Morphological grading of esophageal mucosa showed no significant differences between acute and chronic RE. Elevated serum levels of calcium were observed after VitD3 treatment. CONCLUSION: IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in RE. The abnormal increase in these important pro-inflammatory cytokines was suppressed by VitD3 in the rat models of acute RE. These novel findings suggest a potential protective role of VitD3 in early-stage RE.

Long-Term Clinical Course after Successful Initial Treatment in Patients with Mild Erosive Esophagitis: A Prospective Follow-Up Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the clinical course of patients with healed mild erosive esophagitis and clarify the predictive factors for continuous treatment. METHOD: Fifty-one patients with mild erosive esophagitis who confirmed mucosal healing by endoscopy after initial treatment with vonoprazan (VPZ) were enrolled. The patients continued subsequent treatment of their choice: maintenance therapy with VPZ 10 mg (n = 15), on-demand therapy with VPZ 20 mg (n = 19), or no medication (n = 17). Each patient was prospectively followed up for over 2 years, and the treatment was switched to other options appropriately according to their symptoms. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (range: 2.0-3.9 years), 2 patients who chose maintenance therapy switched to on-demand therapy. One patient who chose on-demand therapy switched to maintenance therapy, while 3 patients switched to no medication. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in 9 patients who chose no medication. They were administered maintenance therapy and five of them were subsequently switched to on-demand therapy. Ultimately, the proportion of patients receiving each treatment was 35.3% (18/51) for maintenance therapy, 43.1% (22/51) for on-demand therapy, and 21.6% (11/51) for no medication. A predictive factor for the need for continuous treatment was the presence of esophageal hiatal hernia (odds ratio: 6.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.43-25.3, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Among patients with healed mild erosive esophagitis, 78.4% required continuous treatment with VPZ, while 21.6% remained symptom free with no medication. On-demand therapy was the most common treatment, and continuous treatment may be recommended for patients with esophageal hiatal hernia.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment Has Little Effects on Secretion of Saliva in Patients with Proton Pump Inhibitor-Responsive Mild Reflux Esophagitis and Non-Erosive Reflux Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The secretion of saliva, which is triggered by acid reflux into the esophagus via the esophagosalivary reflex, plays a crucial role in the defensive mechanisms of the esophagus. The volume of saliva secreted in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is reduced. However, the effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on the secretion of saliva have rarely been reported. Therefore, the present study investigated changes in the volume and pH of saliva after the cessation of PPI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients previously diagnosed with mild reflux esophagitis (RE) or non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) controlled with PPI (including vonoprazan) who performed the salivary secretion test before and after a 2-week cessation of PPI. The volume, pH, and pH after acid loading (buffering capacity) of saliva were compared before and after the cessation of PPI. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (25 NERD, 7 mild RE) were included. The second saliva test was performed a median interval of 14 months [12.0-15.3] after the first test. No significant differences were observed in the volume of saliva secreted before and after the cessation of PPI (before 4.0 mL [2.7-6.0] vs. after 4.0 mL [2.3-5.9], p = 0.894). No significant differences were noted in pH or changes in pH after acid loading before and after the cessation of PPI (pH: before 7.1 ± 0.24 vs. after 7.0 ± 0.24, p = 0.1. Delta pH after acid loading: before 1.0 [0.8-1.2] vs. after 1.0 [0.8-1.2], p = 0.844). CONCLUSION: The cessation of PPI did not appear to affect the volume, pH, or buffering capacity of saliva in patients with PPI-responsive mild RE and NERD.

Efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors versus vonoprazan in treatment of erosive esophagitis: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and vonoprazan are recommended as first-line therapies for erosive esophagitis (EE). However, it is uncertain how the magnitude of efficacy and safety of first-line therapy, the choice of individual PPIs or vonoprazan in the treatment of EE remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and PPIs in healing esophageal mucosal injury in patients with EE. METHODS: Relevant databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials of proton pump inhibitors and vonoprazan in the treatment of reflux esophagitis up to December 2021. Studies on standard-dose PPIs or vonoprazan that were published in Chinese or English and assessed healing effects in EE were included in the analysis. Stata16.0 was used to conduct a network Meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 41 literatures were included with 11,592 enrolled patients. For the endoscopic cure rate, all the PPIs and vonoprazan significantly improve compared to Placebo; Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, Ilaprazole ranked first, followed by esomeprazole, vonoprazan, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole and placebo therapy ranked the last. For the rate of adverse events, there was no significant difference among all the PPIs, vonoprazan, and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Ilaprazole, esomeprazole and vonoprazan have more advantages in mucosal erosion healing, there was no significant difference in the comparative safety among all interventions.

[Treatment of Acid-related Diseases Using Potassium-competitive Acid Blockers].

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have several limitations to their efficacy including insufficient acid suppression, slow onset of action, and variable efficacy among patients due to CYP2C19 metabolism. Potassium-competitive acid blockers inhibit H+-K+-ATPase in a reversible and K+-competitive manner, are novel acid suppressive drugs with rapid onset of action, meal independence, and prolonged control of intragastric acidity compared to PPIs. Potassium-competitive acid blockers exhibited non-inferior therapeutic efficacies on reflux esophagitis, gastric ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori eradication. The review is focused on the unmet needs across the acid-related diseases and recent updates on clinical studies using vonoprazan and tegoprazan.

[Infant gastroesophageal reflux disease: physiological or pathological ?] / Reflux gastrooesophagien du nourrisson : physiologique ou pathologique ?

INFANT GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: PHYSIOLOGICAL OR PATHOLOGICAL ? Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is defined by the rise of gastric contents into the esophagus, with or without externalization. GER is very common in young infants, with a peak around 4 months, and most often physiological due to high milk intakes and inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Evoking a GER disease (GERD) is not always obvious due to signs of poor specificity (crying, irritability, regurgitation). On the other hand, one should not miss warning signs evocative of GERD complicated by esophagitis or of recurrent upper respiratory or ENT infections, or even differential diagnoses (cow milk protein allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, congenital malformations or brain tumours, etc.). The diagnosis of GERD is clinical but investigations can sometimes be discussed like esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy, 24- hour pH-metry, esophagogastroduodenal follow through. The mechanisms of GERD should be clearly explained to parents and physiological GER should be treated with non-drug measures (adaptation of milk intakes/volumes, thickeners). In the absence of improvement, avoidance of cow's milk proteins for 2 to 4 weeks can be proposed, or even treatment with proton pump inhibitors.

REFLUX GASTRO-OESOPHAGIEN DU NOURRISSON: PHYSIOLOGIQUE OU PATHOLOGIQUE ? Le reflux gastro-oesophagien (RGO) est défini par la remontée du contenu gastrique dans l'oesophage, avec ou sans extériorisation. Le RGO est très fréquent chez le nourrisson, avec un pic vers 4 mois. Il est le plus souvent physiologique, en raison d'une alimentation lactée importante et d'une relaxation inappropriée du sphincter inférieur de l'oesophage. Évoquer un RGO pathologique n'est pas toujours évident, car ses symptômes ont une mauvaise spécificité (pleurs, irritabilité, régurgitations). En revanche, il ne faut pas passer à côté de signes d'alarme évocateurs d'un RGO compliqué par une oesophagite ou par des infections respiratoires hautes ou ORL récidivantes, ni négliger les diagnostics différentiels (allergie aux protéines du lait de vache, oesophagite à éosinophiles, malformations congénitales ou tumeurs cérébrales...). Le diagnostic de RGO est clinique, mais certains examens complémentaires peuvent parfois être discutés : endoscopie oesogastroduodénale, pH-métrie des 24 heures, transit oesogastroduodénal. Il convient de bien expliquer aux parents les mécanismes du RGO et de prendre en charge sa forme physiologique par des mesures non médicamenteuses (adaptation des prises/volumes de lait, épaississants). En l'absence d'amélioration, une éviction des protéines du lait de vache peut être proposée pendant deux à quatre semaines, voire un traitement par inhibiteurs de la pompe à protons.

Analysis of Barrett's Esophagus and Its Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of 10,122 Subjects at a Japanese Health Examination Center.

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori eradication is expected to significantly change the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, few reports on this relationship exist. We analyzed the risk factors of BE using the current consensus on length of BE considering H. pylori infection status. METHODS: We analyzed 10,122 individuals (5,962 men; mean age = 52.9 ± 9.9 years) who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of a medical checkup. Correlations among factors including H. pylori infectious status, endoscopic findings, and BE ≥1 cm were analyzed. RESULTS: Prevalence of BE, long-segment BE, and esophageal adenocarcinoma was 22.5%, 0.014%, and 0%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for BE were hiatal hernia (odds ratio [OR]: 2.89 [2.59-3.24]), female sex (OR: 0.52 [0.46-0.59]), social drinking (OR:0.77 [0.68-0.87]), H. pylori eradication therapy (OR: 1.34 [1.19-1.51]), proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use (OR: 1.52 [1.18-1.96]), bile reflux (OR: 1.18 [1.04-1.33]), age ≥50 years (OR: 1.13 [1.02-1.26]), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use (OR: 1.29 [1.02-1.62]). Although reflux esophagitis (RE) was more common in H. pylori-negative patients (17.2%) than in those after H. pylori eradication therapy (11.8%, p < 0.00001), the latter was correlated with BE, disputing RE as a strong risk factor for BE. Therefore, we conducted a subgroup analysis; most of the risk factors except for PPI use (p = 0.75), H2-receptor antagonist use (p = 0.078), and atrophic gastritis absence (p = 0.72) were positively correlated with BE after H. pylori eradication therapy compared with H. pylori-negative status. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication, bile reflux, PPI use, and NSAID use were risk factors for BE along with hiatal hernia, male sex, and older age.