On demand therapy of reflux oesophagitis--a prospective study of symptoms, patient satisfaction and quality of life.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In patients with low-grade reflux oesophagitis adequate symptom control is the aim of treatment. Effervescent tablets alleviate heartburn more rapidly than ordinary tablets. AIM: To investigate symptom control, patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life and disease progress when ranitidine 150 mg effervescent tablets were offered as on demand treatment. We also wanted to investigate whether any biological or psycho-social factor could predict patient satisfaction. METHOD: Consecutive patients with endoscopically verified reflux oesophagitis grade I-II were followed up for 12 months. 24 h pH-metry, disease history, symptoms and several psycho-social factors were registered at baseline and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included. Mean age was 50.7 years (range 21-82), 63% were men. Mean tablet consumption was 1.21 per day (range 7-1016 tablets/year). At the 1-year follow-up discomfort resulting from reflux symptoms was significantly reduced (P<0.001), and the patients' social and vocational life improved. Eighty-four percentage of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. 24 h pH-metry or number of reflux episodes did not change. We did not find any factors able to predict patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: On demand therapy with ranitidine effervescent tablets was well accepted by the majority of patients with reflux oesophagitis grade I. Even though the number of reflux episodes did not change, the patients experienced less discomfort due to reflux symptoms, and their social and vocational life was better. There was no significant progression of the disorder during the 1-year follow-up. No predictive factor for patient satisfaction was found.