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ABSTRACT: To compare the safety and efficacy of pantoprazole and ranitidine in maintaining erosive oesophagitis healing.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients (349) with endoscopically documented healed erosive oesophagitis (grade 0 or 1) were randomly assigned to receive pantoprazole (10, 20 or 40 mg/q.d.s.) or ranitidine (150 mg/b.d.). Erosive oesophagitis status was assessed endoscopically at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 or when relapse symptoms appeared (relapse = reappearance of erosive oesophagitis grade 2 within 12 months). Symptom-free days were also assessed.
Pantoprazole 20- and 40-mg were significantly more effective than ranitidine in maintaining healing regardless of initial erosive oesophagitis grade. Response was dose-related. After 12 months 78, 55, 46 and 21% of patients remained healed (40-, 20-, 10-mg pantoprazole and ranitidine). Pantoprazole 40-mg produced significantly more symptom-free days (83%) than ranitidine (58%). Heartburn-free days/nights were significantly higher with pantoprazole 40-mg (92 and 93%) than ranitidine (73 and 77%). The most frequent reason for discontinuation, unsatisfactory efficacy, occurred most often with ranitidine (P < 0.001).
Once-daily pantoprazole therapy prevented relapse of healed erosive oesophagitis more effectively than ranitidine and with fewer heartburn days. Response to pantoprazole was dose-related. Pantoprazole 40-mg was the most effective regimen and consistent in maintaining erosive oesophagitis healing with a good safety and tolerability profile.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 10/2004; 20(5):567-75. · 3.77 Impact Factor
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J E Richter
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ABSTRACT: The important issue of whether Heliobacter pylori eradication leads to increased reflux has been the subject of many apparently contradictory publications, but when we asked two leading authorities to give us their views, there turned out to be considerable consensus, as you can read below.
Gut 03/2004; 53(2):310-1. · 10.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: When to perform oesophagectomy for neoplastic progression in Barrett's oesophagus is controversial. Some resect for high grade dysplasia whereas others defer treatment until intramucosal adenocarcinoma is diagnosed. Interobserver agreement for a diagnosis of high grade dysplasia or intramucosal adenocarcinoma remains unknown and may have therapeutic implications.
Histological slides from 75 oesophagectomy specimens with high grade dysplasia or T(1) adenocarcinoma were blindly reviewed by two gastrointestinal pathologists and one general surgical pathologist, and classified as high grade dysplasia, intramucosal adenocarcinoma, or submucosal adenocarcinoma. A subsequent re-review of all 75 cases by the same observers following establishment of uniform histological criteria was undertaken. Interobserver agreement was determined by kappa statistics. Coefficients <0.21, 0.21-0.40, 0.41-0.60, 0.61-0.80, and >0.80 were considered poor, fair, moderate, good, and very good agreement, respectively.
Interobserver agreement among all pathologists and between gastrointestinal pathologists when comparing high grade dysplasia with intramucosal adenocarcinoma was only fair (k=0.42; 0.56, respectively) and did not substantially improve on subsequent re-evaluation following establishment of uniform histological criteria (K=0.50; 0.61, respectively).
When evaluating resection specimens and after implementation of uniform histological criteria, even experienced gastrointestinal pathologists frequently disagree on a diagnosis of high grade dysplasia versus intramucosal adenocarcinoma. Treatment strategies based on the histological distinction of high grade dysplasia from intramucosal adenocarcinoma using limited biopsy specimens should be re-evaluated.
Gut 11/2002; 51(5):671-6. · 10.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Symptom relief post pneumatic dilation is traditionally used to assess treatment success in achalasia patients. Recently, we showed that symptom relief and objective oesophageal emptying are concordant in about 70% of patients, while up to 30% of achalasia patients report near complete symptom relief despite poor oesophageal emptying of barium.
We now report the results of long term clinical follow up in these two groups of achalasia patients, assessing differences in symptomatic remission rates.
Achalasia patients undergoing pneumatic dilation since 1995 were evaluated both symptomatically and objectively at regular intervals. Pre and post dilation symptoms were recorded. Barium column height was measured five minutes after ingesting a fixed volume of barium per patient to assess oesophageal emptying. Patients who initially reported near complete symptom relief were divided into two groups based on objective findings on barium study: (1) complete oesophageal emptying (concordant group), and (2) poor oesophageal emptying (discordant group). Patients were followed prospectively for symptom recurrence.
Thirty four patients with complete symptom relief post pneumatic dilation were identified. In 22/34 (65%) patients, the degree of symptom and barium height improvements was similar (concordant group). In 10/34 (30%) patients, there was < 50% improvement in barium height (discordant group). Significantly (p<0.001) more discordant (9/10; 90%) than concordant (2/22; 9%) patients failed therapy at the one year follow up. Seventeen of 22 (77%) concordant patients were still in remission while all discordant patients had failed therapy by six years of follow up. Length of time in symptom remission (mean (SEM)) post pneumatic dilation was significantly (p=0.001) less for the discordant group (18.0 (3.6) months) compared with the concordant group (59.0 (4.8) months).
(1) Poor oesophageal emptying is present in nearly 30% of achalasia patients reporting complete symptom relief post pneumatic dilation. (2) The majority (90%) of these patients will fail within one year of treatment. (3) Timed barium oesophagram is an important tool in the objective evaluation of achalasia patients post pneumatic dilation.
Gut 07/2002; 50(6):765-70. · 10.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The role of duodenogastroesophageal reflux (DGER), once erroneously termed "bile reflux," in causing esophageal mucosal damage has been an area of interest in both animal and human studies. However, because of the lack of appropriate techniques to accurately measure DGER, extrapolation of findings from animal studies to humans has been difficult to make. The recent advent of the Bilitec system (Metronics Instruments, Minneapolis, MN), an ambulatory bilirubin monitoring device, is increasing our knowledge of the specific role of DGER in esophageal diseases. Studies suggest that DGER without acid reflux may result in symptoms, but unless acid reflux is present simultaneously, it does not cause esophagitis. Therefore, therapies should aim at reducing both DGER and acid reflux. Studies show that this may be accomplished by antireflux surgery or the use of proton pump inhibitors, which by reducing gastric volume, decrease the damaging potential of both acid and DGER.
The American Journal of Medicine 01/2002; 111 Suppl 8A:160S-168S. · 5.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Experience with treatment and outcome of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical management and identify predictors of survival.
Between September 1985 and December 1999, 122 patients underwent resection. Eighty-nine percent were men (mean age 63 +/- 10 years; range 35-83 years). Sixty (49%) patients were in endoscopic surveillance programs and 48 (39%) had the preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second was less than 2 L in 12 (12%). Seventy-five (61%) patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy. Pathologic stage was N1 in 8 (7%). Pulmonary complications necessitating reintubation (respiratory failure) occurred in 10 (8%) patients. Time-related survival models were developed for decision-making (preoperative), prognosis (operative), and hospital care (postoperative).
Operative mortality was 2.5%. Survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 89%, 77%, and 68%. Preoperative decision-making factors associated with ideal outcome were 1-second forced expiratory volume of more than 2 L, surveillance, preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia, and planned transhiatal esophagectomy. Prognosis was decreased in younger patients and in those with N1 disease. Postoperative respiratory failure increased mortality.
Surgery is the treatment of choice for superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The ideal patient has a preoperative diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia found at surveillance, good pulmonary function, and undergoes a transhiatal esophagectomy. Discovery of N1 disease or development of postoperative respiratory failure reduces the benefits of surgery.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 01/2002; 122(6):1077-90. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder in which the primary morphologic changes are found in the myenteric plexus. However, a number of secondary alterations are characteristically found in esophagectomy specimens, including the mucosa. In addition, these patients are at increased risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We studied the squamous mucosal alterations in 35 esophagectomy specimens from patients with end-stage achalasia and compared them with those found in the squamous mucosa near the esophagogastric junction from pediatric autopsies (</=18 years) from patients with no known esophageal disease. A representative block was immunostained for p53 (DO7), CD3, and CD20. p53 immunoreactivity was graded as follows: 0 = no staining; 1+ = rare basal cell staining; 2+ = extensive basal cell staining; 3+ = suprabasilar staining. Intraepithelial lymphocyte counts were performed by counting five high power fields (HPF) and calculating an average/HPF. Ages of achalasia patients at esophagectomy ranged from 21 to 78 years (mean 56 years), including 20 men and 15 women. Disease duration ranged from 1 to 44 years (mean 17 years). In all cases the squamous mucosa from achalasia patients was markedly hyperplastic with papillomatosis and basal cell hyperplasia. p53 staining in the squamous mucosa from achalasia patients was significantly more common than in controls (32 of 35 [91%] vs 1 of 17 [6%]; p <0.05). In all achalasia cases CD3+ cells far outnumbered CD20+ cells. There was a significantly greater number of CD3+ cells in achalasia cases (range 32-239/HPF; mean 107/HPF) compared with controls (range 0.8-12/HPF; mean 6/HPF) (p <0.05). In conclusion, the squamous mucosa in esophagectomy specimens from patients with end-stage achalasia shows significant alterations including marked squamous hyperplasia, an increased frequency of p53 immunoreactivity, and increased numbers of CD3+ cells when compared with controls. These changes may be related to the increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma in these patients.
American Journal of Surgical Pathology 12/2001; 25(11):1413-8. · 4.35 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was conducted to confirm a previous finding that lansoprazole relieves heartburn faster than omeprazole in patients with erosive esophagitis.
A total of 3510 patients with erosive esophagitis and at least one episode of moderate to very severe daytime and/or nighttime heartburn during the 3 days immediately before the screening visit were randomized to lansoprazole 30 mg once daily or omeprazole 20 mg once daily for 8 wk. Patients recorded the presence and severity of daytime and nighttime heartburn in daily diaries. On treatment days 1-4, patients were telephoned to confirm the completion of their daily diary. The primary efficacy parameters were the percentage of heartburn-free days and heartburn-free nights, as well as the average severity of daytime and nighttime heartburn.
During treatment day I and all evaluation time points including the entire 8-wk treatment period, significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentages of patients treated with lansoprazole than those treated with omeprazole did not experience a single episode of heartburn. Onset of heartburn relief was more rapid in lansoprazole-treated versus omeprazole-treated patients: on day 1, 33% versus 25% of lansoprazole- versus omeprazole-treated patients were heartburn-free. The percentages of heartburn-free days and heartburn-free nights were also significantly (p < 0.01) greater for patients treated with lansoprazole at all evaluation time points. Heartburn severity was significantly less among those treated with lansoprazole compared with omeprazole. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.
Over 8 wk, lansoprazole 30 mg once daily relieved heartburn symptoms faster and more effectively than omeprazole 20 mg once daily in patients with erosive esophagitis.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 11/2001; 96(11):3089-98. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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J E Richter
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ABSTRACT: Oesophageal motility disorders comprise various abnormal manometric patterns which usually present with dysphagia or chest pain. Some, such as achalasia, are diseases with a well defined pathology, characteristic manometric features, and good response to treatments directed at the pathophysiological abnormalities. Other disorders, such as diffuse oesophageal spasm and hypercontracting oesophagus, have no well defined pathology and could represent a range of motility changes associated with subtle neuropathic changes, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and anxiety states. Although manometric patterns have been defined for these disorders, the relation with symptoms is poorly defined and the response to medical or surgical therapy unpredictable. Hypocontracting oesophagus is generally caused by weak musculature commonly associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Secondary oesophageal motility disorders can be caused by collagen vascular diseases, diabetes, Chagas' disease, amyloidosis, alcoholism, myxo-oedema, multiple sclerosis, idiopathic pseudo-obstruction, or the ageing process.
The Lancet 10/2001; 358(9284):823-8. · 38.28 Impact Factor
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J E Richter
Gut 10/2001; 49(3):319-20. · 10.11 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Gastric acid production may persist while patients are treated with proton pump inhibitors. Twenty-four-hour intragastric pH monitoring is being used to identify gastric acid in the stomach while on medical therapy.
To identify the optimal region of the stomach to demonstrate the presence of gastric acid.
Probe locations confirmed with fluoroscopy after placement and prior to removal. In experiment 1, five volunteers underwent simultaneous, 24-h gastro-oesophageal pH monitoring with the pH sensors located in the gastric antrum, body, fundus and distal oesophagus. In experiment 2, five volunteers underwent simultaneous 24-h pH monitoring with sensors located side by side in the gastric fundus assessing the reproducibility of gastric pH in this region. In experiment 3, 35 volunteers underwent 24-h pH monitoring with pH sensors located in the distal oesophagus and gastric fundus. The mean percentage time for which pH < 4 was calculated for total, upright, and supine time periods.
pH profiles for the gastric fundus and body are similar-the mean percentage total time for which pH < 4 was 92.2% and 90.1%, respectively (P=N.S.). These values are significantly different from the antrum; pH < 4=54.6% (P < 0.01). pH values from the gastric fundus are highly reproducible (linear regression P= 0.004, r(2)=0.96). The normal values (mean +/- 95th percentile) for percentage time gastric pH < 4 in the fundus were: total 95.6 +/- 1.5%, upright 94.8 +/- 1.8%, and supine 96.5 +/- 2.3%.
The fundus is the optimal location to evaluate the presence of gastric acid; pH values are highly reproducible in this area. Normal values for percentage time gastric pH < 4 for a healthy population are now defined.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 09/2001; 15(8):1155-62. · 3.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring is an important test in the management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. It quantifies esophageal acid exposure while patients pursue their everyday activities without restrictions. The test is performed with a compact portable data logger, miniature pH electrode, and computerized data analysis. The pH electrode should be positioned 5 cm above the manometrically defined lower esophageal sphincter. The patient is asked to press a button on the data logger indicating the onset of the symptom in question, which allows symptoms and acid reflux correlation. Twenty-four hour pH monitoring is generally performed after a therapeutic trial of antireflux medications, preferably proton pump inhibitors.
Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 08/2001; 13(3):241-54.
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J E Richter
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ABSTRACT: Currently there are three acceptable long-term treatments of achalasia: pneumatic dilatation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and botulinum toxin injection. Primarily retrospective studies suggest equal efficacy of pneumatic dilatation and surgical myotomy, especially in centers with expertise in both treatments. Randomized prospective studies find pneumatic dilatation superior to botulinum toxin because of the need for serial frequent treatments with the latter therapy. All cost analysis studies support the superiority of pneumatic dilatation over the two other treatments.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America 05/2001; 11(2):359-70, viii.
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ABSTRACT: Accurate tumour classification is critical for meaningful epidemiological studies in the assessment of cancer incidence rates and trends. Differentiating primary gastric carcinoma from oesophageal carcinoma can be difficult, especially when tumours are large and involve both the oesophagus and stomach. Furthermore, adenocarcinomas of both organs typically are of intestinal histological type and arise in a background of intestinal metaplasia. Consequently, histological markers that reliably distinguish Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma from gastric adenocarcinoma would be useful. Cytokeratins (CK)7 and 20 are cytoplasmic structural proteins with restricted expression that help to determine the origin of many epithelial tumours including those of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of co-ordinate CK7 and 20 expression in the distinction of Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma from gastric adenocarcinoma arising in a background of intestinal metaplasia.
CK7 and 20 immunostaining was performed on randomly selected surgical resection specimens from patients with Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma (n = 30) and intestinal type gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 14) arising in a background of intestinal metaplasia. A CK7+ CK20- immunophenotype was demonstrated in 27 of 30 (90%) patients with Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma and only three of 14 (21%) gastric adenocarcinomas. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of a CK7+/20- immunophenotype for a diagnosis of Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma was 90%, 79%, and 90%, respectively.
A CK7+/20- tumour immunophenotype is associated with Barrett's-related oesophageal adenocarcinoma and may be useful in accurate tumour classification, thus facilitating improving epidemiological evaluation of tumours at the oesophagogastric junction.
Histopathology 05/2001; 38(4):307-11. · 3.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The "ringed" or "corrugated" esophagus is a cause of chronic dysphagia and recurrent food impactions in young men. It was previously believed to be a congenital condition, but recent case series have documented histological esophagitis in these patients. We have treated 19 patients with a ringed esophagus and are impressed that this represents an acquired condition with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as its etiology. Our goals are to present the largest case series to date of ringed esophagus, discuss the evidence for GERD, and suggest a strategy for its diagnosis and management.
The charts of 19 patients with a ringed esophagus were reviewed. A single pathologist interpreted all available esophageal biopsy specimens and graded them for the presence of GERD-related abnormalities. Phone interviews were conducted to assess response to therapy and confirm historical features obtained from medical records.
The typical patient is a young man (median age 35, M:F 17:2) with long-standing dysphagia and multiple food impactions. Endoscopy revealed multiple concentric rings that persisted despite air insufflation and caused significant stenosis. Of the 11 patients with available histology, all had basal cell hyperplasia, papillomatosis, and an increased number of intraepithelial eosinophils. Other clinical features of GERD such as heartburn, endoscopic esophagitis, and hiatal hernia were often absent. Response to dilation and acid suppression was good.
The uniform presence of histological esophagitis with intraepithelial eosinophils, basal cell hyperplasia, and papillary lengthening strongly implicates GERD in the pathogenesis of the adult ringed esophagus. In addition to a series of gradual esophageal dilations, we suggest using a proton pump inhibitor to provide acid suppression.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 04/2001; 96(4):984-9. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The reported risk of progression from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or carcinoma (CA) in Barrett's esophagus varies. However, the validity of a diagnosis of LGD may be questioned because of interobserver variability.
A search of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation surgical pathology files between 1986 and 1997 yielded biopsy specimens from 43 patients with Barrett's esophagus diagnosed and coded as LGD. Patients with concurrent or prior diagnoses of HGD or carcinoma were excluded. The LGD cases were randomized and blindly reviewed by three gastrointestinal (GI) pathologists along with cases originally diagnosed as Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia (ND; n = 28), indefinite for dysplasia (IND; n = 14), or HGD (n = 15). Each pathologist classified every biopsy specimen as ND, IND, LGD, or HGD, and interobserver agreements were determined by kappa statistics (K). Follow-up data were available on 25 patients originally diagnosed with LGD. Progression was defined as a subsequent diagnosis of HGD or CA on esophageal biopsy or resection specimens.
Agreement between two GI pathologists for a diagnosis of LGD was fair (K = 0.28) and poor (K = 0.21 and -0.04). Individual GI pathologists agreed with the original diagnosis of LGD in 70%, 56%, and 16% of cases. The 25 patients with follow-up included 21 men and four women (mean age, 67 yr) with a mean follow-up of 26 months (range: 2-84 months). Seven patients (28%) with follow-up developed HGD (five patients) or CA (two patients), 2-43 months (median: 11 months) after a diagnosis of LGD. The individual GI pathologists' diagnosis did not correlate with progression. However, when at least two GI pathologists agreed on LGD, there was a significant association with progression (seven of 17 patients, 41%, p = 0.04). When all three GI pathologists agreed on a diagnosis of LGD, four of five patients progressed (p = 0.012). In contrast, of the eight patients with follow-up and no agreement among GI pathologists for a diagnosis of LGD, none progressed.
A high degree of interobserver variability is seen in the histological diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus-related LGD. Although the number of observations is low, a consensus diagnosis of LGD among GI pathologists suggests an increased risk of progression from LGD to HGD or carcinoma.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 01/2001; 95(12):3383-7. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this dose-response study was to compare the effectiveness of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg of pantoprazole with that of placebo tablets in the healing and symptom relief of gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with erosive esophagitis, and to determine the optimal dose.
A total of 603 patients with endoscopically confirmed (Hetzel-Dent scale) erosive esophagitis of grade 2 (64.5%) or grades 3 or 4 (35.3%) were enrolled in a double-blind, multicenter study and randomly assigned to receive pantoprazole (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) or placebo, administered once daily in the morning, for 4 or 8 wk depending on healing.
The healing rates after 4 wk for placebo and pantoprazole 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg/day were 14%, 42%, 55%, and 72%, respectively (p < 0.001 for all doses of pantoprazole vs placebo). Cumulative healing rates after 8 wk for placebo and pantoprazole 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg/day were 33%, 59%, 78%, and 88%, respectively (p < 0.001 for all doses of pantoprazole vs placebo). The 40-mg pantoprazole dose produced greater rates of healing and earlier healing of esophagitis than either the 10- or 20-mg dose, regardless of severity. Pantoprazole, at any dose, was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving reflux symptoms. Patients on pantoprazole 40 mg experienced relief of symptoms on day 1 of treatment. No serious treatment-related adverse events occurred.
Pantoprazole was safe and effective for healing erosive esophagitis and provided rapid symptomatic relief. These results indicate that pantoprazole offers a new option for treatment of erosive esophagitis. Among the three doses studied, the 40-mg dose was the most effective.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 12/2000; 95(11):3071-80. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disease in the older population. Because of the cumulative effects of acid reflux over many years, older patients with GERD are at increased risk of complications such as esophagitis, peptic strictures, and Barrett's esophagus. Early endoscopy is indicated for all older patients with GERD, irrespective of their symptoms. Medical and surgical treatment options for GERD and its complications can provide excellent symptom relief and healing of esophagitis. Three management approaches--step up, step down, and the directed approach--are recognized guides to clinical decision-making.
Geriatrics 12/2000; 55(11):28-30, 33-4, 37-9 passim. · 1.35 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Success of achalasia therapy is difficult to determine because repeated physiologic study is impractical and symptoms are subjective. Timed barium esophagography directly measures esophageal emptying and is simple to perform. This study (1) evaluates the assessment of myotomy by timed barium esophagography and (2) compares it with premyotomy and postmyotomy symptoms.
Fifty patients ingested 250 mL low-density barium and had upright films at 1, 2, and 5 minutes premyotomy. Forty-five underwent repeat timed barium esophagography 8 weeks (median) postmyotomy. Premyotomy and postmyotomy height and width of the barium column were compared and related to symptoms.
At 1, 2, and 5 minutes premyotomy, median barium column height was 19, 17, and 15 cm, and width was 5.2, 4.8, and 4.5 cm, respectively. Surgery reduced these to 7.0, 5.0, and 1.0 cm and to 3.5, 3.0, and 1.0 cm, respectively (P <.001). Postmyotomy complete esophageal emptying was seen in 29%, 36%, and 49% at 1, 2, and 5 minutes. Postmyotomy height was unrelated (r approximately 0.2) to premyotomy height but was directly related to premyotomy width (r = 0.3-0.5; P <.05); postmyotomy width was directly related to premyotomy width (r approximately 0.6; P <.001). Premyotomy dysphagia was more severe when little change in width occurred from 1 to 5 minutes (r = 0.26, P =.07). Premyotomy regurgitation was more severe the higher the barium column (r approximately 0.4, P <.007). Surgery relieved symptoms in the majority of patients (grade 2-5 dysphagia from 72% to 4%, grade 2-5 regurgitation from 79% to 4%). Postmyotomy symptoms were unrelated to the timed barium esophagogram.
(1) The timed barium esophagogram gives objective confirmation of successful myotomy. (2) Symptoms are unreliable in assessing esophageal emptying.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 12/2000; 120(5):935-43. · 3.41 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to compare the costs per cure of alternative strategies for the treatment of achalasia.
A cost-minimization model compared three strategies for otherwise healthy adults of any age with achalasia: 1) laparoscopic Heller myotomy with fundoplication (LHM); 2) pneumatic dilation (PD), with LHM reserved for treatment failures; 3) botulinum toxin (Botox) injection of the lower esophageal sphincter, with PD reserved for treatment failures. Probabilities of short- and long-term efficacy, treatment failure, symptomatic recurrence rates, and complications were derived from the published literature. Only direct costs were considered during the 5-yr time horizon.
Respective reference case costs per cure of PD, Botox, and LHM strategies were $3,111, $3,723, and $10,792. Despite short- and long-term efficacy of 96% and 94%, respectively, the LHM strategy was most costly. Initial PD remained less costly than initial Botox, provided that rates of PD efficacy and perforation were > or = 70% and < 9.5%, respectively, and cost of a Botox session was > or = $450. The results were not sensitive to the probabilities of short- and long-term response to Botox, recurrence after PD, LHM efficacy, and post-LHM gastroesophageal reflux disease, nor to the costs of LHM and PD.
For otherwise healthy patients with achalasia, initial PD is the least costly strategy provided that the PD perforation rate remains < 10%. Initial Botox is less costly only when nonendoscopic-related costs decrease by 25%. Initial LHM is the most costly strategy under all clinically plausible scenarios. Subsequent analyses should include a longer time horizon and an assessment of patient ference for each strategy.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology 11/2000; 95(10):2737-45. · 7.28 Impact Factor
