Assessing the Merits of a PPI Trial-Based Diagnosis for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Speculations on Efficacy and Pitfalls. Issue 2 (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kamal, Afrin N.; Zikos, Thomas A.; Clarke, John O.
• Is Part Of: Foregut. Volume 1:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: gastroesophageal reflux disease -- proton pump inhibitor -- heartburn -- regurgitation -- chest pain; 616.3
• DOI: 10.1177/26345161211024941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2634-5161

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a highly prevalent condition which can lead to complications in affected individuals. Given the economic implications of widespread testing, there has been interest in a symptom-based approach to diagnosis and use of short-term empiric acid suppressive therapy as a diagnostic modality. This review will highlight the background with regards to these clinical questions, the data regarding performance characteristics of establishing a symptom-based reflux diagnosis (focusing on typical, atypical, and extra-esophageal symptoms), the merits of the so-called "PPI Trial" and potential pitfalls to consider when seeing patients with suspected reflux symptoms.