Treatment patterns and symptom control in patients with GERD: US community-based survey.

ABSTRACTBackground:Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most commonly used pharmacological treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Objective:To examine the utilization patterns of PPIs and other GERD-related medications, satisfaction with PPI treatment and presence of GERD symptoms.Patients and methods:GERD patients using prescription PPIs were identified from a mixed-model HMO health plan. Utilization patterns of PPIs and other GERD medications, satisfaction with PPI treatment and presence of GERD symptoms were assessed using questionnaires.Results:Among the 617 patients who completed the survey, 71.0 used PPIs once a day (QD), 22.2 used twice a day (BID) and 6.8 more than twice a day or on an as-needed basis. Approximately 42.1 of all patients supplemented their prescription PPIs with other GERD medications, including over-the-counter medications and H2-receptor antagonists. Over 85 of the patients still experienced GERD symptoms and 82.7 nighttime symptoms. Overall, 72.8 of all patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their PPI treatment.Limitations:The study used self-reported data which may have been subject to recall bias. As the study was conducted in a specific region of the US, the results may have limited generalizability to other US regions or countries.Conclusions:Patients on PPI treatment often experience GERD symptoms and supplement their prescription PPIs with other GERD medications. A substantial proportion of GERD patients receiving PPI treatment are on a BID regimen. Furthermore, more than a quarter of the patients are not completely satisfied with their PPI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]