1. Emerging from gastroesophageal reflux (EMERGE): An Italian survey - II the viewpoint of the patient.
- Author
-
Bianchetti M, Peralta S, Nicita R, Aragona SE, and Ciprandi G
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Female, Humans, Italy, Male, Middle Aged, Surveys and Questionnaires, Gastroesophageal Reflux drug therapy, Gastrointestinal Agents therapeutic use
- Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common disease, as about a quarter of the Western population has GERD symptoms at least weekly and GERD is the most frequent reason for outpatient gastroenterology consultation. GERD treatment is based on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, but PPI may be ineffective in some patients and potentially unsafe if administered for very long time. A new medical compound (Marial®) has been introduced on the Italian market. This product contains magnesium alginate and a phytopolymer: it may be able to repair ulcer/erosion, protect mucosal tissue, and contrast acid contents. The current survey was conducted on a large group of GERD patients visited at 56 Italian gastroenterological offices. Patients were treated with PPI alone, PPI plus add-on, or Marial® for 4 weeks: the choice was decided by each gastroenterologist on the basis of the best practice criterion. A reflux symptoms index (RSI) questionnaire was used to weekly assess the clinical features. Marial® and PPI plus add-on significantly reduced RSI scores, from the second week. Noteworthy, Marial® was more effective than PPI plus add-on. In conclusion, the current survey demonstrated that patients with GERD perceived a significant improvement of GERD symptoms measured by the RSI questionnaire. Marial® was as effective as PPI plus add-on., (Copyright © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s. This publication and/or article is for individual use only and may not be further reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder. Unauthorized reproduction may result in financial and other penalties.)
- Published
- 2018