A close look at findings from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial show that the proton-pump inhibitor rabeprazole provided benefit in treating gastroesophageal — but not laryngopharyngeal — symptoms.
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) initially showed promise as a treatment for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR; JW Gastroenterol Aug 11 2006). However, small, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have not documented meaningful clinical benefit (e.g., Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101:1972). Now, in a trial funded in part by the manufacturer of the PPI rabeprazole, researchers randomized 82 patients who had been referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) center for clinical LPR to receive rabeprazole (20 mg twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks.
Patients met these criteria: (1) ≥1 LPR symptom — hoarseness, globus, persistent throat discomfort, or frequent throat clearing — for ≥1 month during the preceding year; (2) evidence of LPR on video laryngostrobo…
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DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries
EquityCRH Medical Corporation
Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology
Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries
EquityCRH Medical Corporation
Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology
Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors