Proton-Pump Inhibitors for Uncomplicated Dyspepsia?

Patients with dyspepsia are commonly treated empirically with proton-pump inhibitors. However, the data supporting this practice are not clear-cut. In this randomized trial from Hong Kong, researchers enrolled 157 young adults (age range, 18–45) with at least 3 months of dyspepsia during the preceding year, no alarm symptoms, a negative breath test for Helicobacter pylori, and no recent exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Dyspepsia was defined as pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen; patients with predominant esophageal reflux or irritable bowel symptoms were excluded.

Patients received lansoprazole (30 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. At 4, 12, and 26 weeks, mean scores on a standardized dyspepsia scale improved …