Journal List > Korean J Gastroenterol > v.58(4) > 1006859

Lee, Lim, Choi, Kim, Son, Choi, Jo, Shin, Lee, Park, Hwang, Kim, Jeong, Kim, Lee, Jung, and Song: Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Asthmatics with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Abstract

Background/Aims

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in asthma patients. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy improves symptoms of asthma in some patients. The objective of this study was to investigate endoscopic findings of GERD in asthma patients and to assess the effect of gastric acid suppression with the PPIs on symptom improvement and pulmonary function.

Methods

From 105 consecutive patients with GERD symptoms during follow up for asthma, 45 patients were enrolled. Patients enrolled to this study were asked about GERD symptoms before and after treating with PPI. Endoscopic findings were described according to Los Angeles classification. The improvement of asthma symptoms and follow-up pulmonary function test were investigated after administration of PPIs.

Results

Esophageal symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux were present in 25 patients (55.6%), and patients without esophageal symptoms were 20 (44.4%). The degree of endoscopic abnormality was not significantly different between groups with or without esophageal symptoms. The improvement of symptoms was seen in 44 patients (97.8%) except 1 patient after administration of PPIs. The number of patients classified to the low-dose group was 7 patients (15.6%) and that of patients classified to the standard-dose group was 38 patients (84.4%). The follow-up pulmonary function test, peak expiratory flow rate (L/sec) was improved in 3 patients (3 of 7, 42.9%) of the low-dose group, and in 24 patients (24 of 38, 63.2%) of the standard-dose group. The improvement of ventilatory function was not significantly different according to dose of PPIs.

Conclusions

Treatment with PPIs is expected to improve subjective symptoms and ventilatory function in asthma patients.

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Table 1.
Demographic Data of 45 Asthmatic Patients with o without Esophageal Symptoms
  Esophageal symptom p-value
Yes (n=25) No (n=20)
Age 53.56±13.91 58.05±15.58 0.313
Male/Female 7/18 4/16 0.883 a
FEV1 (% predicted) 88.52±24.17 82.5±20.71 0.382
PEF (L/sec) 5.5±1.81 4.89±1.78 0.263
Asthma medication      
   ICS 19 19 0.112
   LABA 19 16 1.000
PPI treatment duration (wk) 10.44±6.87 10.6±8.56 0.945

Values are presented as number or mean±SD.

FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; PEF, peak expira tory flow rate; ICS, inhaled glucocorticosteroid; LABA, long-acting β2-agonist; PPI, proton pump inhibitor.

a chi square test.

Table 2.
Endoscopic Finding of Patients with or without Esophageal Symptoms
  Esophageal symptom Total
Yes No
Endoscopic finding      
    Normal 7 (28.0) 2 (10.0)  9 (20.0)
    Minimal change 17 (68.0) 15 (75.0) 32 (71.1)
    LA-Aa 0 (0.0)  2 (10.0)  2 (4.4)
    LA-Ba 1 (4.0) 1 (5.0)  2 (4.4)
    Total 25 20 45

Values are presented as number (%).

p=0.196, Fisher's exact test.

a Los Angeles classification.

Table 3.
Effect of Therapy on PFT in Patients with or withou Esophageal Symptoms
  Esophageal symptom Total
Yes No
PFT Improved 15 (60.0) 12 (60.0) 27 (60.0)
   Stationary/aggravated 10 (40.0) 8 (40.0) 18 (40.0)
   Total 25 20 45

Values are presented as number (%).

PFT, pulmonary function test.

p=1.000, chi square test.

Table 4.
Effect of Therapy on PFT according to PPI Dose
  PPI dose Total
Low Standard
PFT Improved 3 (42.9) 24 (63.2) 27 (60.0)
   Stationary/aggravated 4 (57.1) 14 (36.8) 18 (40.0)
   Total 7 38 45

Values are presented as number (%).

PPI, proton pump inhibitor; PFT, pulmonary function test.

p=0.412, Fisher's exact test.

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Nayoung Kim
https://orcid.org/http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9397-0406

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