Oesophageal Reflux Disease Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment with Special Reference to the Role of Sucralfate

Abstract

The direct cause of oesophageal reflux disease is readily apparent, as oesophageal reflux of gastric contents has a deleterious effect on the oesophageal mucosa. Reflux is a direct result of a multiplicity of aetiological factors which interact in many ways. The symptoms of the disorder can masquerade as other conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and abdominal problems. The diagnosis is suggested from the symptoms and confirmed by endoscopy with biopsy. Among additional diagnostic test, oesophageal pH monitoring using a portable system is a simple procedure providing qualitative and quantitative information appropriate for clinical practice.

A critical review of drug therapy shows that antacids and alginate acid have no greater value than a placebo. The effects of H₂-receptor antagonists are under investigation, but the results are conflicting. Ranitidine seems to have some advantages over cimetidine.

Antepsin, a new cytoprotective principle for treating ulcerative inflammations in the upper digestive tract, provides an interesting alternative for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and the properties of Antepsin granulate seem especially appropriate for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis. During longitudinal treatment of three months provides at least partial restoration of the motor function ot the distal oesophagus.

Key Words:

• oesophagitis
• gastro-oesophageal reflux
• sucralfate