Intravenous pantoprazole as initial treatment in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and a history of erosive esophagitis: a randomized clinical trial.

Author(s): Pratha V, Hogan DL, Lynn RB, Field B, Metz DC

Affiliation(s): Clinical Applications Laboratories, 3330 Third Ave, Suite 330, San Diego, California 92103, USA.

Publication date & source: 2006-09, Dig Dis Sci., 51(9):1595-601. Epub 2006 Aug 22.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

We sought to evaluate safety and efficacy of IV pantoprazole when used as initial therapy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a history of erosive esophagitis (EE) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study. Patients were randomized to 7 days of once-daily IV or oral pantoprazole (40 mg) or placebo. Efficacy variables included maximal acid output, basal acid output, and changes from baseline in frequency/severity of GERD symptoms, and frequency of antacid usage. Seventy-eight patients were randomized (n=26/27/25 [IV/oral/placebo]). Mean maximal acid output was 8.4, 6.3, and 20.9 mEq/h for IV or oral pantoprazole, and placebo, respectively. For pantoprazole versus placebo, maximal and basal acid output were significantly lower (P<.001) and there was a numerical trend toward improved GERD and antacid usage. Both treatments were well tolerated. In conclusion, IV/oral pantoprazole were similarly effective in suppressing basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in GERD patients with a history of EE.