GERD More Effectively Managed With Drugs
Reported December 27, 2005
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A new report reveals drugs can be as effective as surgery for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Researchers compared various treatments for chronic uncomplicated GERD –a less serious disease of the esophagus that usually requires life-long management. They reviewed over-the-counter medications, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), surgery and endoscopic procedures.
Investigators found for most patients, PPIs can be as effective as surgery in relieving GERD symptoms and improving quality of life. The study also shows even if patients have surgery, they still may need to take medications.
The report is the first Comparative Effectiveness Review from a new program from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). It is designed to help patients and health care providers choose the best evidence-based treatment for their situation. The program reviews existing studies and compares the outcomes of different treatments.
“These reports take a new step by asking not merely which treatments can be effective, but how treatments compare with one another,” says AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. “They will provide a useful, balanced source for obtaining the best scientific information to help select the right treatment for the patient.”
Dr. Clancy, however, stresses the report does not recommend treatments nor include cost considerations. She says it’s essential for patients and physicians to discuss how the findings would apply to each individual’s case.
SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, published online Dec. 13, 2005
