Prevacid vs Lifestyle Modifications for the Treatment of LPR

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in scores on the Reflux Finding Score and Reflux Symptom Index over a 24 week period. To enroll subjects must score at least a 13 on the Reflux Symptom Index and at least a 5 on the Reflux Finding Score. All subjects will receive education on lifestyle modifications with a nutritionist and exercise trainer. All subjects will be expected to comply with lifestyle modifications for the entire study period of 24 weeks. Half of all subjects will receive Prevacid 30mg BID and half will receive placebo BID for 24 weeks. Subjects will have 4 office visits over 24 weeks and weekly contacts with the study staff to assess Reflux Symptom Index and any health or medication changes.

The results of studies evaluating PPI therapy versus lifestyle modifications for the treatment of LPR have not been conclusive. However, many of these studies were conducted at tertiary care centers. We will look at patients presenting with LPR symptoms in a community setting. All subjects will have an exam of their larynx via laryngoscopy at each of the 4 study visits (screening, week 6, week 12, and week 24). Based on exam findings, the physician will complete the Reflux Finding Score. The subjects will also complete the Reflux Symptom Index weekly to assess for changes in their symptoms. The statistical analysis of this study will include evaluating changes in the Reflux Finding Scores and Reflux Symptom Index scores over the 24 weeks of study participation.

Conditions