Among patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, esophageal pH monitoring and the assessment of symptom-reflux correlation can identify two distinct subgroups characterized by normal acid exposure: functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity. Given the absence of abnormal acid exposure in these groups, conventional antacid therapies often yield unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Therefore, in cases of PPI-refractory GERD, it is hypothesized that patients with underlying abnormal acid reflux will respond to Vonoprazan, a more potent potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB). Conversely, those whose symptoms are unrelated to acid reflux are expected to show poor response. For future refractory patients without definitive endoscopic evidence of GERD (such as Los Angeles Grade B, C, or D esophagitis, peptic stricture, or histologically confirmed Barrett's esophagus), a Vonoprazan therapeutic trial could potentially bypass the need for invasive high-resolution manometry (HRM) and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring. Evaluating the efficacy of Vonoprazan may offer diagnostic insights while minimizing patient discomfort and reducing overall healthcare expenditures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
100
Participants undergoing HRM and 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring were enrolled after providing informed consent. Baseline GERD-related questionnaires were administered on the day of the procedure. Patients then received a 4-week treatment of vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (VOCINTI®). After four weeks, patients returned for a follow-up visit to review their diagnostic reports and complete a second set of questionnaires. Final treatment strategies were adjusted according to the test findings.
Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital
New Taipei City, Taiwan, Taiwan
All participants were evaluated using the following validated symptom questionnaires: The GERD Questionnaire
The GERD Questionnaire (GerdQ) includes 4 positive predictors (heartburn, regurgitation, reflux-related sleep disturbance, and use of over-the-counter medications) and 2 negative predictors (epigastric pain and nausea) for GERD. The GerdQ score ranges from 0 to 18. A higher score indicates a higher probability of GERD and a greater symptom burden. A cutoff score of 8 or higher is generally used to identify patients with a high likelihood of having GERD.
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI)
The Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) consists of 9 items (e.g., hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, and globus sensation), each rated on a scale from 0 (no problem) to 5 (severe) based on the severity of symptoms. Minimum score: 0 Maximum score: 45
Time frame: 4 weeks
The 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5)
The BSRS-5 score ranges from 0 to 20. A higher score indicates greater psychological distress. The 5-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) was used to screen for common psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression; a score ≥ 6 indicates potential psychological morbidity.
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a 7-item self-rated questionnaire used to assess sleep quality over the preceding month; a global PSQI score \> 5 indicates poor sleep quality or sleep disturbance. The PSQI global score ranges from 0 to 21. A higher score indicates poorer sleep quality.
Time frame: 4 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.