Acupuncture vs. doubling the PPI dose in refractory heartburn
Item
Title
Acupuncture vs. doubling the PPI dose in refractory heartburn
Journal Publication
Date
2007
Research Type
RCT
Keywords
Abstract
Background and Aims: The current standard of care in PPI failure is to double the PPI dose, despite limited therapeutic gain. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of adding acupuncture versus doubling the PPI dose in GERD patients who failed symptomatically on PPI once daily. Methods: Thirty patients with classic heartburn symptoms who continued to be symptomatic on standard-dose PPI were enrolled into the study. All participants underwent upper endoscopy while on PPI once daily. Subsequently, patients were randomized to either adding acupuncture to their PPI or doubling the PPI dose over a period of four weeks. Acupuncture was delivered twice a week by an expert. Results: The two groups did not differ in demographic parameters. The acupuncture + PPI group demonstrated a significant decrease in the mean daytime heartburn, nighttime heartburn, and acid regurgitation scores at the end of treatment as compared to baseline, while the double-dose PPI group did not demonstrate a significant change in their clinical endpoints. Mean general health score was only significantly improved in the acupuncture + PPI group. Conclusions: Adding acupuncture is more effective than doubling the PPI dose in controlling GERD-related symptoms in patients who failed standard-dose PPI
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Number of Participants
30
has health condition studied
Gastrointestinal Diseases
plan
2/WK
has study population number
30
has duration
4 Weeks