MedWire News: Study results show that symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease may persist despite treatment if they also suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and psychological distress.

Approximately 20% of the general population experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, including heartburn and regurgitation, on a weekly basis.

"Although a majority of patients experience symptom improvement or resolution with proton pump inhibitor therapy, significant numbers report persistent symptoms," explain lead investigator Professor W Chey, from the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, USA, and colleagues. Specific factors that predict response to this type of therapy are unknown.

Professor Chey and team reviewed data obtained from 132 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. All patients completed surveys measuring reflux and gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and psychological distress. Surveys were conducted at both the start of the study and after 8 weeks of daily proton pump inhibitor therapy.

The team found that of the 101 reflux patients who completed the study, 36% also had irritable bowel syndrome and 41% had psychological distress. All patients improved following treatment, but people with irritable bowel syndrome and psychological distress had more reflux symptoms and poorer quality of life than individuals without irritable bowel syndrome or psychological distress.

The researchers conclude that while patients did experience some relief with proton pump inhibitor, this is the first time that research has shown that having irritable bowel syndrome and psychological distress at the same time may influence treatment.

This study appeared in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.