Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Impact of pantoprazole on duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux (DGER)
Background:
Duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux (DGER) is considered as an independent risk factor for complicated reflux disease (GERD). Patients with Barrett's esophagus have significantly higher levels of DGER than patients with uncomplicated GERD. However, the clinical response to conventional high-dose PPI therapy in patients with uncomplicated GERD and DGER is largely unknown.
Methods:
30 patients with uncomplicated GERD and combined pathological reflux (acid and bile) were enrolled in the study. Clinical work-up included evaluation of clinical symptoms, esophageal manometry and upper endoscopy. After 6 - 8 weeks of treatment with Pantoprazole 80 mg/d pH measurement and Bilitec 2000 were repeated, and the pattern of symptoms was re-evaluated.
Results:
Under treatment with Pantoprazole 80 mg/d acid reflux was normalised in 28 patients (93 %). Similarly the mean percentage of DGER (time with an absorption greater than 0.14) was significantly reduced from 19.6 % (+/- 13.7) to 5.7 % (+/- 7.7, p < 0.05). In 15 patients (50 %) an elevated DGER persisted under treatment with Pantoprazole (DGER-NR group) whereas in 15 cases (50 %) a normalisation could be achieved (DGER-R group). The DGER-NR group had significantly higher levels of bile reflux before (and under) treatment compared to the DGER-R group: 22.9 % (9.98 %) vs. 15.6 % (0.72 %), respectively. Overall, the median quality of life index (QLI) improved from 4.78 (+/- 0.86) before to 8.04 +/- 1.84) under therapy. The clinical response under treatment was marikedly reduced in the DGER-NR group compared to the DGER-R group: QLI 7.3 vs. 8.9. Particularly heartburn and nocturnal coughing persisted.
Conclusions:
Our data confirm that high-dose pantoprazole therapy effectively exerts acid suppression in GERD patients with combined pathological reflux. However, DGER could only normalised in 50 % of patients. High levels of DGER at diagnosis enhance the risk of persistent DGER under PPI therapy and are associated with a reduced clinical outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease I: Meaning and Pathophysiology
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gastric acid, a potent cocktail of hydrogen and chloride ions, is produced in specialized parietal cells within the...
Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...