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Long-term ranitidine in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) with gastroesophageal reflux
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Ranitidine effectively managed gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in systemic sclerosis patients over 20 weeks. Switching to placebo rapidly worsened heartburn and esophageal inflammation, highlighting ranitidine
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Progressive systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- GERD significantly impacts quality of life in SSc patients.
- Effective management of GERD in SSc is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of ranitidine in treating GERD symptoms in SSc patients.
- To assess the impact of discontinuing ranitidine on GERD symptoms and esophageal health.
Main Methods:
- A 20-week study involving 18 SSc patients with symptomatic GERD.
- Initial 6-week treatment with ranitidine.
- Randomized 12-week treatment with either ranitidine or placebo.
- Assessment of heartburn, dysphagia, endoscopic findings, esophageal motility, and reflux.
Main Results:
- Ranitidine efficacy was sustained throughout the 20-week study period.
- Patients switched to placebo experienced immediate symptom recurrence, including increased heartburn.
- Esophageal mucosal inflammation significantly increased upon placebo treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ranitidine demonstrates sustained efficacy for managing GERD in progressive systemic sclerosis.
- Discontinuation of ranitidine leads to rapid and significant worsening of GERD symptoms and esophageal inflammation in this population.