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Step-Down Therapy Using Vonoprazan for Giant Gastric Polyps in Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Administration
Daisuke Kikuchi1, Yorinari Ochiai2, Yoshio Hoshihara2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital Kajigaya, Kawasaki, Japan.
Minimal acid suppression therapy using vonoprazan effectively controlled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and significantly shrank gastric polyps in a long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) user. This step-down approach offers a potential alternative for managing GERD and associated polyps.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis relies on symptoms and endoscopic findings.
- Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use for GERD is common but associated with potential side effects like gastric polyps.
- Vonoprazan offers an alternative acid-suppression therapy.
Observation:
- A patient with a decade-long PPI history presented with two gastric polyps (20mm and 10mm).
- Non-neoplastic lesions were identified, prompting a shift from PPI to vonoprazan step-down therapy.
- A lifestyle guidance app facilitated symptom and medication monitoring during the transition.
Findings:
- Step-down therapy with vonoprazan maintained GERD symptom control with minimal acid suppression.
- Significant shrinkage of gastric polyps was observed during follow-up endoscopy.
- The patient's symptoms did not worsen after discontinuing PPI.
Implications:
- Minimal acid suppression therapy may be effective for GERD symptom management.
- Step-down therapy with vonoprazan could lead to gastric polyp shrinkage.
- Digital health tools can aid in monitoring treatment efficacy and patient adherence.
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