Investing in the future of GERD

摘要: Despite being principally a motor disorder characterized by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations and impaired clearance mechanisms, the therapy of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been directed at neutralizing or inhibiting acid secretion. Antacids comprised medical treatment GERD for centuries, with later additions consisting antisecretory agents, H 2 -receptor antagonists and, more recently, proton pump inhibitors. Although both classes drugs, in particular latter, have proven invaluable treating GERD, each possesses its own drawbacks, neither addresses inherent underlying pathologic abnormality. Unfortunately, presently available prokinetic agents are either largely ineffective, associated significant adverse effects, both. In addition to medication, mechanical barriers aimed preventing employed decades, improvements surgical fundoplication, including minimally invasive approaches, continue evolve. quality life most individuals treated surgically, many report durability these procedures is scrutinized. More various endoscopic modalities as therapeutic alternatives, which met variable rates success not without risk. The future will likely include approaches development specific, thus safer effective, agents. addition, it that new + ,K -ATPase inhibitors be formulated affect consistent, reliable, prolonged gastric suppression, thereby provide even greater benefit tens millions patients GERD.