Heartburn Patients Unaware Of Long-Term Risks

Main Category: Acid Reflux / GERD
Also Included In: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Article Date: 23 Feb 2006 - 13:00 PST

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The majority of people suffering from chronic heartburn - known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - are unaware of its potentially serious health consequences, according to new results from a large multinational survey released today.

The findings from the Burning Desires survey showed that two-thirds (64 per cent) of people with symptoms of GERD did not believe their condition to have any serious long-term health risks - even though estimates suggest that up to 45 per cent of GERD sufferers develop inflammation of the esophagus (reflux esophagitis).[1]

GERD has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL)[2], and if left untreated, the repeated flow of stomach acid can damage the gullet, causing discomfort and pain. Approximately 10-15 per cent of patients with chronic GERD undergoing endoscopy will be diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus[3], a pre-cancerous change in the tissue lining of the esophagus that may ultimately lead to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Other complications of prolonged acid reflux, such as narrowing of the esophagus and ulceration, can be painful and might cause internal bleeding.

Professor Philippe DuCrotte, Professor of Gastroenterology, Universit� de Rouen et CHU, France, said that the survey results clearly demonstrate a need for further education among heartburn sufferers, particularly those who have not sought medical treatment.

"It is very important that people suffering from frequent heartburn don't ignore their symptoms, as there can be consequences of delaying diagnosis and treatment. By visiting the doctor earlier, patients can become better educated and more serious problems can be avoided through correct and effective treatment."

Further results from the study showed that GERD sufferers receiving medical treatment were almost twice as likely to be aware of the long term health risks associated with their condition than undiagnosed sufferers.

Previous studies have linked chronic untreated heartburn with an increased risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma which is a rare cancer. One study showed that patients who had experienced very longstanding, severe and unresolved heartburn had a 43.5 times greater risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma than those without symptoms, however the absolute risk is low for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.[4]

The latest PPI, Nexium� (esomeprazole) can provide freedom from heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD, and has been shown to provide an improvement in health related quality of life.[5],[6] Nexium� works by deactivating the proton pumps that produce stomach acid, reducing the amount of acid that is in the stomach, helping to treat heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. Several comparative clinical trials with more than 15,000 patients with Nexium�, including the EXPO, the EAZEE and Metropole studies, confirm that Nexium� provides superior acid control which translates into clinical benefits.5,[7],[8],[9],[10],[11] Nexium� is only available on prescription.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of $23.95 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

About the Burning Desires Survey

The survey adopted quantitive research methods to question 1,908 GERD sufferers in Germany, France, UK and USA. A total of 1,306 patients were surveyed in Europe and 602 in the USA. Individuals answered questions concerning their disease, lifestyle and choice of drug through face to face interviews and a 100-item questionnaire.

Respondents suffering from GERD were identified from a random telephone screening of > 200,000 households. Out of the 1,908 participants, 984 were diagnosed and 924 were undiagnosed as GERD sufferers.

Of the 984 diagnosed sufferers, 74 per cent were using prescription medication. An improvement in symptoms since first taking medication was reported by 65 per cent of 787 undiagnosed sufferers taking OTC medicines, 80 per cent of 727 diagnosed patients receiving prescription drugs, 87 per cent of 537 diagnosed patients receiving PPIs, alone or in combination with other drugs, and 91 per cent of 246 diagnosed patients taking PPIs only.

About GERD

GERD is characterised by the regular reflux (rising backward flow) of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

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[1]. Malfertheiner P, Hallerback B. International Journal of Clinical Practice 2005;59(3):346-355
[2]. Liker H et al. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2005 Sep-Oct;18(5):393-400
[3]. Sharma P. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2004;20(Suppl 5):48-54
[4]. Lagergren J et al. N Engl J Med. 1999 Mar 18; 340(11):825-31
[5]. Kahrilas P et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000; 14:1249-1258
[6]. Ingela Wiklund et al. Gastroenterology 2005; 128 (4 Suppl 2): A-289, ABS M1001
[7]. Labenz J et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21:739-746
[8]. Castell D et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97:575-83.
[9]. Lauritsen K et al. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2003; 17:333-41.
[10]. Fennerty MB et al Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21(4):455-63.
[11]. Richter J et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2001; 96:656-65.

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