TREATMENT OF REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS RESISTANT TO H2-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS WITH LANSOPRAZOLE, A NEW H+ K+-ATPASE INHIBITOR - A CONTROLLED, DOUBLE-BLIND-STUDY/

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 8-wk study compared the ne w H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, lansoprazole, 30 mg daily, to ranitidine 150 mg bid for treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis resistant to hista mine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA). Patients were evaluated after 2, 4 , 6, and 8 wk of treatment by symptom assessment and endoscopy. Healin g rates for lansoprazole were 71%, 80%, 88%, and 89% at 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk, respectively, compared to 21%, 33%, 45%, and 38% for ranitidine ( p < 0.001 at all points). Lansoprazole was significantly more effectiv e than ranitidine for relief of heartburn and reduction of antacid tab let use. Increases in serum gastrin concentrations between the baselin e and the 8-wk visit were greater in lansoprazole-treated than in rani tidine-treated patients. Lansoprazole was safe and well tolerated. In patients with erosive reflux esophagitis resistant to standard doses o f H2RA, lansoprazole 30 mg/day is more effective than continuation of an H2RA (ranitidine 150 mg bid) for healing of esophagitis and improve ment of symptoms.