QUALITY-OF-LIFE AND COST OF THERAPY IN REFLUX DISEASE

Background and results in the literature: Reflux symptoms are common, with an incidence of up to 40% monthly and 7% daily in the general adu lt population. The duration of symptoms in patients seeking help for r eflux is often in excess of 5 years in an unselected population. A maj ority, 70%, of these with daily symptoms do not have esophagitis at en doscopy but still require regular medication for symptom control. Afte r treatment, relapse is seen in a majority of cases in whom esophagiti s is present at start of therapy. Symptoms of reflux and upper abdomin al dyspepsia affect several aspects of daily living. Consequently qual ity of life (QoL) is low in patients with reflux esophagitis and upper dyspepsia. Values normalize during medical treatment or after surgery for reflux esophagitis. Cost of treatment is complex. Evaluations in patients with reflux esophagitis are based on the effectiveness and co st of the drug, the cost of investigations and time lost from work. In comparisons based on the results of clinical healing trials, omeprazo le has been found the most cost-effective drug for treatment of reflux esophagitis. There are as yet no evaluations made for patients with r eflux symptoms only. Conclusions: The consequences for the patient and society regarding QoL and costs for reflux symptoms should be evaluat ed more closely to optimize future therapy.