Gastroesophageal Reflux Clinical Trials

Obesity is a growing epidemic and bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and efficient mean of achieving significant and sustainable weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. Studies have demonstrated that after LSG, between 5 and 30% of patients suffered from GERD, with a small subset of those patients (2.9 %) converting to another bariatric procedure (gastric bypass) because of debilitating GERD symptoms. The investigators propose this current study to examine mucosal impedance before and after sleeve gastrectomy using the novel mucosal impedance procedure, as well as assess quality of life and GERD symptoms parameters. In addition, this study will determine if the level of mucosal impedance pre-sleeve gastrectomy may predict the development of GERD post-surgery. Our Hypothesis is that sleeve gastrectomy is highly associated with the risk of developing new onset GERD. This is a prospective, comparative cohort study. A total of 15 obese patients (BMI ≥ 35) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy by choice will be recruited into the study from our bariatric and weight management program. An initial screening upper endoscopy will be performed as part of pre-bariatric evaluation, during which mucosal impedance will be performed with the consent of the patient. Patients with evidence of erosive esophagitis (LA grade A-D), Barrett's esophagus or eosinophilic esophagitis will be excluded from the study. As per surgical recommendation, PPI will be used for 6 months in all bariatric patients. Six months post-surgery, study patients will be re-evaluated by the GERD symptoms Checklist and SF 36. In addition, their new BMI will be documented. PPI will be held for at least 1 week and a 6 months post-surgical upper endoscopy will be performed to determine the presence or absence of erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. In addition, esophageal mucosal impedance will be reassessed. Read Less

Researchers hope to determine how often small intestinal bacterial overgrowth occurs after taking proton pump inhibitors. Read Less

The goal of this study is to determine which position, maneuvers or combination thereof generates the highest pressure at the EGJ as assessed by high-resolution esophageal manometry and thus greater or more robust contraction of the diaphragm. Read Less

This study will be conducted as a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of MHS-1031 on heartburn-free days in subjects with GERD-related heartburn symptoms. Read Less

This protocol is a study to assess the efficacy of an external upper esophageal band to decrease subjective nighttime symptoms related to esophageal reflux into the pharynx. Read Less

GERD, is a common and chronic world-wide disease. Cardinal symptoms of this condition are heartburn-regurgitation, and sometimes with extra-intestinal symptoms that can affect patients' quality of life. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) potently inhibit gastric acid secretion and are widely used for treatment of acid-related diseases. This class of medications is the most widely used for the management of GERD. H2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RAs) are another type of medication used to of uncomplicated GERD, gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastric hypersecretion, and for mild to infrequent heartburn or indigestion. H2RAs decrease gastric acid secretion by reversibly binding to histamine H2 receptors located on gastric parietal cells, thereby inhibiting the binding and action of the endogenous ligand histamine. Dietary modification is endorsed by the National Institutes of Health and the American College of Gastroenterology as a first-line therapy for patients with GERD. The Gracie Diet is thought to play an important role in the prevention of GERD. The concept behind this diet is that the consumption of proper food combinations promotes optimal health by preventing unhealthy chemical reactions in the digestive process such as fermentation and acidity. This diet describes the benefits of combining different foods together and the downsides of combining others. It provides guidance on avoiding specific foods and combinations of foods that may aggravate GERD, and adopting meal spacing habits to improve overall health outcomes. The idea is that such dietary changes support more efficient digestion and encourage healthier lifestyles (i.e. smoking cessation, elimination of alcohol intake, avoidance of soda consumption and desserts). This diet also supports the acquisition of healthy eating habits characterized by higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and encourages a reduction in the intake of saturated fat, sodium, added sugars, and canned foods. Limiting beverage consumption of water or fresh coconut water between meals is also encouraged. In this pilot study, the investigators hypothesized that the Gracie diet it could be an alternative option to improve GERD symptoms in those patients who do not respond to standard doses of PPI and/or H2 receptor antagonists. Read Less

Researchers are trying to identify predictors for gastroesophageal reflux disease after sleeve gastrectomy. Read Less

After defining the manometric characteristics of UES incompetence associated with documented pharyngeal reflux, we will determine the reproducibility of manometric criteria for UES incompetence in prevention of pharyngeal reflux. We hypothesize that these criteria are comprised of either a single or constellation of manometric abnormalities. After determining the ability of externally applied cricoid cartilage pressure in preventing pharyngeal reflux, we further hypothesize that this approach will eliminate or reduce esophago-pharyngeal reflux by enhancing the UES pressure barrier. We anticipate there will be a close spatial correlation between the site of applied pressure and area of increased pressure within UES high pressure zone. Lastly, we will determine and characterize the effect of externally applied cricoid cartilage pressure on related functions such as belch and swallow, testing the hypothesis that these functions will not be impaired. Read Less

The goal of this observational study has the purpose of collecting biological samples from obese patients undergoing evaluation for weight loss by means of medical or endoscopic therapies; and of post bariatric surgery patients presenting with short- and long-term surgical complications. The aim is to enhance the overall understanding of the mechanisms leading to obesity, weight loss, failure to lose weight, and weight regain following treatment. Additional goals are to determine the efficacy of endoscopic and surgical procedures, to identify potential therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers that predict response to therapy. Read Less

The purpose of this program is to allow the use of domperidone in children from 12 to 21 years of age with symptoms related to motility disorders and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who have failed all the standard treatments for their condition. Read Less

The use of high resolution endoscopy (HRE), narrow band imaging (NBI) and chromoendoscopy increases the detection rates of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and early neoplasia. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) will improve the accuracy for detection of dysplasia/early neoplasia. Specific Aim 1 - To create a video-atlas of non-dysplastic and dysplastic/early neoplastic lesions in patients with BE. This will be used for training purposes and to assess learning curve associated with these new technologies. Specific Aim 2 - To create a standardized classification system for the mucosal and vascular patterns observed in patients with BE. Specific Aim 3 - To determine the interobserver agreement using the video-atlas for the mucosal and vascular patterns classification agreed upon. Specific Aim 4 - To determine the endoscopic detection rate of esophageal cancer or precancerous lesions removed during endoscopy. Specific Aim 5 - To determine the pathologic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing EMR/ablation; including morbidity, mortality and complications of the procedure. Results to date (June 2008) : this study is active and open to enrollment. Currently 26 patients have enrolled in this study at the Kansas City VA medical center. In order to participate, patients must be eligible for care at the KCVA hospital. Read Less