The effect of baclofen on gastro-oesophageal reflux, lower oesophageal sphincter function and reflux symptoms in patients with reflux disease

Abstract

Background: Baclofen decreases gastro-oesophageal reflux episodes in healthy subjects by reducing the incidence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations.

Aim: To investigate the effect of baclofen on reflux symptoms, oesophageal pH and lower oesophageal sphincter manometry in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover design was used to study the effect of baclofen on heartburn and regurgitation 3 h after a provocation test meal in 37 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Additionally, in 20 of these patients, the effect of baclofen on oesophageal pH, transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and basal lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was studied.

Results: Baclofen significantly decreased the acid reflux time and the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux episodes (8.3 +/- 8.8% vs. 12.4 +/- 12.0%, P = 0.03 and 10.9 +/- 7.3 per 3 h vs. 18.7 +/- 12.4 per 3 h). The incidence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations was significantly lower with baclofen than with placebo (15.1 +/- 6.4 per 3 h vs. 22.8 +/- 5.4 per 3 h, P < 0.0001). Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and the percentage of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations associated with reflux were not affected by baclofen. No significant effect on symptom scores was observed.

Conclusions: Baclofen decreases post-prandial acid reflux in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by reducing the incidence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations. No effect of a single dose of baclofen on reflux symptoms could be demonstrated in this 3-h post-prandial study.