Outcome of erosive/ulcerative reflux oesophagitis in 181 consecutive patients 5 years after diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Controversy exists as to whether oesophagitis worsens over the long-run and long-term follow-up studies of homogeneous series are scarce.

Aims: This study assessed the level of symptoms and the proportions of patients who underwent anti reflux surgery or were on antisecretory therapy.

Patients and methods: Files from 286 patients with a first time diagnosis were retrieved. Outcome data was obtained over the phone from the general practitioners and from the patients.

Results: Seventy-five patients had died (26.2%), 2 of whom from anti reflux surgery, and 30 (14.2%) could not be contacted. Of the 181 patients contacted, 18 (9.9%) had undergone anti reflux surgery. Of the 163 remaining patients, 57.7% were no longer on medication (group 1), 31.9% were using antacids, alginate or cisapride (group 2) and 10.4% were on antisecretory therapy (group 3). High initial grades of oesophagitis and older age were linked to antisecretory drug consumption. There were no new cases of haemorrhage or stricture.

Conclusions: Patients in this study showed a low rate of symptomatic relapse and of antisecretory drug requirements and no complications despite having had oesophageal breaks.