Is it possible to withdrawal PPI’s therapy in GERD patients? A prospective study on 216 patients using HYCHSA

Background and study aim: Therapy of GERD involves acid suppression by anti-acid or Proton Pump Inhibitors; this schedule can fail to relief symptoms and prevent early relapse in nearly 30% of cases. We evaluate the effect of a medical device, based on an oral combination of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and aluminum (HYCHSA) in patients whit GERD, in comparison whit PPI treatment. Patients and methods: We selected 216 patients (118 F, mean age 48 yrs., range 22-88), with Los Angeles Grade A esophagitis, typical symptoms and previous history of early relapse. Patients were divided in Group A (112 pts) undergoing PPI full-dose and Group B (78 pts) treated whit a melt-in-mouth medical device (HYCHSA, 1100 mg: GERD-off©) three times a day for 3 months. Clinical outcome assessed by Visual analogical scale (VAS) and Symptomatic Score (S.S.). VAS and S.S. collected at baseline (T0) and after three months (T1). In a second schedule, 100 pts from Group A (Group A1) started a three months therapy taking HYCHSA after stopping PPIs. Results: In Group A S.S. was 2 (T0), and 1 at T1; VAS was 7 (T0) and 2 at T1. In Group B treated whit HYCHSA, S.S. was 3 (T0) and 2 at T1; VAS was 6 (T0) and 2 at T1. In Group A1 after 3 months taking HYCHSA, S.S. was 2 and VAS 2. Conclusion: Oral association of HYCHSA may represent a real alternative to PPI therapy in GERD pts, by both improving symptoms and prevent early relapse.