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

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.