Pantoprazole effectively decreases the number of long reflux episodes by day 1 of therapy

Purpose: Erosive GERD patients with more severe disease frequently have prolonged esophageal mucosal contact of the refluxate. The lack of clearance results in increased exposure to acid that causes mucosal damage. Therefore, decreasing the number of reflux episodes lasting longer than 5 minutes should be an important factor in healing severe disease and treating associated symptoms. This analysis was performed to assess the effect of pantoprazole on the number of long reflux episodes in patients with severe erosive GERD.