Role of Rabeprazole on Chest Discomfort of Uncertain Origin.

ABSTRACT

Chest discomfort is a common challenge to clinicians; conditions vary from benign to life threatening. The differential diagnosis includes and overlaps cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromusculoskeletal & psychiatric problems, all requiring careful history and thorough investigations. However, a significant number of cases remain undiagnosed despite meticulous investigations and thus require empirical therapy (Fagring et al, 2005; Thomas, 2012). The present study was aimed to find the effect of one of the Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs; Rabeprazole) on patients having non-traumatic, non severe chest discomfort, diagnosis of which could not be confirmed. Forty eight eligible patients were divided into 2 groups PPI group and placebo group. Before and after 4 weeks of therapy, they were studied with visual analog scale for pain and its frequency, duration and intensity. Rabeprazole treated patients responded much better than the placebo group. Seventy five percent were pain free or had appreciable relief in pain intensity after 4 weeks. In contrast to Rabeprazole group, in placebo group none became pain free; 45 % had marginal relief while 55 % derived no benefit. Proton-pump inhibitors are of value in the treatment of non specific chest discomfort.