Randomized clinical trial: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) chewable tablets in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The alginate-antacid Gaviscon Double Action (Gaviscon DA) has a combined acid-neutralizing and reflux-suppressing action. Response to treatment in a symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) population has not yet been tested in a large-scale clinical study. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Gaviscon DA compared with matched placebo tablets in the reduction of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with GERD. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, adults with GERD symptoms (N=424) received Gaviscon DA or placebo tablets for 7 days. The primary endpoint was a clinically important reduction of at least 1.5 points in the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) GERD dimension (combined heartburn/regurgitation) between baseline and the end of the treatment. Secondary endpoints included the change in RDQ score from baseline for individual RDQ dimensions and Overall Treatment Evaluation. RESULTS: A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with Gaviscon DA met the primary endpoint compared with placebo (47.8 vs. 33.2%, respectively, P=0.0031; odds ratio: 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-2.78). A significant treatment effect was also observed for heartburn, regurgitation and dyspepsia individually. Patients in the Gaviscon DA group rated their overall treatment response greater than patients in the placebo group [mean Overall Treatment Evaluation (SD): 3.2 (3.08) vs. 2.2 (3.34); P<0.001]. No notable differences in the incidence of adverse events were observed between treatments. CONCLUSION: The alginate-antacid combination, Gaviscon DA, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment to reduce reflux symptoms and associated dyspepsia in symptomatic GERD patients.

Gaviscon® Advance alone versus co-prescription of Gaviscon® Advance and proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

OBJECTIVES: Management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) typically comprises alginates and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) alone or in combination, yet evidence to support any particular treatment regimen is lacking. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of Gaviscon® Advance alone versus co-prescription with a PPI in treating LPR. METHODS: One hundred consecutive LPR patients with a reflux symptom index (RSI) score > 10 attending our joint voice clinic (JVC) were studied prospectively. All were treated with Gaviscon® Advance four times daily. If patients had been started on a PPI prior to their JVC attendance, this was optimised to a twice-daily dosing regimen and continued. RSI scores were recorded at first attendance and 3 months post-treatment via postal questionnaire. Scores were analysed using t tests and Levene's test for equality of variances. RESULTS: Follow-up RSI scores were returned by 72 patients, 39 of whom were treated with Gaviscon® Advance only (group A) and 33 with Gaviscon® Advance + PPI (group B). Mean pre-treatment RSI scores were similar between groups [group A: 19.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) ± 2.4; group B: 21.3, 95% CI ± 3.2 (p = 0.65)]. No significant differences were observed with respect to 3-month post-treatment RSI scores [group A: 9.9, 95% CI ± 2.8; group B: 12.6, 95% CI ± 4.2 (p = 0.82)] and change in RSI scores [group A: 9.3, 95% CI ± 3.0; group B: 8.7, 95% CI ± 2.9 [p = 0.75]). CONCLUSIONS: Gaviscon® Advance alone is effective in treating symptoms of LPR, while co-prescription with a high-dose PPI offers no additional benefit.

Evaluation of cutaneous rejuvenation associated with the use of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed marine collagen.

BACKGROUND: Organic silicon plays an important role in dermal structure by promoting neocollagenesis. Thus, the supplementation of silicon in a highly bioavailable form can be used for skin rejuvenation. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate skin changes associated with the use of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen. PATIENTS/METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive 600 mg of ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen (group 1, n = 11) or placebo (group 2, n = 11) to be taken 15 minutes before breakfast for 90 days. Clinical, photographical, and patients' subjective evaluations were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were included. Clinical evaluations demonstrated changes in skin texture, firmness, and hydration statistically superior in group 1. Brightness, firmness, and overall appearance showed trends for a difference favoring group 1 according to patients' subjective evaluations. Objective images showed no statistical differences. No side effects, hypersensitivity, or systemic symptoms were observed in group 1. Treatment satisfaction in group 1 reached 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Ortho-silicic acid stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen in a daily dose of 600 mg showed positive results in skin rejuvenation according to clinical evaluation in firmness, hydration, and skin texture. Further studies with larger and representative samples should be conducted to confirm our results.

Randomised clinical trial: addition of alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action) to proton pump inhibitor therapy in patients with breakthrough symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic breakthrough in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-treated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients is a common problem with a range of underlying causes. The nonsystemic, raft-forming action of alginates may help resolve symptoms. AIM: To assess alginate-antacid (Gaviscon Double Action, RB, Slough, UK) as add-on therapy to once-daily PPI for suppression of breakthrough reflux symptoms. METHODS: In two randomised, double-blind studies (exploratory, n=52; confirmatory, n=262), patients taking standard-dose PPI who had breakthrough symptoms, assessed by Heartburn Reflux Dyspepsia Questionnaire (HRDQ), were randomised to add-on Gaviscon or placebo (20 mL after meals and bedtime). The exploratory study endpoint was change in HRDQ score during treatment vs run-in. The confirmatory study endpoint was "response" defined as ≥3 days reduction in the number of "bad" days (HRDQ [heartburn/regurgitation] >0.70) during treatment vs run-in. RESULTS: In the exploratory study, significantly greater reductions in HRDQ scores (heartburn/regurgitation) were observed in the Gaviscon vs placebo (least squares mean difference [95% CI] -2.10 [-3.71 to -0.48]; P=.012). Post hoc "responder" analysis of the exploratory study also revealed significantly more Gaviscon patients (75%) achieved ≥3 days reduction in "bad" days vs placebo patients (36%), P=.005. In the confirmatory study, symptomatic improvement was observed with add-on Gaviscon (51%) but there was no significant difference in response vs placebo (48%) (OR (95% CI) 1.15 (0.69-1.91), P=.5939). CONCLUSIONS: Adding Gaviscon to PPI reduced breakthrough GERD symptoms but a nearly equal response was observed for placebo. Response to intervention may vary according to whether symptoms are functional in origin.

A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 211 patients with knee OA (Kellgren and Lawrence grade II or III) and moderate to moderately severe pain were randomly allocated to ch-OSA or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the WOMAC pain subscale from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline to week 12 in WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness, WOMAC physical function, Subject Global Assessment and levels of cartilage degradation biomarkers C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type II (CTX-II) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Pre-specified subgroup analyses included the effect of gender. RESULTS: A total of 166 (120 women, 46 men) patients were included in the analysis (87 and 79 in the ch-OSA and placebo group, respectively). In the total study population, no differences were observed between the two treatment groups for the different outcomes but significant treatment x gender interactions were found. In men taking ch-OSA, a significant improvement in WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness and WOMAC physical function as well as a lower increase in biomarker levels of cartilage degradation was observed, but not in women. The change in WOMAC pain showed a similar positive trend in men taking ch-OSA. CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks of treatment, no effect was found of ch-OSA in the total study population on clinical parameters and biomarkers, but a gender interaction was observed. In men, ch-OSA was found effective in reducing symptoms of knee OA, which was associated with a slight but significant reduction of biomarkers that are related to cartilage degradation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered retrospectively: ISRCTN88583133 . Registration date: 2015-10-07.

Community water fluoridation predicts increase in age-adjusted incidence and prevalence of diabetes in 22 states from 2005 and 2010.

Community water fluoridation is considered a significant public health achievement of the 20th century. In this paper, the hypothesis that added water fluoridation has contributed to diabetes incidence and prevalence in the United States was investigated. Panel data from publicly available sources were used with population-averaged models to test the associations of added and natural fluoride on the outcomes at the county level in 22 states for the years 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest that a 1 mg increase in the county mean added fluoride significantly positively predicts a 0.23 per 1,000 person increase in age-adjusted diabetes incidence (P < 0.001), and a 0.17% increase in age-adjusted diabetes prevalence percent (P < 0.001), while natural fluoride concentration is significantly protective. For counties using fluorosilicic acid as the chemical additive, both outcomes were lower: by 0.45 per 1,000 persons (P < 0.001) and 0.33% (P < 0.001), respectively. These findings are adjusted for county-level and time-varying changes in per capita tap water consumption, poverty, year, population density, age-adjusted obesity and physical inactivity, and mean number of years since water fluoridation started. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust effects for both types of fluoride. Community water fluoridation is associated with epidemiological outcomes for diabetes.

Alginate antacid (Gaviscon DA) chewable tablets reduce esophageal acid exposure in Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Gaviscon Double Action (DA) alginate antacid chewable tablets for reducing esophageal acid exposure in Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Altogether 44 patients reporting moderate to severe heartburn symptoms underwent two pH monitoring visits. The treatment sequence was randomized to patients received DA alginate antacid or placebo at one visit and the alternate treatment 7 days later. After a standardized reflux-provoking meal, patients took four tablets of DA alginate antacid or placebo. Esophageal pH was measured for 4 h post-dosing using an electrode positioned 5 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. The primary end-point was the percentage of 4-h post-dosing period with pH <4. Secondary end-points were number of acid reflux episodes (pH <4), longest reflux time and DeMeester scores. RESULTS: All 44 patients completed the study and provided data for analysis. With DA alginate antacid, the mean percentage time with pH <4 was 5.1%, significantly less (P = 0.0003) than with placebo (14.8%). DA alginate antacid was statistically significantly superior (P = 0.0290) to placebo (from at least twofold to threefold better) for all other end-points. Two patients reported two mild adverse events (AEs) that resolved within a month of completing the study. No patients had serious and/or severe AEs and none withdrew due to AEs. CONCLUSIONS: DA alginate antacid was statistically significantly superior to placebo in reducing post-prandial acid exposure without serious clinically relevant health risks. These findings suggest DA alginate antacid tablets are appropriate for treating acid reflux in Chinese GERD patients with heartburn symptoms.

A multipronged, nutritional-based strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.

A nutritional-based strategy has been proposed in order to improve cognitive performance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The strategy requires daily dietary supplementation with magnesium (Mg), folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, daily consumption of silicic acid-rich mineral water in order to lower the body burden of Al, and several plasma exchange procedures in order to replace Aß-bound albumin with fresh albumin. Evidence suggests that the deteriorating cognitive performance associated with AD may be improved by supplementation with either Mg alone or with the combination of the above three B vitamins (B vitamin combo), or by drinking silicic acid-rich mineral water, or by undergoing plasma exchange. However, for the following reasons the combination of all four therapeutic approaches may have a synergistic effect on improving cognitive performance of AD patients.

Porous silicon confers bioactivity to polycaprolactone composites in vitro.

Silicon is an essential element for healthy bone development and supplementation with its bioavailable form (silicic acid) leads to enhancement of osteogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Porous silicon (pSi) is a novel material with emerging applications in opto-electronics and drug delivery which dissolves to yield silicic acid as the sole degradation product, allowing the specific importance of soluble silicates for biomaterials to be investigated in isolation without the elution of other ionic species. Using polycaprolactone as a bioresorbable carrier for porous silicon microparticles, we found that composites containing pSi yielded more than twice the amount of bioavailable silicic acid than composites containing the same mass of 45S5 Bioglass. When incubated in a simulated body fluid, the addition of pSi to polycaprolactone significantly increased the deposition of calcium phosphate. Interestingly, the apatites formed had a Ca:P ratio directly proportional to the silicic acid concentration, indicating that silicon-substituted hydroxyapatites were being spontaneously formed as a first order reaction. Primary human osteoblasts cultured on the surface of the composite exhibited peak alkaline phosphatase activity at day 14, with a proportional relationship between pSi content and both osteoblast proliferation and collagen production over 4 weeks. Culturing the composite with J744A.1 murine macrophages demonstrated that porous silicon does not elicit an immune response and may even inhibit it. Porous silicon may therefore be an important next generation biomaterial with unique properties for applications in orthopaedic tissue engineering.

Silicon-rich mineral water as a non-invasive test of the 'aluminum hypothesis' in Alzheimer's disease.

There has been a plausible link between human exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer's disease for several decades. We contend that the only direct and ethically acceptable experimental test of the 'aluminum hypothesis', which would provide unequivocal data specific to the link, is to test the null hypothesis that a reduction in the body burden of aluminum to its lowest practical limit would have no influence upon the incidence, progression, or severity of Alzheimer's disease. Herein we are testing the hypothesis that silicon-rich mineral waters can be used as non-invasive methods to reduce the body burden of aluminum in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a control group consisting of their carers and partners. We have shown that drinking up to 1 L of a silicon-rich mineral water each day for 12 weeks facilitated the removal of aluminum via the urine in both patient and control groups without any concomitant affect upon the urinary excretion of the essential metals, iron and copper. We have provided preliminary evidence that over 12 weeks of silicon-rich mineral water therapy the body burden of aluminum fell in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and, concomitantly, cognitive performance showed clinically relevant improvements in at least 3 out of 15 individuals. This is a first step in a much needed rigorous test of the 'aluminum hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease' and a longer term study involving many more individuals is now warranted.

Silicic acid in drinking water prevents age-related alterations in the endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation modulating eNOS and AQP1 expression in experimental mice: an immunohistochemical study.

The maintenance of endothelial integrity is of great importance in coping with age-related vascular alterations. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide is one of the various vasoactive substances able to regulate vascular tone and homeostasis, and whose decrease is known to be related with senescence in endothelial cells. There are reports on the efficacy of silicon, especially as silicic acid, in protecting vascular integrity during age-related vascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of supplementation of silicic acid in drinking water in the maintenance of vascular health in a mouse model of early physiological aging. In particular, we evaluated the relationship between Si supplementation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, taking into account also the aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) isoform that, as recently reported, seems to be involved in nitric oxide transport across cell membranes. Our results showed that silicic acid supplementation increased both eNOS and AQP-1 expression, suggesting that silicic acid modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and aquaporin-1 could represent a potential strategy against age-related vascular senescence.

[Alginates in the treatment of postgastroresection reflux esophagitis].

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of alginates in the treatment of postgastroresection reflux esophagitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four post-Billroth II distal gastrectomy patients with reflux esophagitis and without erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastric stump and anastomosis, who had received geviscon monotherapy for 6 weeks, were examined. Their symptoms and the data of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and impedance pH monitoring were assessed to control treatment results. RESULTS: There was statistically significant relief of the subjective (heartburn and bitter taste in the mouth) and objective symptoms of the disease and the reflux esophagitis in geviscon-treated patients. CONCLUSION: Geviscon is the drug of choice for treating reflux esophagitis in patients after partial distal gastrectomy provided that the acid-forming function of the gastric mucosa is minimally preserved.

A fluorescence-based demonstration of intestinal villi and epithelial cell in chickens fed dietary silicic acid powder including bamboo vinegar compound liquid.

This study investigates the combined effect of silicic acid and bamboo vinegar compound liquid (SPV) on the growth and intestinal histological alterations in poultry. Forty-eight 7-day-old male Sanuki Cochin chickens were fed a commercial mash diet supplemented with SPV at 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% level ad libitum for 112 days. Body weight gain tended to improve with increased concentrations of dietary SPV, although these results were not statistically significant (P<0.1). Tissue observation by light microscopy revealed that the jejunal villus height (P<0.01) and duodenal and jejunal villus area (P<0.05) increased in the 0.2 and 0.3% SPV groups, respectively, compared with the control. Cell mitosis within the duodenum and jejunum also increased in the 0.2 and 0.3% SPV groups. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a prominent increase in the number of protuberant cells on the villus apical surface of the duodenum and jejunum for the 0.2 and 0.3% SPV groups compared with the control. Poultry in the 0.3% SPV group had the highest body weight gain and hypertrophied histological alterations of intestinal villi. Fluorescent microscopic images of cell mitosis and protuberant cells in the duodenal crypt clearly confirmed positive reactions for the activator protein 2α (AP-2α) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), compared with the control. The present results indicate that dietary SPV stimulates adsorption by the epithelial cells, which activate cell proliferation and self-renewal and regulate the expression of cell cycle regulators AP-2α and PCNA, resulting in higher body weight gain. Thus, we can conclude that a concentration of 0.3% dietary SPV is ideal for promoting growth in poultry.

In situ remineralization of white-spot enamel lesions by 500 and 1,100 ppm F dentifrices.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization potential of three silica-containing NaF dentifrice systems in an intraoral model. Subjects (N = 30) in this randomized, three-phase, 28-day, crossover study served as their own control. Each participant wore a customized orthodontic appliance attached to a mandibular molar and contained one tooth block with caries-like lesion. For each phase, participants engaged in twice-daily brushing for 2 min with one of the following dentifrices: 500 ppm F, 500 ppm F plus functionalized ß-tricalcium phosphate (fTCP), and a clinically proven 1,100 ppm F. After each phase, appliances were removed, and specimens were analyzed using surface microhardness (SMH), transverse microradiography (TMR), and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH). Statistically significant (p < 0.05) remineralization of white-spot lesions relative to baseline occurred for each dentifrice as determined with SMH and TMR. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in SMH were found among the three groups, but trending revealed the 500 ppm F plus fTCP produced 26% and 27% greater SMH recovery relative to 500 and 1,100 ppm F, respectively. Similarly, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in TMR were found among the groups. However, the 500 ppm F plus fTCP dentifrice produced 10% and 38% greater mineral recovery relative to 500 and 1,100 ppm F, respectively, while reducing the lesion depth 30% and 52%, respectively. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in CSMH existed among the three dentifice groups at different enamel depths, but statistical differences (p < 0.05) in relative lesion size were only found between 500 ppm F plus fTCP and 500 ppm F. The combination of fTCP and fluoride in a single-compartment, water-based dentifrice can cooperate with fluoride to produce significant remineralization. These results suggest that the combination of 500 ppm F with fTCP may provide comparable anticaries benefits relative to a 1,100 ppm F dentifrice.

Efeito do silício na intensidade da cercosporiose e na nutrição mineral de mudas de cafeeiro / Effect of silicon on the intensity of brown eye spot and on the mineral nutrition of coffee seedlings

O presente trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito do silício na intensidade da cercosporiose e na nutrição mineral de mudas de cafeeiro. No experimento 1, testou-se seis doses de ácido silícico (0, 0,5; 1; 2; 4 e 6 g kg­1 de solo) em mudas da cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99 inoculadas com o fungo Cercospora coffeicola. No experimento 2, foram realizadas microanálises de raios-X para a avaliação de nutrientes presentes nas folhas das mudas de cafeeiro das cultivares Topázio MG1190 e Icatu Precoce IAC 3282, inoculadas e não inoculadas com C. coffeicola, com e sem silicato de cálcio (1 g kg-1 de solo). Com o aumento das doses de ácido silícico observou-se redução na área abaixo da curva de progresso do número de lesões por folha (AACPNLF), redução linear nos teores foliares de magnésio e fósforo e aumento nos teores de enxofre e cobre. Os teores foliares de boro apresentaram comportamento quadrático, diminuindo com o aumento das doses de ácido silícico e aumentando a partir da dose de 4 g kg-1 de solo. Em microanálise de raio X, mudas de cafeeiro com cercosporiose apresentam menores picos de potássio e cálcio, independente da cultivar utilizada.

Our objective was to verify the effect of silicon on the intensity of brown eye spot and on the mineral nutrition of coffee seedlings. In the first experiment, 6 doses of silicic acid (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g kg-1 soil) were tested using a complete randomized block design with 4 replicates with 6 coffee seedlings cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99 inoculated with the fungus Cercospora coffeicola. In the second experiment, X-ray microanalysis in a scanning electron microscope was performed on 2 coffee cultivars (Topazio MG1190 and Icatu Precoce IAC 3282), inoculated and non-inoculated with C. coffeicola, treated and untreated with calcium silicate (1 g kg-1 of soil). With the increase of the silicic acid doses, there was observed a reduction in the area under the disease progress curve of the number of lesions per leaf (AUPCNLL), coupled with a linear reduction in the foliar contents of magnesium and phosphorus as well as an increase in the contents of sulfur and copper. The foliar contents of boron presented a quadratic behavior, decreasing with the increase of silicic acid and increasing with the dose of 4 g kg-1 of soil. In X-ray microanalysis, coffee seedlings with brown eye spot presented lower peaks of potassium and calcium, regardless of the cultivar used.

[Restoration of the quality of life by eliminating and prevention of heartburn by alginate: results of multicenter study "VIA APIA"].

Was conducted a muIticenter study VIA APIA, in which the impact of gaviscon forte (suspension) on symptoms, general state and quality of life of 148 patients (male 53, female 95, age 42.9 +/- 15.6) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were investigated. The patients had undergone clinical evaluation of dynamics of GERD symptoms (Likert scale), general state (Visual Analogue Scale, questionnaire SAN) and quality of life (SF-36). It was shown that 14-days treatment with gaviscon forte provided symptoms relief in 84.5% patients and conducted improvement of general state and quality of life. Gaviscon forte recommended as drug of choice in initial treatment for the first time visited patient with heartburn before endoscopy and for pathogenetic treatment of typical reflux syndrome.

[Using gaviscon preparation for relief of esophageal, extraesophageal syndromes and functional dyspepsia in elderly patients with GERD].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of alginate drug Geviskon and aluminum-magnesium antacids to relieve symptoms of esophageal, extraesophageal syndrome and functional dyspepsia at 3 and 7 days of study in patients with GERD elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An open, longitudinal, randomized, parallel-group. The study included 60 patients with "A" degree of ERD, consistently received in-patient treatment in the Municipal KGVV, mean age 79.0 +/- 6.8 years. During the first 12 hours of hospital stay by "sealed envelopes" them randomly divided into equal groups of comparison, given 3 times a day: alginate product--Geviskon forte dose of 10 ml and aluminum-magnesium antacid drug at a dose of 1 sachet. Assess the frequency and severity of esophageal symptoms, extraesophageal syndrome, functional dyspepsia at 3 and 7 days of study on 5-point scale Likert. The degree of esophageal mucosal injury was determined during endoscopy before the study. RESULTS: The technique of alginate compared with antacids provided significantly more complete and earlier effect on the relief of heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough, sore throat, and EBS. Only Geviskon influenced the symptoms of PPD in patients with GERD. CONCLUSION: The clinical features Geviskon the frequency and timing of relief of symptoms of esophageal, extraesophageal syndrome, functional dyspepsia with GERD in the older age groups is higher than that of antacids. Suspension Geviskon may be recommended in patients with middle and old age as an effective and safe symptomatic funds in the first days of exchange rate earlier generations of PPI therapy, as well as monotherapy--to maintain remission.

[Diagnostic value of alginate test in gastroesophageal reflux disease].

AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of single dose of gaviscon (the alginates test) in detecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with heartburn symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 123 patients (male 46, female 77, age 43.6 +/- 15.5 years) with symptoms suggestive of GERD were investigated. Symptom response to the alginates test compared in GERD positive and GERD negative patients according traditional diagnostic criteria of GERD (upper endoscopy, 24-hr pH-monitoring, esophageal manometry, response to treatment with PPIs). RESULTS: Of 91 (78.9%) patients with positive alginates test, 87 were classified as GERD positive and 4 as GERD negative. Of 32 (26%) patients with negative alginates test, 29 were GERD negative and 3 GERD positive. The results providing a sensitivity of alginates test of 96.7% and a specificity of 87.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The alginates test is sensitive and specific for diagnosing GERD in patients with typical GERD symptoms.