Comorbid IBS Affects PPI Treatment for GERD

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently suffer from symptomsthat are characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), suggestingthat comorbidity is not uncommon. It is not known, however, whether comorbidIBS in patients with GERD affects the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs),which are typically used to treat patients with GERD.

A study conducted by William D. Chey, MD, and colleagues, presented at the105th Annual Meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association and DigestiveDisease Week (DDW), held from May 15 to 20, 2004, in New Orleans, La,examined the relationship between the presence of comorbid IBS and PPI efficacyin patients with GERD (n = 68). Results showed that patients with GERD andcomorbid IBS have more severe GERD symptoms than do individuals with GERDalone. Also, patients with both GERD and IBS are more likely to experience residualGERD symptoms during PPI therapy than are those with GERD alone.