Asthma and gastro-Oesophageal reflux: can the response to anti-reflux therapy be predicted?

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate which features predict favourable response to omeprazole therapy in asthmatics with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER). The study population consisted of 52 outpatient asthmatics with GER who had completed an intervention where they were randomized to receive omeprazole 40 mg once a day or placebo for 8 weeks. After a 2-week washout period the patients were crossed over. Asthma symptoms were found to be relieved ≥20% in 18 (35%) patients who were thus regarded as responders. A logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify which features separate the responders from the non-responders. More responders were found among the patients whose body mass index (BMI) was higher ( P =0·02) or whose distal esophageal reflux was more severe [total time (%) pH P =0·01) or time (%) pH P =0·04)]. Adding other predictors to the total time (%) pH It is concluded that severe distal oesophageal reflux and obesity predict amelioration in asthma symptoms after 8-week omeprazole treatment in asthmatics with GER. Adding more than one predictor does not seem to further increase prediction for favourable asthma response.