Comparative study of pantoprazole and esomeprazole for erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective study

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of pantoprazole and esomeprazole to heal and relief from erosive esophagitis (EE) disease related symptoms. Methods: One hundred and ten patients (IIT-patients) with EE were randomized to receive 8 weeks of 40 mg pantoprazole (n=55) twice before food for first 7 days followed by once daily and esomeprazole 40 mg (n=55) once daily. Daily changes in heartburn and reflux were assessed. Results: The mean heartburn score with esomeprazole is more rapidly decreased than with pantoprazole. There no mild significant differences between two groups in the rate healing of reflux esophagitis at week and 4 and 8. The LA grade severity compare with esomeprazole group is rapidly decreased compared with pantoprazole. Esomeprazole 40 mg provided significantly greater healing than pantoprazole 40 mg after 4 weeks of treatment in patients with EE (56.36% vs. 49.09 %). Esomeprazole-treated patients were healed after up to 8 weeks of treatment similar those treated with pantoprazole (94.54% vs. 70.90 %). Conclusion: Esomeprazole is more effective than pantoprazole for rapid relief of heartburn symptoms and acid reflux symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis.