Browsing by Author "University of Santo Tomas Hospital"

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    Alzheimer's disease with cerebrovascular disease: current status in the Asia–Pacific region
    (2016-10-01) C. Chen; A. Homma; V. C.T. Mok; E. Krishnamoorthy; S. Alladi; K. Meguro; K. Abe; J. Dominguez; S. Marasigan; N. Kandiah; S. Y. Kim; D. Y. Lee; H. A. De Silva; Y. H. Yang; M. C. Pai; V. Senanarong; A. Dash; National University of Singapore; National University Health System; Institute for Dementia Care Research in Tokyo; Chinese University of Hong Kong; Neurokrish Consulting Pvt. Ltd.; Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences; Tohoku University; Okayama University; St. Luke's Medical Center Quezon City; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Seoul National University; University of Kelaniya; Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital; Kaohsiung Medical University; National Cheng Kung University; Mahidol University; Eisai Co., Ltd.
    © 2016 The Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicine Background: There is growing awareness of the coexistence of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease (AD+CVD), however, due to lack of well-defined criteria and treatment guidelines AD+CVD may be underdiagnosed in Asia. Methods: Sixteen dementia specialists from nine Asia Pacific countries completed a survey in September 2014 and met in November 2014 to review the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of AD+CVD in Asia. A consensus was reached by discussion, with evidence provided by published studies when available. Results: AD accounts for up to 60% and AD+CVD accounts for 10-20% of all dementia cases in Asia. The reasons for underdiagnosis of AD+CVD include lack of awareness as a result of a lack of diagnostic criteria, misdiagnosis as vascular dementia or AD, lack of diagnostic facilities, resource constraints and cost of investigations. There is variability in the tools used to diagnose AD+CVD in clinical practice. Diagnosis of AD+CVD should be performed in a stepwise manner of clinical evaluation followed by neuroimaging. Dementia patients should be assessed for cognition, behavioural and psychological symptoms, functional staging and instrumental activities of daily living. Neuroimaging should be performed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The treatment goals are to stabilize or slow progression as well as to reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms, improve quality of life and reduce disease burden. First-line therapy is usually an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as donepezil. Conclusion: AD+CVD is likely to be under-recognised in Asia. Further research is needed to establish the true prevalence of this treatable and potentially preventable disease.
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    Assessment of baseline characteristics, glycemic control and oral antidiabetic treatment in Asian patients with diabetes: The Registry for Assessing OAD Usage in Diabetes Management (REASON) Asia study
    (2013-09-01) Apichati Vichayanrat; Bien J. Matawaran; Aris Wibudi; Hossain S. Ferdous; Azizul Hasan Aamir; Sanjay K. Aggarwal; Shailendra Bajpai; Mahidol University; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Gatot Subroto Army Hospital; BIRDEM Hospital; Department of Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
    Background: To assess baseline characteristics, glycemic control, and treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: This multinational, observational study recruited patients ≥21 years of age who were newly diagnosed and/or treated with OAD monotherapy for <6 months but were inadequately controlled. In cross-sectional phase, data on demographics, medical history, diabetic complications and comorbidities, OAD treatment, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were collected. In longitudinal phase evaluating 6-month follow-up of sulfonylurea (SU)-treated patients, additional data on reasons for not achieving HbA1c targets were collected. Results: Of 1487 patients (mean [±SD] age 52.0±11.6 years; 46.7% men; mean BMI 25.8±4.4kg/m2) recruited, 75.9% were newly diagnosed, 73.3% had central obesity, 43.8% had hypertension, and 60.5% had dyslipidemia. The mean HbA1c was 9.8±2.4%, and the mean FBG was 11.3±4.3mmol/L. At T0(baseline) and T6(month 6 visit), 99.8% (n=1066) and 97.1% (n=830) patients received SU, respectively. There was decrease from T0to T6in mean HbA1c (10.2% vs 7.3%, respectively; P<0.0001) and mean FBG (12.0 vs 7.6 mmol/L, respectively; P<0.0001). Number of patients with HbA1c <7% increased from T0(4.5%) to T6(46.8%). Reasons for not achieving target HbA1c included poor diabetes education (50.7%), non-compliance to OADs (21.4%), and fear of hypoglycemia (19.7%). Conclusion: Marked reductions in HbA1c and FBG are achievable in T2DM patients managed with OADs. However, patient education and compliance are important for achieving and maintaining treatment targets. © 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.
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    The benefits of combination therapy with esomeprazole and rebamipide in symptom improvement in reflux esophagitis: An international multicenter study
    (2016-11-01) Su Jin Hong; Soo Heon Park; Jeong Seop Moon; Woon Geon Shin; Jae Gyu Kim; Yong Chan Lee; Dong Ho Lee; Jae Young Jang; Jae J. Kim; Hang Lak Lee; Sang Woo Lee; Young Hwangbo; Jianming Xu; Bangmao Wang; Zhanxiong Xue; Fei Liu; Yaozong Yuan; Somchai Leelakusolvong; Frederick Dy; Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine; The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine; Inje University Paik Hospital; Hallym University, College of Medicine; Chung-Ang University, College of Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Kyung Hee University; SungKyunKwan University, School of Medicine; HanYang University, College of Medicine; Korea University Medical Center; Anhui Medical University; Tianjin Medical University; Wenzhou Medical University; Tongji University; Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Mahidol University; University of Santo Tomas Hospital
    Background/Aims: To investigate the effects of esomeprazole and rebamipide combination therapy on symptomatic improvement in patients with reflux esophagitis. Methods: A total of 501 patients with reflux esophagitis were randomized into one of the following two treatment regimens: 40 mg esomeprazole plus 300 mg rebamipide daily (combination therapy group) or 40 mg esomeprazole daily (monotherapy group). We used a symptom questionnaire that evaluated heartburn, acid regurgitation, and four upper gastrointestinal symptoms. The primary efficacy end point was the mean decrease in the total symptom score. Results: The mean decreases in the total symptom score at 4 weeks were estimated to be -18.1±13.8 in the combination therapy group and -15.1±11.9 in the monotherapy group (p=0.011). Changes in reflux symptoms from baseline after 4 weeks of treatment were -8.4±6.6 in the combination therapy group and -6.8±5.9 in the monotherapy group (p=0.009). Conclusions: Over a 4-week treatment course, esomeprazole and rebamipide combination therapy was more effective in decreasing the symptoms of reflux esophagitis than esomeprazole monotherapy.
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    Clinical practice with steroid therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An expert survey in Asia and Oceania
    (2020-03-01) Fumi Takeuchi; Harumasa Nakamura; Naohiro Yonemoto; Hirofumi Komaki; Raymond L. Rosales; Andrew J. Kornberg; Allan H. Bretag; Charungthai Dejthevaporn; Khean Jin Goh; Yuh Jyh Jong; Dae Seong Kim; Satish V. Khadilkar; Dingguo Shen; Kum Thong Wong; Josiah Chai; Sophelia Hoi Shan Chan; Sara Khan; Ohnmar Ohnmar; Ichizo Nishino; Shin'ichi Takeda; Ikuya Nonaka; Kyoto University School of Public Health; Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; The Aga Khan University Hospital; University of South Australia; University of Malaya; Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne; National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore; National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira; National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry Kodaira; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; National Chiao Tung University Taiwan; Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre; Fudan University; The University of Hong Kong; Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital; University of Medicine 1
    © 2020 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology Background: Several studies on clinical practice for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have been conducted in Western countries. However, there have been only a few similar studies in Asia and Oceania. Here, we investigate the steroid therapy-related clinical practice for DMD among the local experts. In 2015, we conducted a DMD expert survey in Asia and Oceania to acquire information regarding patients with DMD and to assess current clinical practice with the cooperation of Asian and Oceanian Myology Centre, a neuromuscular disease research network. Results: We obtained survey responses from 87 out of 148 clinicians (62%) from 13 countries and regions. In China, 1385 DMD patients were followed-up by 5 respondent neurologists, and 84% were between 0 and 9 years of age (15% were 10–19 years, 1% > 19 years). While in Japan, 1032 patients were followed-up by 20 clinicians, and the age distribution was similar between the 3 groups (27% were 0–9 years, 35% were 10–19 years, 38% were >19 years). Most respondent clinicians (91%) were aware of DMD standard of care recommendations. Daily prednisolone/prednisone administration was used most frequently at initiation (N = 45, 64%). Inconsistent opinion on steroid therapy after loss of ambulation and medication for bone protection was observed. Conclusions: Rare disease research infrastructures have been underdeveloped in many of Asian and Oceanian countries. In this situation, our results show the snapshots of current medical situation and clinical practice in DMD. For further epidemiological studies, expansion of DMD registries is necessary.
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    Clinical Recommendations for the Use of Donepezil 23 mg in Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer's Disease in the Asia-Pacific Region
    (2016-09-09) Marwan Sabbagh; Seolheui Han; Sangyun Kim; Hae Ri Na; Jae Hong Lee; Nagaendran Kandiah; Kammant Phanthumchinda; Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vorapun Senanarong; Ming Chyi Pai; Diatri Narilastri; Ajit M. Sowani; Encarnita Ampil; Amitabh Dash; Barrow Neurological Institute; Konkuk University; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Bobath Memorial Hospital; University of Ulsan, College of Medicine; Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University; National Cheng Kung University; University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo; SAL Hospital and Medical Institute; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Eisai Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
    © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel. Background: The 'Asia-Pacific Expert Panel (APEX) for donepezil 23 mg' met in November 2015 to review evidence for the recently approved high dose of donepezil and to provide recommendations to help physicians in Asia make informed clinical decisions about using donepezil 23 mg in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). Summary: In a global phase III study (study 326) in patients with moderate-to-severe AD, donepezil 23 mg/day demonstrated significantly greater cognitive benefits versus donepezil 10 mg/day, with a between-treatment difference in mean change in the Severe Impairment Battery score of 2.2 points (p < 0.001) in the overall population and 3.1 points (p < 0.001) in patients with advanced AD. A subanalysis of study 326 demonstrated that the benefits and risks associated with donepezil 23 mg/day versus donepezil 10 mg/day in Asian patients with moderate-to-severe AD were comparable to those in the global study population. Key Message: Donepezil 23 mg is a valuable treatment for patients with AD, particularly those with advanced disease. The APEX emphasized the importance of patient selection (AD severity, tolerability of lower doses of donepezil, and absence of contraindications), a stepwise titration strategy for dose escalation, and appropriate monitoring and counseling of patients and caregivers in the management of patients with AD.
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    Consensus and contentious statements on the use of probiotics in clinical practice: A south east Asian gastro-neuro motility association working team report
    (2018-10-01) Kok Ann Gwee; Warren Wei Rhen Lee; Khoon Lin Ling; Choon Jin Ooi; Seng Hock Quak; Yock Young Dan; Kewin Tien Ho Siah; James Guoxian Huang; Andrew Seng Boon Chua; Ida Normiha Hilmi; Raja Affendi Raja Ali; Christina Ong; Marcellus Simadibrata; Murdani Abdullah; Jose D. Sollano; Somchai Leelakusolvong; Sutep Gonlachanvit; Yeong Yeh Lee; Jane D. Ricaforte-Campos; Yee Kian Yin; Kuck Meng Chong; Chong Yuen Wong; De La Salle Health Sciences Institute; National University Health System; Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo; University of Malaya; Chulalongkorn University; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; KK Women's And Children's Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Gleneagles Hospital; School of Medical Sciences - Universiti Sains Malaysia; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Klinik Pakar Y&C; Klnic Chong; KK Hospital; Ipoh Gastro Centre; Fatimah Hospital; General Hospital
    © 2018 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd The concept of consuming microorganisms in the treatment of a medical condition and in health maintenance has gained much attraction, giving rise to an abundance of medical claims and of health supplements. This study identified relevant clinical questions on the therapeutic use of probiotics and reviewed the literature in irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, impaired intestinal immunity, liver disease, intestinal infections, and common childhood digestive disorders. Statements were developed to address these clinical questions. A panel of experienced clinicians was tasked to critically evaluate and debate the available data. Both consensus and contentious statements are presented to provide to clinicians a perspective on the potential of probiotics and importantly their limitations.
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    Developing neuropathic pain treatment guidelines for Asia Pacific
    (2009-07-23) Raymond Rosales; Guy Bashford; Pongparadee Chaudakshetrin; Uichol Kim; Doo Ik Lee; Carina Ching Fan Li; Lucas Meliala; Setsuro Ogawa; Ramani Vijayan; Shuu Jiun Wang; Alex Sow Nam Yeo; Miroslav Bačkonja; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Port Kembla Hospital; Mahidol University; Inha University, Incheon; Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital; Gadjah Mada University; Nihon University School of Medicine; University of Malaya Medical Centre; National Yang-Ming University, School of Medicine; Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre; University of Wisconsin Madison
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    A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter study to investigate CHInese Medicine Neuroaid Efficacy on Stroke recovery (CHIMES Study)
    (2009-02-25) N. Venketasubramanian; C. L.H. Chen; R. N. Gan; B. P.L. Chan; H. M. Chang; S. B. Tan; D. Picard; J. C. Navarro; A. C. Baroque; N. Poungvarin; G. A. Donnan; M. G. Bousser; National University Hospital, Singapore; National University of Singapore; National Neuroscience Institute of Singapore; Clinical Trials and Epidemiology Research Unit; Moleac Pte Ltd; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Mahidol University; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Hopital Lariboisiere AP-HP
    Rationale: Traditional Chinese Medications(TCM) have been reported to have beneficial effects in stroke patients, but were not rigorously evaluated by GCP standards. Aim: This study tests the hypothesis that Neuroaid, a TCM widely used in China post-stroke, is superior to placebo in reducing neurological deficit and improving functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction of an intermediate severity. Design: This is a multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Neuroaid in ischemic stroke patients with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) 6 - 14 treated within 48h of stroke onset. Neuroaid or placebo is taken (4 capsules) 3 times daily for 3 months. Treatments are assigned using block randomization, stratified for centers, via a central web-randomization system. With a power of 90% and two-sided test of 5% type I error, a sample size is 874. Allowing for a drop-out rate of up to 20%, 1100 individuals should be enrolled in this study. Study Outcomes: The primary efficacy endpoint is the modified Rankin Scale(mRS) grades at 3 months. Secondary efficacy endpoints are the NIHSS score at 3 months; difference of NIHSS scores between baseline and 10 days, and between baseline and 3 months; difference of NIHSS sub-scores between baseline and 10 days, and between baseline and 3 months; mRS at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months; Barthel index at 3 months; Mini Mental State Examination at 10 days and 3 months. Safety outcomes include complete blood count, renal and liver panels, and electrocardiogram. Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00554723. © 2009 The Author. Journal Compilation © 2009 World Stroke Organization.
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    An expert review on the use of tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Asia
    (2020-01-01) Michael R. Charlton; Altaf Alam; Akash Shukla; Bekhbold Dashtseren; Cosmas Rinaldi Adithya Lesmana; Davadoorj Duger; Diana Alcantara Payawal; Do Duy Cuong; Ganbolor Jargalsaikhan; Ian Homer Yee Cua; Jose Decena Sollano; Karam Romeo Singh; Kaushal Madan; Khin Maung Win; Khin Pyone Kyi; Kyaw Soe Tun; Mohd Salih; Mukul Rastogi; Neeraj Saraf; Pham Thi Thu Thuy; Pham Tran Dieu Hien; Rino Alvani Gani; Rosmawati Mohamed; Tawesak Tanwandee; Teerha Piratvisuth; Wattana Sukeepaisarnjaroen; Win Naing; Zahid Yasin Hashmi; Medanta Institute of Digestive & Hepatobiliary Sciences; Fortis Healthcare Ltd.; Yangon General Hospital; Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Bach Mai Hospital; University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo; The University of Chicago; Taipei Medical University; Khon Kaen University; University of Malaya Medical Centre; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Prince of Songkla University; Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College; GI Hepatology; Myanmar GI and Liver Society; Liver Foundation; Liver Center; University of Medicine 1; Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital; Cardinal Santos Medical Center; St. Luke's Medical Center-Global City; Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital; DHQ Hospital; Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine; Regional Institute of Medical Science
    © 2020, The Author(s). Asia has intermediate-to-high prevalence and high morbidity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The use of guideline-recommended nucleos(t)ide analogs with high barrier to resistance, such as entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), is one of the key interventions for curbing HBV infection and associated morbidity in Asia. However, there are some challenges to the use of ETV and TDF; while ETV is associated with high resistance in lamivudine (LAM)-exposed (especially LAM-refractory) patients; bone and renal safety issues are a major concern with TDF. Hence, a panel of twenty-eight expert hepatologists from Asia convened, reviewed the literature, and developed the current expert opinion-based review article for the use of TAF in the resource-constrained settings in Asia. This article provides a comprehensive review of two large, phase 3, double-blind, randomized controlled trials of TAF versus TDF in HBeAg-negative (study 0108) and HBeAg-positive (study 0110) chronic HBV patients (> 70% Asians). These studies revealed as follows: (1) non-inferiority for the proportion of patients who had HBV DNA < 29 IU/mL; (2) significantly high rate of normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels; (3) no incidence of resistance; and (4) significantly better bone and renal safety, with TAF vs. TDF up to 144 weeks. Considering the benefits of TAF, the expert panel proposed recommendations for optimizing the use of TAF in Asia, along with guidance on specific patient groups at risk of renal or bone disease suitable for TAF therapy. The guidance provided in this article may help clinicians optimize the use of TAF in Asia.
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    Helicobacter pylori management in ASEAN: The Bangkok consensus report
    (2018-01-01) Varocha Mahachai; Ratha Korn Vilaichone; Rapat Pittayanon; Jarin Rojborwonwitaya; Somchai Leelakusolvong; Monthira Maneerattanaporn; Peranart Chotivitayatarakorn; Sombat Treeprasertsuk; Chomsri Kositchaiwat; Pises Pisespongsa; Pisaln Mairiang; Aziz Rani; Alex Leow; Swe Mon Mya; Yi Chia Lee; Sengdao Vannarath; Bouachanh Rasachak; Oung Chakravuth; Moe Myint Aung; Tiing Leong Ang; Jose D. Sollano; Duc Trong Quach; Inchaya Sansak; Olarn Wiwattanachang; Piyathida Harnsomburana; Ari Fahrial Syam; Yoshio Yamaoka; Kwong Ming Fock; Khean Lee Goh; Kentaro Sugano; David Graham; Jichi Medical University; National Taiwan University Hospital; Yangon General Hospital; University of Santo Tomas Hospital; Universitas Indonesia; Thammasat University Hospital; Oita University; University of Malaya; Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Chulalongkorn University; Bumrungrad International Hospital; National University of Singapore; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Changi General Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Rajavithi Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine; Mahosot Hospital; Thonburi Hospital; University of Health Sciences; National Gastric Cancer and Helicobacter pylori Research Center; Udonthani Hospital; University of Medicine and Pharmacy; University of Jakarta
    © 2017 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection remains to be the major cause of important upper gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric adenocarcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. H. pylori management in ASEAN: the Bangkok consensus report gathered key opinion leaders for the region to review and evaluate clinical aspects of H. pylori infection and to develop consensus statements, rationales, and grades of recommendation for the management of H. pylori infection in clinical practice in ASEAN countries. This ASEAN Consensus consisted of 34 international experts from 10 ASEAN countries, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. The meeting mainly focused on four issues: (i) epidemiology and disease association; (ii) diagnostic tests; (iii) management; and (iv) follow-up after eradication. The final results of each workshop were presented for consensus voting by all participants. Statements, rationale, and recommendations were developed from the available current evidence to help clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori and its clinical diseases.
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    Unmet treatment needs of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia: Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia Pacific Survey
    (2014-01-01) Khean Lee Goh; Myung Gyu Choi; William Ping I. Hsu; Hoon Jai Chun; Varocha Mahachai; Udom Kachintorn; Somchai Leelakusolvong; Nayoung Kim; Abdul Aziz Rani; Benjamin Cy Wong; Justin Wu; Cheng Tang Chiu; Romeo Chu; Vikram Shetty; Joseph C. Bocobo; Melchor M. Chan; Jaw Town Lin; University of Malaya; The Catholic University of Korea; Korea University, College of Medicine; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Veterans General Hospital-Kaohsiung Taiwan; Chang Gung Memorial Hospital; Fu Jen Catholic University; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University; Universitas Indonesia; The University of Hong Kong; Chinese University of Hong Kong; Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd; St. Luke's College of Medicine-William H. Quasha Memorial; University of Santo Tomas Hospital
    © 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation. Background and Aim: Data on patient satisfaction with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are scarce in Asia. The perspectives of Asian patients with GERD and their satisfaction with PPI therapy were investigated. Methods: The GERD in Asia Pacific Survey (GAPS) was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012. Patients aged 21-55 years with self-reported doctor-diagnosed GERD, who had experienced symptoms in the previous 12 months, and were currently taking PPIs were enrolled. After a pilot study, a questionnaire was completed by respondents from six Asian countries during face-to-face interviews. Results: A total of 450 patients with GERD participated in the GAPS. Although the respondents generally complied with treatment, response to therapy was only partially successful. Most respondents indicated that PPIs eliminated pain (72%), took effect within 30min (76%), provided sustained relief (73%), and provided nocturnal relief (77%). However, 45% of respondents reported limited improvement in nocturnal symptoms, and 49% continued to take adjunctive therapy to manage their symptoms. After treatment, respondent's "well-being" had improved. However, GERD still had a negative impact on well-being for 76% of respondents after treatment, compared with 94% before treatment. Conclusions: Asian patients reported a negative impact of GERD on their daily lives. Many respondents continued to experience symptoms despite reporting good compliance with PPI therapy, emphasizing the shortcomings of currently available therapy for GERD. This survey is the first to highlight Asian patients' perspectives of GERD and PPI therapy, and provides a platform for further evaluation.