Prucalopride Treatment for Refractory Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
Belgium60 participantsStarted 2019-02-18
Plain-language summary
Up to date there is no placebo-controlled trial to investigate the effect of prucalopride in patients with proven refractory GERD. Therefore, to evaluate the efficacy of prucalopride on the improvement in symptom severity and reflux parameters, we will conduct a randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled, single-blind study. 60 patients with refractory GERD symptoms will receive either placebo or prucalopride (Resolor®) 2 mg for a period of 4 weeks. Symptom severity will be assessed by a validated reflux questionnaire (ReQuest) and reflux parameters (acid exposure time and number of reflux episodes) will be assessed by means of a 24 hour impedance-pH monitoring.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 18 to 65 years old.
. Patients must have proven reflux, documented either by the presence of esophagitis (≥ grade B) at upper endoscopy ("on" PPI b.i.d.) in the 24 months prior to inclusion or pathological reflux parameters (acid exposure time \>4% or number of reflux episodes \>40) on a 24 hour impedance-pH monitoring ("on" PPI b.i.d.) in the 6 months prior to inclusion.
. History of typical GERD symptoms during PPI treatment, at least 3 times per week for 12 weeks.
. Daily intake of PPI treatment 12 weeks prior to inclusion, with at least 8 weeks of b.i.d. therapy (at least 2\*20mg of omeprazole or equivalent).
. Sexually active women of child bearing potential participating in the study must use a medically acceptable form of contraception. Medically acceptable forms of contraception do not include oral contraceptives, due to expected diarrhea as side effect of prucalopride. Injectable or implantable methods, intrauterine devices, or properly used barrier contraception are acceptable forms of contraception.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Subjects must be capable of understanding and be willing to provide signed and dated written voluntary informed consent before any protocol-specific screening procedures are performed.
Exclusion criteria
. Systemic diseases, known to affect esophageal motility.