Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses a challenging medical condition to manage, with up to 40% of patients showing refractory to standard medical intervention, which usually begins with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Among these cases, esophageal disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), such as reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn, or GERD patients with concurrent occurrences of these conditions, constitute more than 90% of the patients who did not respond to twice-daily PPI treatment. Esophageal visceral hypersensitivity and hypervigilance are the two pathways that drive esophageal DGBI and symptoms. The Rome IV esophageal disorders, encompassing functional chest pain, functional heartburn, globus, functional dysphagia, and reflux hypersensitivity, are defined by present with symptoms originating from the esophagus without detectable evidence of structural, inflammatory, or motor disorders. Diagnosing esophageal DGBI necessitates testing involving endoscopy, pH-impedance monitoring, and high-resolution manometry. Neuromodulators form the basis of the pharmacological strategy for managing various esophageal DGBI and symptoms, modulating both peripheral and central hyperalgesia. Increasing evidence supports the use of brain-gut behavioral therapies, such as gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy, as effective treatments for a variety of DGBIs. However, the efficacy of neuromodulators in treating esophageal DGBI and related symptoms remains largely unexplored. The primary objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of neuromodulators in managing esophageal DGBI. Additionally, investigators will explore various classes of neuromodulators and subtypes of esophageal DGBI to ascertain whether there are differing levels of effectiveness across these conditions. The findings from this study will contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of esophageal DGBI and GERD with refractory symptoms. These clinical insights may then offer valuable guidance for future therapeutic approaches in DGBI patients who experience esophageal symptoms and do not respond to PPI treatment.
Age range
18 Years – 75 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.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire（GERDQ）
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
PROMIS Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire（PROMIS GERD）
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Disease symptom index(DSI)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Reflux Symptom Index(RSI)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
The Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire(BEDQ)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Gastroenterology attending physician Lei Wei-Yi
Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale(EHAS)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Visceral sensitivity index(VSI)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire(TDQ)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Functional dyspepsia(FD)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Irritable bowel syndrome questionnaire(IBS)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Short-form-12-health-survey-questionnaire(SF-12)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Northwest Esophageal Quality of Life Scale(NEQOL)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.
Global Symptom Severity Questionnaire(GSS)
Timeframe: Each participant will undergo a questionnaire assessment upon entering the study, and another questionnaire assessment will be conducted at the end of the 12-week treatment period.