Background

Nocturnal acid breakthrough (NAB) may differ based on duration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) action and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection; NAB may influence esophageal acidification (EA) and mucosal damage. Dexlansoprazole, a long-acting PPI, was not compared with omeprazole for NAB, gastric acid suppression, and EA in relation to H. pylori infection.

Methods

In this prospective open-label comparative observational study, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients were evaluated using 24-h dual-channel pH-impedance monitoring while on dexlansoprazole (60 mg, n = 39) and omeprazole (20 mg, n = 41) to study the degree of gastric acid suppression, esophageal acid exposure, and NAB (primary outcome measures). H. pylori was detected by rapid urease test and histology.

Results

NAB tended to be frequent with omeprazole than dexlansoprazole (33/41 [80.5%] vs. 23/39 [59%]). Though nocturnal mean esophageal pH was comparable between the dexlansoprazole and omeprazole groups, its duration was less with the former. NAB was as frequent in the H. pylori–infected than the non-infected group. The nocturnal gastric and esophageal pH in the H. pylori–infected group was higher than in the non-infected group. Dexlansoprazole tended to increase 24-h and nocturnal mean gastric pH among H. pylori–infected more than omeprazole.

Conclusion

Dexlansoprazole is more effective than omeprazole in suppressing gastric acid secretion, resulting in lesser EA and NAB, particularly in the presence of H. pylori.