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The Mode of Action of Alginic Acid Compound in the Reduction of Gastroesophageal Reflux

Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Correspondence: For reprints contact: Robert S. Fisher, Gastroenterology Section, Temple University Hospital, 3401 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate quantitatively the mode of action of alginic acid compound (AAC) in the treatment of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux. Gastroesophageal scintigraphy using an orally administered Tc-99m sulfur colloid solution was used to demonstrate that AAC decreased significantly the gastroesophageal reflux index from (9.9 ± 1.3)% to (6.5 ± 0.8)% (p < 0.05). No alteration of lower esophageal sphincter pressure was observed. After AAC was suitably labeled with Sr-87m, a dual-nuclide scintigraphic technique was used to show that most (>75%) of the AAC was located in the upper half of the stomach in both normal subjects and patients with gastroesophageal reflux. In those subjects in whom reflux did occur after treatment with AAC, the Sr-87m-AAC refluxed into the esophagus preferentially compared with the liquid containing Tc-99m sulfur colloid. These findings suggest that AAC diminishes gastroesophageal reflux by means of its foaming, floating, and viscous properties.