Efficacy and safety of alginate formulations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Zhao CX, Wang JW, Gong M
Published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of ten articles reporting eleven randomized controlled trials comparing alginate-based formulations with proton pump inhibitors or control for GERD, searched across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BioMed Central, CENTRAL and Google Scholar from 2000 to June 2020
Key Findings
Pooled analysis found no statistically significant difference between alginates and placebo or antacids for heartburn, regurgitation or dyspepsia relief, despite favourable qualitative trends.
Conclusions
A null pooled result that tempers earlier positive alginate meta-analyses.
Limitations
Small number of trials; substantial heterogeneity; variable symptom definitions.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
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