Long-term vonoprazan therapy is effective for controlling symptomatic proton pump inhibitor-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, results in greater inhibition of gastric acid secretion than proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of patients with PPI-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated with vonoprazan. The medical records of patients with symptomatic GERD treated with vonoprazan for 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. Changes in abdominal symptoms were assessed using the Izumo scale, a self-reported questionnaire which is useful in evaluating the symptoms of GERD, epigastric pain, postprandial distress, constipation and diarrhea, and is commonly used in routine clinical practice. A total of 30 patients were included and stratified into a non-erosive (n=22) and erosive group (n=8). At baseline, postprandial distress symptoms were significantly greater in the non-erosive group compared with the erosive group (P=0.013). Even with vonoprazan therapy, symptoms of GERD in the non-erosive group were refractory compared with the erosive group, and required additional treatment in a larger proportion of patients (45 vs. 13%). GERD symptoms in the non-erosive group significantly improved from baseline and remained better after 1 year of vonoprazan therapy, similar to the erosive group. In addition, vonoprazan improved epigastric pain and postprandial distress symptoms in the non-erosive group, and 1 year of vonoprazan therapy did not aggravate constipation or diarrhea. In conclusion, 1 year of vonoprazan therapy improves GERD symptoms in patients with PPI-resistant GERD.