Alginate vs Sucralfate for GERD Symptomatic Relief

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by the regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed digestive disorders in the young adult population with a prevalence of 20%. Clinically GERD typically manifests with symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation. It can also present in an atypical manner such as chest pain, dental erosions, chronic cough, laryngitis, or asthma i.e. extra gastroesophageal symptoms. Several causative factors have been identified and implicated in the pathogenesis of GERD, like motor abnormalities such as esophageal dysmotility clearance, decrease tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), transient LES relaxation, and delayed gastric emptying, and others are anatomical defects like hiatus hernia and obesity Sucralfate is a unique anti-ulcer drug and is a basic aluminum salt of sucrose octa-sulfate. It forms a protective layer, enhancing bicarbonate production, demonstrating anti-peptic properties, and fostering tissue growth, regeneration, and repair and it undergoes minimal enteral reabsorption. Alginate is a naturally occurring anionic polymer typically obtained from brown seaweed and has been extensively investigated and used for many biomedical applications, due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity, relatively low cost, and mild gelation by addition of divalent cations such as Ca2+.Alginate reacts with gastric acid, forming a gel-like raft that floats on the stomach contents. The raft acts as a physical barrier, preventing acid from reaching the esophagus. Both sucralfate and alginate have been in use for the treatment and symptomatic relief of GERD and are well tolerated oral formulations. This randomized clinical trial will oversee the effects of alginates versus sucralfate for GERD symptomatic relief in combination with proton pump inhibitors.