MODE OF ACTION OF ALGINIC ACID COMPOUND IN THE REDUCTION OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 20  (10) , 1023-1028
Abstract
The action of alginic acid compound (AAC) in the treatment of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux was studied. Gastroesophageal scintigraphy using an orally administered 99mTc sulfur colloid solution was used to show that AAC decreased significantly the gastroesophageal reflux index from 9.9% .+-. 1.3% to 6.5% .+-. 0.8% (P < 0.05). No change of lower esophageal sphincter pressure was seen. After AAC was suitably labeled with 87mSr, 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 87mSr-AAC refluxed into the esophagus preferentially compared with the liquid containing 99mTc sulfur colloid. Apparently AAC diminishes gastroesophageal reflux by its foaming, floating and viscous properties.