Health‐related quality of life in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease under routine care: 5‐year follow‐up results of the ProGERD study

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Abstract
Background Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder associated with substantial reductions in health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Aim To describe patterns of change in HRQL during 5 years of follow‐up in a large population of GERD patients. Methods In 2000, a total of 6215 GERD patients were enrolled in the Progression of GERD (ProGERD) study. During follow‐up, patients received any medication considered necessary. HRQL was assessed yearly with the Short‐Form 36 and the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaires. Associations between patient characteristics and changes in HRQL were analysed using multiple logistic regression models. Results After 5 years, data on HRQL were available for 4597 (74%) patients. Both generic and disease‐specific HRQL improved after baseline and remained well above baseline levels in the following years. A clinically relevant decrease in QOLRAD scores was reported by 3–5% of patients. According to our multivariate analysis, a decrease in HRQL was associated with a higher reflux symptom load and the presence of night‐time heartburn. Conclusions Only a small minority of the ProGERD population reported a clinically relevant decrease in HRQL, which was associated most strongly with nocturnal heartburn.