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Endoscopic gastroplication for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a randomised, sham-controlled trial

Background: Endoscopic treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is rapidly emerging, but there is a great need for randomised controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy. Design and setting: A single-centre, double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial of endoscopic gastroplication by the Endocinch suturing system. Patients and interventions: 60 patients with GORD were randomly assigned to three endoscopic gastroplications (n = 20), a sham procedure (n = 20) or observation (n = 20). The research nurse and patients in the active and sham groups were blinded to the procedure assignment. After 3 months, open-label active treatment was offered to all patients. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measures were proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and GORD symptoms, and secondary measures were quality of life, 24-h oesophageal acid exposure, oesophageal manometry and adverse events. Follow-up assessments were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: At 3 months, the percentage of patients who had reduced drug use by ⩾50% was greater in the active treatment group (65%) than in the sham (25%) or observation groups (0%) (p<0.02). Symptoms (heartburn and to a lesser extent regurgitation) improved more in the active group than in the sham group. Three Short Form-20 quality of life subscales (role function, general health and bodily pain perception) improved in the active group versus sham. Oesophageal acid exposure was modestly decreased after active treatment (p<0.02), but not significantly greater than after the sham procedure (p = 0.61). The active treatment effects on PPI use, symptoms and quality of life persisted after 6 and 12 months of open-label follow-up (n = 41), but 29% of patients were retreated in this period. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Endoscopic gastroplication, using the Endocinch device, reduced acid-inhibitory drug use, improved GORD symptoms and improved the quality of life at 3 months compared with a sham procedure. The effects persisted up to 12 months. However, the reduction in oesophageal acid exposure was not greater after endoscopic treatment than after a sham procedure.