The use of Lansoprazole for 4 weeks is similarly effective as the 8-week therapy in children with reflux esophagitis because of gastroesophageal illness, as per a study issued in the “HK Journal of Paediatrics”. A Basturk compared the efficacy and side effects of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) Lansoprazole when used in short- and long-term for reflux esophagitis in pediatric patients.

To solve the basis of the study, 148 pediatric patients in the age group of 8-18 years with reflux esophagitis detected with the help of endoscopy were included. They were divided into two groups:

• Group 1: Lansoprazole 15 mg/day oral dose in children with a weight of less than 30 kg
• Group 2: Lansoprazole 30 mg/day oral dose in children with a weight of more than 30 kg

In Group 1, Lansoprazole was administered for 4 weeks and in Group 2, it was administered for 8 weeks. Towards the end of the treatment, control endoscopy was executed in these groups. A comparison of esophagitis levels as per the Los Angeles classification was done. Commonly reported side effects were vomiting, bloating, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Overall, 118 patients (fulfilling the inclusion criteria) were consecutively divided into groups (58 patients in Group 1 and 60 patients in group 2). In group 1, the recovery rate was 89.5% after 4 weeks whereas in Group 2 it was 91.2% after 8 weeks. No statistically significant difference was witnessed between the groups. Common side effects reported in both groups (low incidence of side effects in group 1) are illustrated below:

Hence, four-week Lansoprazole is as effective as eight-week Lansoprazole for children who develop reflux esophagitis due to GERD.