Objective: To evaluate the clinical practices, diagnostic approaches, and treatment preferences of Indian clinicians in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with a focus on symptom patterns, comorbidities, and the use of proton pump inhibitors, particularly pantoprazole, in various patient populations. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured 23-item, multiple-response questionnaire designed to capture expert opinion from clinicians experienced in managing GERD. The questionnaire explored current treatment practices, clinical observations, and preferences related to the use of pantoprazole in routine clinical settings. Data were collected electronically and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods to summarize trends and patterns in clinical practice. Results: The survey involved 447 clinicians. According to 47% of physicians, heartburn is the most common symptom presented by GERD patients in clinical practice. About 87% of respondents preferred proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as the first-line treatment for GERD, with 94% identifying pantoprazole as their preferred PPI in routine practice. The majority (91.28%) of the experts chose pantoprazole for its rapid onset of action in relieving nighttime heartburn, and nearly 93% favored it for its 24-hour efficacy. Around 38% cited faster onset of action as the main advantage of pantoprazole. For managing refractory GERD, 62% of clinicians preferred a combination of PPI and prokinetic agents. Domperidone is the preferred prokinetic among 55% of participants when used alongside pantoprazole in patients with functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. Conclusion: This study highlights the preference for pantoprazole as the first-line PPI in GERD management in Indian settings, valued for its rapid and sustained acid suppression. Domperidone, often used alongside pantoprazole, is preferred for managing functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis.
Manjula et al. (Wed,) studied this question.