PATIENTS WITH GERD?"Heartburn" is a symptom that can be seen in 30%-50% pregnancies. It particularly develops at the end of the first trimester, in the second trimester, and it becomes more apparent in the last trimester (1-3). Basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure may not change in the first trimester. The reason for this is demonstrated to be the low response to physiological stimuli such as pentagastrin, edrophonium chloride, methacholine, and food with protein in the first trimester of pregnancy. The LES pressure may decrease to 33%-50% of basal values in the second trimester. During the second and third trimesters, a decrease in the LES pressure can be observed due to the elevated intra-abdominal pressure, increased progesterone, abnormal gastric discharge, or delayed intestinal transit (4).
AntacidsIn a previous retrospective case-controlled study on the use of antacids in pregnancy, no increase was detected in the development of congenital anomaly with aluminum hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium trisilicate, and calcium carbonate (5,6). Authors of this study reported that antacids having therapeutic doses of aluminum, magnesium, and calcium can be safely used during pregnancy (7).In a European consensus meeting conducted in 2003 (Contemporary understanding and management of reflux and constipation in the general population and pregnancy: a consensus meeting), it was reported that the use of calcium-based antacids in pregnant women with GERD could be beneficial because it reduced the risk of hypertension and preeclampsia (8). Moreover, in a comprehensive randomized placebo-controlled study, it was demonstrated that the use of magnesium sulfate during pregnancy reduced eclampsia and maternal risk; it also caused no serious side effects in the short term. Antacids having sodium bicarbonate must be avoided because they can lead to metabolic alkalosis and increased fluid load both in the mother and the fetus (5).Alginate builds a non-systemic strong barrier against acid and food reflux in the esophagus. In an open-labeled
S53ABSTRACT Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently seen during pregnancy. In the medical treatment of pregnant women with GERD, alginic acid and sucralfate can be used. Calcium-and magnesium-based antacids can also be used, particularly for patients with preeclampsia. In particular, ranitidine -a histamine-2 receptor blocker-is preferred. In the case of non-responsiveness to the abovementioned treatments, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), except omeprazole, can be given considering the benefit-harm ratio for the mother and fetus after the first trimester. In cases with GERD during the lactation period, drugs having minimum systemic absorption, such as sucralfate and alginic acid, are preferable but there is no data. Keywords: Reflux, pregnancy, safety multi-centered study including 150 cases, the use of alginate for over 4 weeks yielded satisfying results both for physician and for patient, but fetal distress was observed in 3 fetuses (9). In another multi-centered...