Gastritis and dyspepsia: differentiation as the cornerstone of pharmacotherapy

Abstract

Chronic gastritis is a complex, polyetiological pathology with no clear clinical presentation. The most significant etiological factor of gastritis to date is H. pylori infection. A common clinical manifestation is the dyspepsia syndrome, which is caused by impaired motility. Symptoms can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life, necessitating rapid and effective pharmacotherapy. This paper discusses the algorithm of the physician actions in the case of a patient with uninvestigated dyspepsia. PPI has significant negative impact on the accuracy of H. pylori diagnostic test results. In this regard, it is proposed to use empirical therapy with prokinetics before diagnostic test would be performed. Among the prokinetics available on the Russian market, itopride hydrochloride stands out due to its high safety profile and proven efficacy. Current evidence supports the use of the prokinetic Ganaton® (itopride hydrochloride) as empirical therapy for dyspepsia of undetermined etiology, including patients with a preliminary diagnosis of gastritis. Due to its dual mechanism of action, itopride hydrochloride alleviates dyspeptic symptoms by improving gastric evacuation and can be used for an extended period. Several studies have shown the superiority of itopride in treating functional dyspepsia compared to other prokinetics, including metoclopramide and domperidone. Thus, prescribing the prokinetic Ganaton® (itopride hydrochloride) as empirical therapy for dyspepsia of undetermined etiology, including patients with a preliminary diagnosis of gastritis, is a pathogenetically justified approach aimed at improving the patient’s condition in the short term before establishing a final clinical diagnosis.