UCLA researchers find common gastrointestinal condition keeps patients u...( Los Angeles May 16 2005 A multinatio...),Health

Los Angeles, May 16, 2005 A multinational survey of almost 2,000 people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) found that approximately half have trouble sleeping, which affects their work productivity and leisure activities. The results were presented today by UCLA researchers at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in Chicago, IL.¹

The survey of GERD sufferers in Europe and the U.S. showed GERD reduced work productivity by 15 percent and impaired leisure activities by 22 percent in people with GERD-related sleep disturbance.¹

Approximately 61 million patients in the United States are struggling to control the symptoms of GERD.² About 75 to 80 percent of GERD patients say their symptoms occur at night.³

"The results of the study suggest that nearly half of all people who suffer from GERD experience sleep problems, which can impact their work and personal lives. GERD also can be related to other health conditions, including depression and anxiety," said Harley Liker, M.D. Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Up to 20 percent of adults report that they have symptoms of GERD at least once a week.⁴ Even among those who do not experience symptoms, GERD can still impact their sleep.

Dr. Liker noted that another study that he co-authored also presented at DDW showed that symptoms were more likely to improve when GERD was formally diagnosed by a physician and a proton pump inhibitor, which reduces stomach acid, was prescribed.

"Sleep problems impact all aspects of daily life including a person's mood and behavior as well as performance," noted Richard L. Gelula, Chief Executive Officer of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). "Awakenings from sleep due to acid reflux may result in significant sleep complaints and daytime consequences. These consequences may result in safety issues at home, at work, and on the road.
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Contact: Rachel Champeau
310- 794- 0777
Burson-Marsteller
16-May-2005

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