Most patients respond to treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Maintenance PPI therapy is recommended for those who have symptoms when the PPI is discontinued, as well as for those with erosive oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus.[1]Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG clinical guideline for the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022 Jan 1;117(1):27-56.
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2022/01000/acg_clinical_guideline_for_the_diagnosis_and.14.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34807007?tool=bestpractice.com
Most patients relapse if PPI therapy is stopped. However, attempts to stop or reduce the dose to the minimum necessary to maintain symptomatic control should always be pursued.[64]Freedberg DE, Kim LS, Yang YX. The risks and benefits of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors: expert review and best practice advice from the American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology. 2017 Mar;152(4):706-15.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28257716?tool=bestpractice.com
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma may be a serious though rare complication of GORD. When stricture, Barrett's metaplasia, or adenocarcinoma are absent in the setting of a healed mucosa at initial endoscopy, the risk for development of adenocarcinoma is about 0.1% at 7 years' follow-up.[3]Kahrilas PJ, Shaheen NJ, Vaezi MF, et al. American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement on the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterology. 2008;135:1383-91.
http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085%2808%2901606-5/fulltext
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18789939?tool=bestpractice.com