OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic efficacy of Jiangni Hewei Decoction (JHD) in treating reflux esophagitis (RE).

METHODSSeventy-five RE patients conformed with the inclusive criteria were randomly divided into the treated group (45 patients) and the control group (30 patients). Patients in the treated group received JHD orally, one dose per day, while those in the control group received Omeprazole, 20 mg once per day. The therapeutic course was 8 weeks. The efficacy on clinical symptoms, RE grades and scores determined by gastroscope were evaluated.

RESULTSPatients' symptoms were obviously improved after treatment of JHD and Omeprazole. The cured rate and the total effective rate in the treatedgroup were 37.8% (17 cases) and 84.5%, respectively, while in the control group were 36.7% (11 cases) and 83.3% respectively. The symptomatic score and the total score in both groups after treatment were obviously lowered (P < 0.01). Gastroscopic examination showed that the patients in the two groups with RE of 0 grade were significantly increased and no patients with RE of III grade. The healing rate and the total effective rate were 48.9% (22 cases) and 91.1% respectively in the treated group, and the corresponding numbers in the control group were 46.7% (14 cases) and 93.3% respectively. Significant difference was found in comparison of the gastroscopic figures in the same group before and after treatment (P < 0.01). The therapeutic effect of JHD on RE was similar to that of Omeprazole in aspects of improving clinical symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation, chest pain, etc., and in curing oesophageal mucous inflammation (under gastroscope) and esophagitis. But the recurrence in the JHD group was obviously lower than that in the control group in 12 weeks after withdrawal of treatment (P < 0.05). Besides, no adverse reaction happened in the JHD group.

CONCLUSIONJHD showed favorable therapeutic efficacy in treating RE.