A recent randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study by A Pauweis et al (Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113: 97-104) indicated that baclofen improved rumination syndrome in adults (mean age 42 years). Thanks to Ben Gold for this reference.

Baclofen (dosed at 10 mg TID) had the following effects:

• reduced rumination episodes from 13 (8-22) to 8 (3-11) (P=0.004)
• increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure (17.8 vs. 13.1, P=0.0002) and lowered number of transient LES relaxations (4 vs 7, P=0.17)
• overall treatment evaluation was superior after baclofen compared to placebo (P=0.03)

My take: In this study, baclofen improved symptoms of rumination and regurgitation, but not supragastric belching.

Related posts:

• The Half Empty Glass: Rumination Outcomes
• Belching, Hiccups and Aerophagia
• Treatment for rumination and belching
• High-resolution Esophageal Manometry for Rumination Syndrome

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