Date of Award
2017
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective evidence based medicine review is to determine whether or not “Is radiofrequency energy a safe and effective treatment for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients 18 years or older?”
STUDY DESIGN: Review of two double-blind, randomized control trials and one double-blind, randomized cross-over study published between 2003 and 2012. All studies were published in the English language in peer reviewed journals.
DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one randomized cross-over study were found using PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured include changes in GERD symptom scores for fourteen symptoms, improvement of GERD symptoms based on a GERD HRQL questionnaire, decrease in heartburn based on a 6 point Likert scale, and GERD health related quality of life based on a 6 point Likert scale.
RESULTS: Arts et al (2012) demonstrated a significant reduction in GERD symptom scores after treatment with radiofrequency energy with a p value of < 0.005. Aziz et al (2010) demonstrated a significant reduction in GERD symptoms after treatment with radiofrequency energy with a p value of < 0.05. Corley at al (2003) demonstrated a significant decrease in both heartburn and GERD health related quality of life after treatment with radiofrequency energy with a p value of 0.05 and 0.03, respectively. A noted side effect in two of the studies include chest pain.
CONCLUSIONS: Results of the three studies demonstrate that radiofrequency energy is an effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Two studies assessing chest pain following radiofrequency energy demonstrated that the safety of radiofrequency energy is inconclusive and requires further investigation.
Recommended Citation
Schaffer, Kristen L., "Is Radiofrequency Energy a Safe and Effective Treatment for Reducing Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients 18 Years or Older?" (2017). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 419.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/419