Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion. Apart from one study of 4 weeks' duration and one of 10 weeks' duration, the studies lasted 8 weeks.
Specific interventions included in the review
Trials comparing esomeprazole with at least one other PPI were eligible for inclusion. All of the included studies used a 40-mg dose of esomeprazole. The comparator PPIs were omeprazole (20 or 40 mg), lansoprazole (30 mg) and pantoprazole (40 mg).
Participants included in the review
Studies of participants with EE or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were eligible for inclusion. In the included studies, the proportion of participants reported to be Helicobacter pylori positive ranged from 8 to 28%. The Los Angeles grade of EE varied between studies, though in most studies grade B appeared to be the most commonly reported grade; the majority of participants were graded between A and C. Where reported, the average age of the participants ranged from 46 to 54 years and the proportion of males ranged form 56 to 66%.
Outcomes assessed in the review
Studies reporting outcomes related to pre-specified symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux such as acid reflux, heartburn and pyrosis were eligible for inclusion.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility. Any disagreements were resolved by consensus