Clinical Trials

Rumination is an upper gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by the frequent regurgitation of recently ingested food. Very little is understood about the nature and treatment of this disorder. The act of regurgitation in rumination involves the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter and the muscular contraction of the abdomins rectus. Behavioral treatment of these symptoms is the clinical intervention of choice; however, only uncontrolled case documentation exists to support its effectiveness. However, an effective behavioral mechanism may be relaxation of the muscles. From a behavioral standpoint, muscular relaxation is incompatible with the necessary muscular contraction for rumination.

     To date, single case documentation and few designed single case studies have examined the clinical effectiveness of behavioral interventions for GI rumination. In the current study, the investigators seek to examine the effectiveness of two behavioral relaxation interventions for GI rumination through a treatment as usual paradigm (proposed N = 20). Our primary goals are to examine the clinical effectiveness of these interventions in symptom reduction at 1- and 3-month follow-up.

We will randomize in a double blind manner 60 consecutive consenting patients being evaluated at the three Mayo Clinic Medical Centers with EE to montelukast 20mg daily or placebo daily for six months? time. Patients will be in remission after treatment with topical fluticasone therapy before enrollment. Patients will fill out a validated dysphagia and side effect questionnaire before, during, and at the end of therapy.

This study is being done to see if Lyrica helps people with irritable bowel syndrome, otherwise known as "IBS".  Lyrica is the trade name for pregabalin, which was first approved by the FDA in June 2005 and has been available through prescription since fall 2005, and is marketed by Pfizer.  Lyrica is known to have clinical efficacy treating pain disorders including IBS-related conditions such as fibromyalgia.