Epidemiological investigation of Barrett's esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in Northwest China

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of Barrett's esophagus (BE) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Northwest China.MethodsPatients older than 18 years who underwent regular health check-up or had upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the endoscopy centers of four major teaching hospitals located in four different provinces of Northwest China from September 2008 to February 2009 were included in the study. A face-to-face reflux diagnostic questionnaire including risk factors were taken and scale scores (Sc) were accumulated. Diagnostic criterion of GERD was Sc≥12 points. None of these subjects received anti-acid medication prior to their endoscopy done. Barrett's esophagus was diagnosed when specialized intestinal metaplasia was detected histologically.ResultsA total of 528 patients met the criteria of GERD, among which 32 patients (20 male and 12 female) were diagnosed with BE. BE was present in 6.06% with a mean age of 51.2±11.6 years, which was significantly older than patients with GERD without BE (46.6±13.3 years) (P<0.05). There were significant differences between BE and GERD patients regarding gender, age, hiatus hernia, smoking and alcohol consumption (P<0.05), while no significant difference regarding symptoms of GERD. There was significant difference between short segment Barrett's esophagus and long segment (65.6% vs 34.4%, P<0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of BE was 6.06% in patients with GERD in northwest China and was dominated by SSBE. The potential risk factors of Barrett's esophagus were older age, male, esophageal hiatal hernia, smoking and alcohol consumption.