title: Age: an important factor in Barrett's oesophagus.
abstract: Thirty-one patients with a columnar lined oesophagus were studied. Half the patients were aged 70 years or over and only four patients were under 60 years of age at presentation. More than two-thirds of patients presented with a complication. Comparison by age showed a significant difference (P = 0.006) between the nine patients with uncomplicated Barrett's oesophagus (median age 64 years, range 28-79 years) and the 22 presenting with a complication (median age 75 years, range 36-89 years). This finding supports the view that the condition is acquired and that complications occur after injury resulting from prolonged reflux. Five patients (16%) had a carcinoma. Of the remaining 26 patients only seven (27%) underwent an antireflux procedure. Old age, associated medical problems and the effective control of symptoms by medical management (drugs and dilatation), reduced the need for surgery in this elderly population.
authors.affiliation: Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, Middlesex.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Khoury
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bolton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology