A normal initial colonoscopy after age 50 does not predict a polyp-free status for life.
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of colon polyps increases with age in the general population. It is unknown whether a lack of adenomatous polyps determined at one time point after the age of 50 is predictive of a subsequent low risk of polyp development.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients between ages 50 and 70 who had no prior history of polyps and had a normal colonoscopy at least 5 yr previously were recruited for follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate the incidence of neoplastic disease in this presumably low-risk group.


RESULTS
The incidence of adenomatous polyps after a mean of 5.74 yr was 41.4% (95% confidence interval: 23.5-61.1%). A total of 20 adenomatous polyps were found in 12 patients. Seven polyps were 5 mm or more in size.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that in patients with no history of colonic neoplasia who are 50 yr old, or older, the finding of a normal colonoscopy does not predict diminished risk of neoplasia.
Squillace
S
S
Department of Internal Medicine, Phoenix DVAMC, Arizona.
Berggreen
P
P
Jaffe
P
P
Fennerty
M B
MB
Hixson
L
L
Garewal
H
H
Sampliner
R E
RE
D018256:Adenomatous Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors