A database on dyspepsia.
A prospective study of dyspepsia was carried out in a primary referral hospital between 1974-1987 including 1540 patients of whom 1433 were seen as outpatients. The study protocol was agreed in advance and a structured questionnaire was used to elicit relevant clinical information: up to three diagnoses were permitted for each patient. The commonest principal diagnoses were duodenal ulcer (26%), functional dyspepsia (22%), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (15%); alcohol related dyspepsia (4%) was as common as gastric carcinoma or symptomatic gall stones. Multiple diagnoses were common (31% given two diagnoses, and 6% given three) so that in all 2111 diagnoses were given to 1540 patients; the functional disorders (IBS and functional dyspepsia) considered together accounted for 39% of all diagnoses made. Whereas organic conditions were diagnosed by clinicians with confidence (63-98% considered 'certain'), even when given as the principal or first diagnosis IBS was considered 'certain' in only 61% and functional dyspepsia 48%. The demographic symptom data, together with information on tobacco and alcohol use, and work lost are described in detail.
Crean
G P
GP
Diagnostic Methodology Research Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.
Holden
R J
RJ
Knill-Jones
R P
RP
Beattie
A D
AD
James
W B
WB
Marjoribanks
F M
FM
Spiegelhalter
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000150:complications*; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000150:complications