title: A database on dyspepsia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Diagnostic Methodology Research Unit, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.
authors.forename: G P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Crean
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Holden
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Knill-Jones
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Beattie
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Marjoribanks
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Spiegelhalter
mesh_terms: 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