Routine management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by gastroenterologists in France: a prospective observational study.
OBJECTIVE
To obtain data on routine care of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by French gastroenterologists.


METHODS
Five thousand and forty-five adults with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.


METHODS
Patients were recruited by a representative sample of 598 French gastroenterologists. A full disease history, with treatments given/investigations undertaken, was obtained from all patients. The patients' expectations with regard to the improvement of the symptoms' control and the corresponding assessments made by the gastroenterologists were recorded on a 4-point scale.


RESULTS
The mean time since diagnosis was approximately 4 years. The most commonly presented symptom was heartburn (79% of patients). A total of 3735 patients (74%) underwent endoscopy because of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Erosive oesophagitis was present in 38% and Barrett's oesophagus in 8%. Medical therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was prescribed in 92% of patients, of whom 86% received proton pump inhibitors. Lifestyle advice was given to 73% of patients. Overall, 84% of patients and 72% of physicians expected 'highly' or 'moderately' improved control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterologists underrated the need for improvement of the symptoms' control as expressed by 'de novo' as well as 'previously diagnosed' patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides cross-sectional data on the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by gastroenterologists in France. Most patients have high expectations of an improvement in their management, but gastroenterologists generally underrate these expectations.
Bretagne
J F
JF
Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, University Hospital Pontchaillou, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35033 Rennes Cedex 9, France. jean-francois.bretagne@chu-rennes.fr
Rey
J-F
JF
Caekaert
A
A
Barthélemy
P
P
D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000175:diagnosis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D005762:Gastroenterology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006356:Heartburn / Q000209:etiology; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors