[A prospective multicenter study on the prevalence and symptoms of erosive reflux esophagitis in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea].
OBJECTIVE
Recent studies suggest that the prevalence of erosive esophagitis (EE) is increasing in Asia. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of EE among outpatients visiting gastroenterology clinics of secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea, and to analyze their symptoms.


METHODS
From May to July 2003, outpatients undergoing their first upper gastrointestinal endoscopies after visiting gastroenterology clinics in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea were enrolled. Prevalence of EE was calculated from their endoscopic findings, and symptoms were analyzed from the validated symptom questionnaire.


RESULTS
Among 4,275 cases from 24 hospitals, 506 (11.8%) had EE. Among 836 cases with predominantly typical GERD symptoms, EE was diagnosed in 140 (16.7%). Among 530 cases having predominantly typical GERD symptoms with a frequency of at least twice a week or with a significant impact on their daily lives, EE was found in 104 (19.6%). The prevalence of EE was positively associated with males irrespective of age, old aged (> or =65 years) females, predominantly typical GERD symptoms at least twice a week, and the numbers of typical GERD symptoms. The severity of GERD symptoms did not affect the prevalence of EE. The most common typical and atypical GERD symptoms in cases with EE were regurgitation and epigastric soreness, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of EE among outpatients visiting gastroenterology clinics in Korea was 11.8%. Independent factors associated with increased prevalence of EE were males irrespective of age, old aged (> or =65 years) females, number of typical GERD symptoms, and frequent typical GERD symptoms.
Hwang
Jin Ki
JK
Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro-gu, Seoul, Korea.
Kim
Juhyung
J
Hong
Seung Goun
SG
Jung
Sung Joo
SJ
Joo
Moon Kyung
MK
Lee
Beom Jae
BJ
Park
Jong-Jae
JJ
Kim
Jae Seon
JS
Bak
Young-Tae
YT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004942:Esophagitis, Peptic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires