title: [A prospective multicenter study on the prevalence and symptoms of erosive reflux esophagitis in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Guro-gu, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Ki
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Juhyung
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Seung Goun
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Sung Joo
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Moon Kyung
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Joo
authors.forename: Beom Jae
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jong-Jae
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jae Seon
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Young-Tae
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Bak
mesh_terms: 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