[Study of the clinical profile and management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care in Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical profile and management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care.


METHODS
A multinational, multicenter study was performed comprising a 4-month retrospective phase for the screening, selection and assessment of patients who had consulted for any GERD-related cause (index visit), and a cross-sectional phase in which clinical data were recorded and the following questionnaires were administered: the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Impact Scale (GIS).


RESULTS
Among the 24 participating Spanish centers, 2.7% of the patients (95% CI: 2.6-2.9) had consulted at least once because of GERD. Approximately 50% of the patients showed frequent (2 or more days a week) or moderate to severe symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation or chest pain. Although the patients received effective pharmacological treatment at the index visit, clinically relevant GERD symptoms persisted in 16% after a median follow-up of 5 months. These symptoms were associated with a strong disease impact as evaluated with the GIS.


CONCLUSIONS
GERD represents a substantial burden for primary care physicians. Although effective drugs are used for the treatment of this condition, clinically relevant symptoms persist in a substantial proportion of patients.
Tafalla
Mónica
M
Departamento Médico, AstraZeneca Farmacéutica Spain S.A., España. monica.tafalla@astrazeneca.com
Nuevo
Javier
J
Zapardiel
Javier
J
Gisbert
Javier P
JP
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain