title: [Prevalence and epidemiology of Barrett's esophagus in the province of Barcelona].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) varies from 0.45% to 2.2% in patients who undergo upper endoscopy and is >12% when the indication is for reflux symptoms. The prevalence has progressively increased in recent years but is unknown in the population of the province of Barcelona.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence of BE and its epidemiological characteristics in our population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively evaluated patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit of Hospital Clinic and Hospital General de Catalunya for an upper endoscopy. We excluded patients with known BE, prior upper endoscopy, esophagogastric surgery or refusal to participate in the study. Demographic data, alcohol intake, Helicobacter pylori infection and consumption of antisecretory agents were recorded, among other information. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire to assess the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and their severity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between July 2010 and July 2012, we included 200 patients (100 in each center). The mean age was 48.9 ± 15.6 years and the majority were women (n=120, 60%). Symptoms of GERD were present in 46 patients (23%) and some degree of esophagitis was present in 31 (15.5%). Infection by H. pylori was present in 29.7%. BE was found endoscopically in 14 (7%) patients, but was histologically confirmed in only 8 (4%). The only variable that correlated with the finding of BE was male sex.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevalence of BE in our environment is similar to that reported in Western countries. The absence of reflux symptoms does not rule out the possibility of BE.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital General de Catalunya, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-D'Jesús
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia, Servicio de Gastroenterología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gordillo
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia, Servicio de Gastroenterología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Uchima
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia, Servicio de Gastroenterología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Isis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Araujo
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital General de Catalunya, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Esteban
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saperas
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia, Servicio de Gastroenterología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Ignasi
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Elizalde
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Endoscopia, Servicio de Gastroenterología, ICMDiM, Hospital Clínic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: mgfernan@clinic.ub.es.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fernández-Esparrach
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Barcelona; Barrett; Epidemiology; Epidemiología; Esophagus; Esófago; Prevalence; Prevalencia