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Craven MR, Kia L, O’Dwyer LC, Stern E, Taft TH, Keefer L. Systematic review: methodological flaws in racial/ethnic reporting for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dis Esophagus 2018; 31:4850446. [PMID: 29444213 PMCID: PMC6916737 DOI: 10.1093/dote/dox154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Health care disparities affecting the care of multiple disease groups are of growing concern internationally. Research guidelines, governmental institutions, and scientific journals have attempted to minimize disparities through policies regarding the collection and reporting of racial/ethnic data. One area where shortcomings remain is in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review, which adheres to the PRISMA statement, focuses on characterizing existing methodological weaknesses in research focusing on studies regarding the assessment, prevalence, treatment, and outcomes of GERD patients. Search terms included GERD and typical symptoms of GERD in ethnic groups or minorities. We reviewed 62 articles. The majority of studies did not report the race/ethnicity of all participants, and among those who did, very few followed accepted guidelines. While there were diverse participants, there was also diversity in the manner in which groups were labeled, making comparisons difficult. There appeared to be a disparity with respect to countries reporting race/ethnicity, with certain countries more likely to report this variable. Samples overwhelmingly consisted of the study country's majority population. The majority of studies justified the use of race/ethnicity as a study variable and investigated conceptually related factors such as socioeconomic status and environment. Yet, many studies wrote as if race/ethnicity reflected biological differences. Despite recommendations, it appears that GERD researchers around the world struggle with the appropriate and standard way to include, collect, report, and discuss race/ethnicity. Recommendations on ways to address these issues are included with the goal of preventing and identifying health care disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Craven
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - L Kia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - L C O’Dwyer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - E Stern
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - T H Taft
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - L Keefer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A prospective study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of axial pain following cervical laminoplasty on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Axial neck pain is a frequently encountered complication after laminoplasty. However, limited information is available regarding the time-dependent changes in axial pain and the impact of this pain on clinical outcomes, including HRQOL. METHODS One hundred sixty-two consecutive patients with cervical myelopathy underwent double-door laminoplasty using hydroxyapatite spacers from 2008 to 2012. The outcome measures included the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA score), the EuroQol 5 Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the Short Form-36 survey (SF-36). The intensity of axial pain was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS). These assessments were conducted preoperatively and at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups. Patient satisfaction with outcome was graded using a 7-point NRS at the 2-year follow-up. RESULT One hundred twenty-one patients completed the 2-year follow-up. The mean axial pain intensity decreased slightly over time; however, the decrease was not significant. The JOA score, EQ-5D score, and all SF-36 domains, excluding general health perceptions, improved significantly compared with baseline levels at the 6-month follow-up or later. Baseline axial pain intensity showed a significant negative correlation with baseline HRQOL only in the SF-36 bodily pain domain. In contrast, axial pain intensity showed significant negative correlations with all HRQOL measures at the 6-month follow-up. At the 2-year follow-up, patients with an axial pain intensity ≥3 showed significantly worse outcomes than did patients with a pain intensity <3 in the EQ-5D score, SF-36 score, and patient satisfaction grades, but not in the JOA score. CONCLUSION Axial neck pain has a significant negative impact on clinical outcomes, including a wide range of HRQOL measures and patient satisfaction with outcome, in patients undergoing conventional double-door laminoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
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van Zanten SJ, Henderson C, Hughes N. Patient satisfaction with medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review. Can J Gastroenterol 2012; 26:196-204. [PMID: 22506259 DOI: 10.1155/2012/235476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction is increasingly regarded as an important aspect of measuring treatment success in individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). OBJECTIVE To review how satisfied patients with GERD are with their medication, and to analyze the usefulness of patient satisfaction as a clinical end point by comparing it with symptom improvement. METHODS Systematic searches of the PubMed and EMBASE databases identified clinical trials and patient surveys published between 1966 and 2009. RESULTS Twelve trials reported that 56% to 100% of patients were 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment for GERD. Patient satisfaction levels were higher for PPIs than other GERD medications in two trials. The sample-size-weighted average proportion of patients 'satisfied' with their PPI after four weeks of treatment in trials was 93% (95% CI 87% to 99%), with 73% (95% CI 62% to 83%) being 'very satisfied'. In four surveys, the average proportion of patients 'satisfied' with their PPI treatment was 82% (95% CI 73% to 90%) and 62% (95% CI 48% to 75%) were 'very satisfied'. Seven trials found a positive association between patient satisfaction and symptom improvement, and two surveys between satisfaction and improved health-related quality of life. Three trials found that continuous treatment yielded higher rates of satisfaction than on-demand therapy. CONCLUSIONS More than one-half of patients were satisfied with their PPI medication in trials, and more patients were satisfied with PPIs than other medication types. An association between patient satisfaction and symptom resolution was found, suggesting that patient satisfaction is a useful end point for evaluating GERD treatment success.
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Budzyński J, Pulkowski G, Suppan K, Fabisiak J, Majer M, Kłopocka M, Galus-Pulkowska B, Wasielewski M. Improvement in health-related quality of life after therapy with omeprazole in patients with coronary artery disease and recurrent angina-like chest pain. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the SF-36 survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2011; 9:77. [PMID: 21939510 PMCID: PMC3186737 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-9-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have overlapping gastroenterological causes of recurrent chest pain, mainly due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and aspirin-induced gastrointestinal tract damage. These symptoms can be alleviated by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The study addressed whether omeprazole treatment also affects general health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with CAD. Study 48 patients with more than 50% narrowing of the coronary arteries on angiography without clinically overt gastrointestinal symptoms were studied. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design, patients were randomized to take omeprazole 20 mg bid or a placebo for two weeks, and then crossed over to the other study arm. The SF-36 questionnaire was completed before treatment and again after two weeks of therapy. Results Patients treated with omeprazole in comparison to the subjects taking the placebo had significantly greater values for the SF-36 survey (which relates to both physical and mental health), as well as for bodily pain, general health perception, and physical health. In comparison to the baseline values, therapy with omeprazole led to a significant increase in the three summarized health components: total SF-36; physical and mental health; and in the following detailed health concept scores: physical functioning, limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain and emotional well-being. Conclusions A double dose of omeprazole improved the general HRQL in patients with CAD without severe gastrointestinal symptoms more effectively than the placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Budzyński
- University Chair of Gastroenterology, Vascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
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Dorval E, Rey JF, Soufflet C, Halling K, Barthélemy P. Perspectives on gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care: the REFLEX study of patient-physician agreement. BMC Gastroenterol 2011; 11:25. [PMID: 21435198 PMCID: PMC3074557 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-11-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physicians may be unaware of the severity and extent of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in their patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-physician agreement concerning proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. METHODS 1818 French primary-care physicians and 5174 adult patients with GERD who were taking PPIs answered questions regarding symptoms and treatment satisfaction. Patient-physician agreement was scored using the Kappa (κ) method. RESULTS There was moderate patient-physician agreement for PPI treatment satisfaction (κ = 0.60), PPI prescription adherence (κ = 0.57) and use of over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications (κ = 0.44-0.51). Patient satisfaction with PPI therapy and PPI treatment adherence rates were both ~90%. There was poor patient-physician agreement concerning PPI therapy expectations (κ = 0.22-0.33). Residual reflux symptoms occurred in 61% of patients. Physicians underestimated residual symptom severity compared with their patients (κ = 0.43-0.47), though there was good agreement regarding the presence (κ = 0.62-0.78) and frequency (κ = 0.61-0.66) of these symptoms and their effect on patients' daily life (κ = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Patient-physician agreement regarding PPI therapy for GERD was moderate or good for the presence of residual symptoms and moderate for treatment satisfaction, but poor for treatment expectations. PPI treatment resulted in high satisfaction rates, but residual symptoms were fairly common and their severity was underestimated by physicians.
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Miyamoto M, Manabe N, Haruma K. Frequency scale for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire predicts requirement of proton pump inhibitor maintenance therapy. Esophagus 2010; 7:143-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10388-010-0245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
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Tofangchiha S, Razjouyan H, Nasseri-Moghaddam S. Quality Of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) Questionnaire in Iranian Patients with GERD: A Validation Study. Middle East J Dig Dis 2010; 2:84-90. [PMID: 25197518 PMCID: PMC4154829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). When a questionnaire is translated into a new language, linguistic validation is necessary, yet insufficient, unless the psychometric characteristics have been verified. The aim of this study is to document the translation and psychometric validation of the Persian translation of the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire. METHODS After translation and cultural adaptation of QOLRAD to Persian, fifty patients with clinical GERD from the Prospective Acid Reflux Study of Iran (PARSI) database who had at least one of the symptoms of acid regurgitation, heartburn, non-cardiac chest pain, or dysphagia for at least four weeks over the past three months completed the QOLRAD and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). After two weeks, QOLRAD was again completed by the patients. Cronbach alpha and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used to test reliability and Pearson correlation was used to compare the dimensions of SF-36 and QOLRAD. RESULTS The translation was approved by MAPI Research Institute. Fifty patients completed the SF-36 and QOLRAD questionnaires at the first visit. Mean (SD) age of the participants was 38.4 (14.6) years and 68% were females. The internal consistency and reliability of QOLRAD ranged from 0.78-0.92. The test-retest reliability of QOLRAD was from 0.87-0.93. Relevant QOLRAD domains significantly correlated with the majority of SF-36 domains, with the exception of sleep disturbance. CONCLUSION The psychometric characteristics of the Persian translation of QOLRAD were found to be good, with satisfactory reliability and validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tofangchiha
- 1Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Army University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Razjouyan
- 2Research Fellow, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Nasseri-Moghaddam
- 3Associate Professor, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
,Corresponding Author: Siavosh Nasseri-Moghaddam, MD, PHD Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Tehran 14117, Iran Tel: +98 21 82415173 Fax: +98 21 82415400
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Ferrús JA, Zapardiel J, Sobreviela E; SYMPATHY I study group. Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care settings in Spain: SYMPATHY I study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 21:1269-78. [PMID: 19474743 DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e32832a7d9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study was designed to assess the symptom loads, treatment strategies, and impact on daily life of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms who consulted primary care (PC) health care providers in Spain. METHODS This was a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study in a sample of 5735 consecutive patients visiting PC clinics with GERD symptoms. Participating primary care physicians (PCPs) collected clinical data by using a questionnaire, and completed a survey on their perceptions of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to GERD. Patients self-completed the GERD Impact Scale during the study visit. RESULTS In the week before visiting the PC clinic, typical GERD symptoms were present in a majority of patients (89.6% heartburn and 81.6% regurgitation), but extraesophageal symptoms were also frequent (55.6% reflux-related sleep disturbances, 45.7% noncardiac chest pain, 30.8% chronic cough, and 24.7% hoarseness), these being more prevalent in the patients diagnosed earlier. Although primary care physicians considered that 55.9% of the patients could be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms without further investigation, in their practice only one-third of new diagnoses of GERD and 71.1% of those already diagnosed were symptom-managed. Upon arrival at the clinic, patients with GERD symptoms were taking the following medications: 28.1% (47.8% in the case of those already diagnosed) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), 16.6% antacids, 6.1% H2 antagonists, and 4.5% prokinetics. Most patients (90.2%) were treated with PPIs after the study visit. The evaluation of agreement between physicians and patients on the severity of GERD resulted in a kappa index of 0.19. CONCLUSION There is a high occurrence of typical and extraesophageal symptoms in patients in Spain complaining of GERD symptoms in PC settings. Two-thirds of new GERD patients were referred for further investigation. PPIs were the treatment prescribed in almost all cases. The degree of agreement between physicians and patients about the severity of the symptoms was limited.
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Bytzer P. What makes individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease dissatisfied with their treatment? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 7:816-22. [PMID: 19286478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2008] [Revised: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as therapeutics for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in randomized controlled trials, a number of studies have shown that a proportion of patients with GERD are not satisfied with their treatment. This article reviews the possible reasons why patients are dissatisfied with the way their disease is managed. METHODS Studies published between 1970 and 2007 were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, and the author's existing database. The 2708 publications were reviewed, and irrelevant ones were excluded. Eleven studies were found to be appropriate for use in this review. RESULTS Patients who are given prescriptions for PPIs tend to be more satisfied than those given H(2)-receptor antagonists. Partial responders are likely to be more dissatisfied than patients whose symptoms are fully resolved. A decrease in health-related quality of life is associated with greater dissatisfaction. Patients are more likely to be satisfied if they are taken seriously by their physician and if their symptoms are investigated. They are also more likely to be satisfied if the patient-physician consultation is interactive. CONCLUSIONS Patient satisfaction is a complex issue that depends on many factors. Patient satisfaction can be influenced by treatment regimen, general level of well-being, the bedside manner of the physician, and the quality of patient-physician communication. Improvements in recognition of GERD can improve management of the disease as well as patient satisfaction with their care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bytzer
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Køge University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disorder that is associated with a huge economic burden in the western countries and significantly decreased quality of life. This review focuses on the various multicultural issues in the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD. The prevalence of GERD appears to be highest in North America and Europe, whereas epidemiologic data from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, South America, and the Middle East are sparse. A limited number of studies have elucidated ethnic differences in GERD in multiracial populations. African Americans and Asians appear to be at a lower risk for the development of complicated GERD including Barrett's esophagus (BE). Whether the pathophysiology of GERD differs among different populations remains to be answered satisfactorily. It appears that most of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of GERD, as described in western populations, are present in Asians but at a lower scale. The current recommendations for the management of GERD by the American College of Gastroenterology may not meet the need for different ethnic groups or for different geographic regions. Recognition of language barriers in understanding the common terms used to describe reflux symptoms should be borne in mind while treating GERD patients with different ethnic backgrounds. In addition, a universally accepted definition for treatment success in GERD patients is lacking. Given the negative impact on health-related quality of life, significant cost ramifications, and increased risk for BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the study of multicultural issues in GERD should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Sharma
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center & University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri 64128-2295, USA
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Abstract
AIM To review, from a primary care physician (PCP) perspective, the use of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments for assessment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and the effectiveness of therapy. RESULTS While generic and disease-specific PRO instruments have been used in the assessment of GERD, the latter can be considered to be more appropriate as they focus only on problems relevant to the disease in question (and therefore tend to be more responsive to change). Such instruments include the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) questionnaire and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ). Their use indicates that GERD symptoms are troublesome and significantly reduce patients' HRQL, and that effective treatment of GERD improves HRQL. The GERD Impact Scale (GIS) questionnaire, primarily developed for use within primary care, can also help to determine the impact of symptoms on patients' everyday lives and, in turn, the benefit of appropriately targeted therapy. Notably, these PRO instruments were developed from focus groups of GERD patients, and only aspects rated of highest importance are used in the final instruments. Consequently, PCPs can feel confident that these questionnaires encompass the most relevant points that they are likely to ask in terms of how symptoms affect patients' everyday lives. CONCLUSIONS Primary care physicians are encouraged to make wider use of PRO instruments within routine practice to improve communication with their GERD patients that, in turn, could lead to improved clinical outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N W Flook
- University of Alberta Family Medicine Clinic, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Abstract
Relief of symptoms, both typical and atypical, is the mainstay of therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, evaluation of GERD symptoms' response to treatment has been hampered by the lack of a questionnaire that meets all the criteria of an ideal evaluative GERD symptom assessment tool. These criteria are: sensitivity in GERD patients, covering all symptom dimensions (multidimensional construct), assessment of frequency and intensity of "typical" and "atypical" GERD symptoms, practical and economical, easy to understand, responsive over short time intervals, use as a patient self-assessment tool, amenable to daily use, psychometrically validated, and translation into many languages with cross-cultural adaptation. Thus far, 14 instruments have been developed to assess GERD symptoms and potentially can be used to evaluate treatment response during a therapeutic trial in GERD patients. However, comparison of the different evaluative tools is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Fass
- The Neuro-Enteric Clinical Research Group, Section of Gastroenterology, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System and University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA.
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Bretagne JF, Honnorat C, Richard-Molard B, Soufflet C, Barthélemy P. Perceptions and practices on the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: results of a national survey comparing primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007; 25:823-33. [PMID: 17373921 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature comparing generalist and specialist care is accumulating in many disease areas, but very few studies focussed on gastrointestinal diseases and little is known about gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. AIM To compare the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by French primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. METHODS A postal survey was conducted in a representative sample of French physicians who were asked to complete a questionnaire that consisted of 44 questions relating to their usual medical practice for the diagnostic and therapeutic management of frequent GERD. RESULTS 136 primary care physicians and 91 gastroenterologists participated in the survey (54%). Alarm symptoms were identified more frequently by primary care physicians than gastroenterologists, but the appraisal of their seriousness was less acute by primary care physicians than gastroenterologists. Upper endoscopy was prescribed more frequently by gastroenterologists (64% vs. 38%, P < 0.01). Physicians in both groups mainly recommended lifestyle modification. For GERD treatment, most respondents declared using a 'step-down' strategy with proton pump inhibitors, and only slight differences in drug prescription were identified between primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Both groups of physicians also have similar perception of symptom persistence after treatment, but satisfaction with treatments was slightly higher for gastroenterologists than primary care physicians (7.6 vs. 7.1 on a scale from 0 to 10, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Overall patterns of GERD diagnosis and management are comparable between primary care physicians and gastroenterologists. Both groups perceive that GERD therapy can still be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-F Bretagne
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Pontchaillou, 2 rue Le Guilloux, Rennes, France.
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Nazer D, Thomas R, Tolia V. Ethnicity and gender related differences in extended intraesophageal pH monitoring parameters in infants: a retrospective study. BMC Pediatr 2005; 5:24. [PMID: 16026617 PMCID: PMC1188060 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-5-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2005] [Accepted: 07/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is believed to be more common in adult males as compared to females. It also has been shown in adults to be more common in Caucasians. We wanted to determine ethnicity and gender related differences for extended pH monitoring parameters in infancy. Methods Extended pH monitoring data (EPM) from infants <1 year of age were reviewed. Results were classified in two groups, as control and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) group based on the reflux index (RI). The GERD group had RI of equal to or more than 5% of total monitoring period. The parameters of RI, total number of episodes of pH < 4, and the number of episodes with pH < 4 lasting more than 5 minutes were compared by genders and by ethnic groups, Caucasians and African American (AA). Results There were 569 infants, 388 controls, 181 with GERD (320 males, 249 females; 165 Caucasians, 375 AA). No statistical difference in EPM parameters was detected between genders in both groups. However, Caucasian infants had a significantly higher incidence of GERD than AA infants (p = 0.036). On stratifying by gender, Caucasian females had a significantly higher number of reflux episodes >5 minutes as compared to AA females in the control group (p = 0.05). Furthermore, Caucasian females with GERD showed an overall higher trend for all parameters. Caucasian males had a trend for higher mean number of reflux episodes as compared to AA males in the control group (p = 0.09). Conclusion Although gender specific control data do not appear warranted in infants undergoing EPM, ethnic differences related to an overall increased incidence of pathologic GERD in Caucasian infants should be noted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Nazer
- Children's Hospital of Michigan, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, 3901 Beaubien Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ronald Thomas
- Children's Research Center of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Vasundhara Tolia
- Children's Hospital of Michigan, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, 3901 Beaubien Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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