[Peer review about gastro-esophageal reflux disease in primary care: epidemiology, diagnostic and therapeutic management]

Recenti Prog Med. 2006 Feb;97(2):74-8.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Retrospective research carried out by 29 General Practitioners in their databases, in order to evaluate the prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in its different clinical outbreaks and the incidence of new diagnosis in the last quinquennium, the diagnostic approach through instrumental examinations (endoscopy) or empirical tests (PPI test), and the therapeutical aspects, in particular concerning the usage of PPI. The prevalence has been of 3.82%, while the data concerning the incidence have pointed out a progressive increase of the diagnosis in the last quinquennium, specially for the atypical outbreaks. Moreover, it has been noted a likely excessive use of endoscopy, in the follow up as well, while less used is the IPP test. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most important item in the expenditure for the usage of IPP.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Female
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / diagnosis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / epidemiology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux* / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Incidence
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Primary Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Agents
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors