Prevalence of Reflux Esophagitis During 12 Years in Daegu and Gyeongbuk Provinces

Abstract

Background/Aims: The prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) has been reported up to 12% in Korea, and seems being increased. However, epidemiological data for long-term trend are scarce. Moreover, there is no published report about the prevalence of RE in Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces. Therefore, we analyzed the prevalence of RE during the recent 12 years in Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces and also analyzed associated risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 8,446 age and gender adjusted subjects who had visited a health promotion center for health check-up including esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results: The mean age was 43.3 ± 13.4 years. The overall prevalence of RE was 2.8%. The prevalences of RE in health check up subject from 1997 to 1999, from 2000 to 2002, from 2003 to 2005, and from 2006 to 2008 were 0.3%, 1.2%, 2.8%, and 6.8%, respectively. On the univariate analysis, male gender, high body mass index (BMI), obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly related with presence of RE. On the multivariate analysis, male gender and obesity were independent risk factors of RE. Conclusion: The prevalence of RE is increasing recently in Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces and male gender and obesity are independent risk factors of this disease.