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Abstract
The development of liaison psychiatry services over the last 20 years is briefly reviewed--sophisticated liaison services have been confined to teaching hospitals. Limited manpower and other resources have prevented the development of liaison services in most district general hospitals; further developments are unlikely unless these deficiencies are corrected and psychiatrists take a more active role in developing links with physicians and surgeons. The time is right for such development as physicians are keen to extend our understanding of psychological and social factors in causing non-organic disorders, reduce unnecessary investigations and provide more comprehensive care. Increased collaboration between physicians and psychiatrists will provide a better service for many patients and this should be extended to all district general hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Creed
- University Department of Psychiatry, Manchester Royal Infirmary
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2
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Low Prevalence of Clinically Significant Endoscopic Findings in Outpatients with Dyspepsia. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2017; 2017:3543681. [PMID: 28210269 PMCID: PMC5292197 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3543681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The value of endoscopy in dyspeptic patients is questionable. Aims. To examine the prevalence of significant endoscopic findings (SEFs) and the utility of alarm features and age in predicting SEFs in outpatients with dyspepsia. Methods. A retrospective analysis of outpatient adults who had endoscopy for dyspepsia. Demographic variables, alarm features, and endoscopic findings were recorded. We defined SEFs as peptic ulcer disease, erosive esophagitis, malignancy, stricture, or findings requiring specific therapy. Results. Of 650 patients included in the analysis, 51% had a normal endoscopy. The most common endoscopic abnormality was nonerosive gastritis (29.7%) followed by nonerosive duodenitis (7.2%) and LA-class A esophagitis (5.4%). Only 10.2% had a SEF. Five patients (0.8%) had malignancy. SEFs were more likely present in patients with alarm features (12.6% versus 5.4%, p = 0.004). Age ≥ 55 and presence of any alarm feature were associated with SEFs (aOR 1.8 and 2.3, resp.). Conclusion. Dyspeptic patients have low prevalence of SEF. The presence of any alarm feature and age ≥ 55 are associated with higher risk of SEF. Endoscopy in young patients with no alarm features has a low yield; these patients can be considered for nonendoscopic approach for diagnosis and management.
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Gisbert JP, Calvet X. Helicobacter Pylori "Test-and-Treat" Strategy for Management of Dyspepsia: A Comprehensive Review. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2013; 4:e32. [PMID: 23535826 PMCID: PMC3616453 DOI: 10.1038/ctg.2013.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Deciding on whether the Helicobacter pylori test-and-treat strategy is an appropriate diagnostic–therapeutic approach for patients with dyspepsia invites a series of questions. The aim present article addresses the test-and-treat strategy and attempts to provide practical conclusions for the clinician who diagnoses and treats patients with dyspepsia. METHODS: Bibliographical searches were performed in MEDLINE using the keywords Helicobacter pylori, test-and-treat, and dyspepsia. We focused mainly on data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cost-effectiveness analyses, and decision analyses. RESULTS: Several prospective studies and decision analyses support the use of the test-and-treat strategy, although we must be cautious when extrapolating the results from one geographical area to another. Many factors determine whether this strategy is appropriate in each particular area. The test-and-treat strategy will cure most cases of underlying peptic ulcer disease, prevent most potential cases of gastroduodenal disease, and yield symptomatic benefit in a minority of patients with functional dyspepsia. Future studies should be able to stratify dyspeptic patients according to their likelihood of improving after treatment of infection by H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: The test-and-treat strategy will cure most cases of underlying peptic ulcer disease and prevent most potential cases of gastroduodenal disease. In addition, a minority of infected patients with functional dyspepsia will gain symptomatic benefit. Several prospective studies and decision analyses support the use of the test-and-treat strategy. The test-and-treat strategy is being reinforced by the accumulating data that support the increasingly accepted idea that “the only good H. pylori is a dead H. pylori”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier P Gisbert
- Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IP) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
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Tan VPY, Cheung TK, Wong WM, Pang R, Wong BCY. Treatment of functional dyspepsia with sertraline: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:6127-33. [PMID: 23155342 PMCID: PMC3496890 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i42.6127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia.
METHODS: Consecutive tertiary hospital patients with a clinical diagnosis of functional dyspepsia (FD) according to the Rome II criteria with a Hong Kong dyspepsia index (HKDI) of greater than 16 were recruited. Patients commenced enrolment prior to the inception of the Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia. All patients were ethnic Chinese, had a normal upper endoscopy and were Helicobacter pylori negative prior to enrolment. Study patients were randomized to receive sertraline 50 mg or placebo daily for 8 wk. HKDI symptom scores, quality of life, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) scale and global symptom relief were evaluated before, during and after treatment. Adverse effects were monitored during and after treatment.
RESULTS: A total of 193 patients were randomized in the intention to treat (ITT), and 150 patients were included in the per protocol (PP) analysis. In both the ITT and PP, there was no difference in the primary outcome of global dyspepsia symptoms between the sertraline and placebo groups at week 8. In the ITT analysis, 98 and 95 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively. A total of 43 patients withdrew from the study (22.3%) by week 8, with 23 of the 24 drop-outs in the sertraline group occurring prior to week 4 (95.8%). In contrast, in the placebo arm, 11 of 19 patients dropped out by week 4 (57.9%). Utilizing the last response carried forward to account for the drop-outs, there were no differences between the sertraline and placebo groups at baseline in terms of the HKDI, HKDI 26.08 ± 6.19 vs 26.70 ± 5.89, P = 0.433; and at week 8, HKDI 22.41 ± 6.36 vs 23.25 ± 7.30, P = 0.352 respectively. In the PP analysis, 74 and 76 patients were randomized to the sertraline and placebo groups respectively. At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between the sertraline and placebo groups, HKDI 25.83 ± 6.313 vs 27.19 ± 5.929 respectively, P = 0.233; however by week 8, patients in the sertraline group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in their Hong Kong Dyspepsia Index compared to placebo, HKDI 20.53 ± 6.917 vs 23.34 ± 7.199, P = 0.02, respectively). There was also no statistically significant difference in overall quality of life measures or the HAD scale related to treatment in either the ITT or PP analysis at week 8.
CONCLUSION: This pilot study, the first to examine sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, for the management of FD, did not find that it was superior to placebo.
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha P Bollegala
- McMaster University; Department of Internal Medicine; 1200 Main Street West Hamilton Ontario Canada L8N 3Z5
| | - Reena Khanna
- McMaster University; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology; Hamilton Canada
| | - Paul Moayyedi
- McMaster University; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology; Hamilton Canada
| | - Grigorios I Leontiadis
- McMaster University; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology; Hamilton Canada
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Sander GB, Mazzoleni LE, Francesconi CFDM, Balbinotto G, Mazzoleni F, Wortmann AC, Cardoso IDQ, Klamt AL, Milbradt TC. Influence of organic and functional dyspepsia on work productivity: the HEROES-DIP study. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2011; 14:S126-S129. [PMID: 21839884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2011.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dyspepsia is defined as persistent or recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. Dyspepsia represents up to 8.3% of all primary care physician visits and causes huge economic costs to patients and to the economy as a whole. The aim of this study was to measure the influence of dyspepsia on work productivity of people within the Brazilian workforce. METHODS Adult patients were enrolled if they met the Roma III criteria for uninvestigated dyspepsia. All patients answered a demographic questionnaire. Productivity impairment was measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. Subjects underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were classified as having functional or organic dyspepsia. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. RESULTS Eight hundred fifty patients with dyspepsia were evaluated: 628 were women (73.9%); mean age was 46.4 ± 12.9 years; 387 (45.5%) were active workers. Among active workers, 32.2% mentioned that dyspepsia had caused absenteeism from work during the preceding week and 78% reported a reduction of the work productivity (presenteeism). The lost work productivity score was 35.7% among all employed patients. The affect on work productivity was similar between patients with functional or organic dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed an important influence of dyspepsia on work productivity. We did not find any statistically significant difference on the influence on work between patients with organic dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia. The social impact of these findings is underscored by taking into account the prevalence (up to 40%) of this condition in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Becker Sander
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, School of Medicine, Programa de Pós-graduação: Ciências em Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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7
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Moayyedi P, Shelly S, Deeks JJ, Delaney B, Innes M, Forman D. WITHDRAWN: Pharmacological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011; 2011:CD001960. [PMID: 21328253 PMCID: PMC10734254 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001960.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms is non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and yet the pathophysiology of this condition has been poorly characterised and the optimum treatment is uncertain. It is estimated that £450 million is spent on dyspepsia drugs in the UK each year. OBJECTIVES This review aims to determine the effectiveness of six classes of drugs (antacids, histamine H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, mucosal protecting agents and antimuscarinics) in the improvement of either the individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1988 to January 2006), CINAHL (1982 to January 2006), SIGLE, and reference lists of articles. We also contacted experts in the field and pharmaceutical companies. Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and text words, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs of any of the six groups with each other or with placebo for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We included 73 trials: prokinetics (19 trials with dichotomous outcomes evaluating 3178 participants; relative risk reduction (RRR) 33%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 18% to 45%), H(2)RAs (12 trials evaluating 2,183 participants; RRR 23%; 95% CI 8% to 35%) and PPIs (10 trials evaluating 3,347 participants; RRR 13%; 95% CI 4% to 20%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (six trials evaluating 311 participants; RRR 40%; 95% CI -3 to 65%) were superior to placebo but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids (one trial evaluating 109 participants; RRR -2%; 95% CI -36% to 24%) and sucralfate (two trials evaluating 246 participants; RRR 29%; 95% CI -40% to 64%) were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic results could be due to publication bias or other small study effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that anti-secretory therapy may be effective in NUD. The trials evaluating prokinetic therapy are difficult to interpret as the meta-analysis result could have been due to publication bias. The effect of these drugs is likely to be small and many patients will need to take them on a long-term basis so economic analyses would be helpful and ideally the therapies assessed need to be inexpensive and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Moayyedi
- McMaster UniversityDepartment of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology1200 Main Street WestRoom 4W8EHamiltonOntarioCanadaL8N 3Z5
| | - Soo Shelly
- The General Infirmary at LeedsGastroenterology Unit, Centre for Digestive DiseasesGreat George StreetLeedsUKLS1 3EX
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- University of BirminghamPublic Health, Epidemiology and BiostatisticsEdgbastonBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Brendan Delaney
- King's College LondonDivision of Health and Social Care Research7th Floor Capital House42 Weston StreetLondonUKSE1 3QD
| | - Michael Innes
- The University of BirminghamDepartment of Primary Care and General PracticeThe Medical SchoolEdgbastonBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - David Forman
- International Agency for Research on Cancer150 cours Albert‐ThomasLyonFrance69372
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Kroes RM, Numans ME, Jones RH, de Wit NJ, Verheij TJM. Original Paper: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in primary careComparison and evaluation of existing national guidelines and development of uniform European guidelines. Eur J Gen Pract 2009. [DOI: 10.3109/13814789909094270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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Brożek JL, Guyatt GH, Heels-Ansdell D, Degl'Innocenti A, Armstrong D, Fallone CA, Wiklund I, Veldhuyzen van Zanten S, Chiba N, Barkun AN, Akl EA, Schünemann HJ. Specific HRQL instruments and symptom scores were more responsive than preference-based generic instruments in patients with GERD. J Clin Epidemiol 2009; 62:102-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2008.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2007] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Colin-Jones DG. When should endoscopy (or radiology) be used in dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007; 1 Suppl 1:548S-555S. [PMID: 2979703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1987.tb00664.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
It is now possible readily to investigate dyspeptic symptoms using either a double-contrast barium meal or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The accuracy of endoscopy makes it preferable for routine use. As oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy (OGD) is invasive, some risks (albeit very small) are involved. Moreover, this technique has some weaknesses. For these reasons, selection of patients is important. Organic disease is most likely to occur in older patients: anyone presenting with dyspepsia for the first time over the age of 40 years should be investigated automatically. In individuals under 40 years of age, organic disease is less common and some selection criteria should be applied to reduce the number of negative investigations. After age, smoking is probably the single most important adverse factor. For gastric ulcer, endoscopy with biopsy, repeated after a course of therapy, is routine, but for duodenal ulcer repeat examination need not normally be undertaken owing to the effectiveness of modern healing drugs. Methods for improving the diagnostic accuracy of patient histories and clinical examinations need to be developed in order to utilize diagnostic investigations more efficiently for the patients' benefit.
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11
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Xu S, Hou X, Zha H, Gao Z, Zhang Y, Chen JDZ. Electroacupuncture accelerates solid gastric emptying and improves dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. Dig Dis Sci 2006; 51:2154-9. [PMID: 17082991 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-006-9412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Accepted: 04/30/2006] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and PC6 points on solid gastric emptying and dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. Nineteen patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) were involved in the study, consisting of two parts: (1) acute effects of EA on solid gastric emptying in FD patients with delayed gastric emptying and (2) short-term (2-week) effects of EA on symptoms in FD patients with normal gastric emptying. Results were as follows. (1) Ten of the19 patients showed delayed gastric emptying of solids, and acute EA significantly improved delayed gastric emptying; the halftime for gastric emptying was reduced from 150.3+/-48.4 to 118.9+/-29.6 min (P=0.007). (2) In the nine patients with normal gastric emptying, 2-week EA significantly decreased the symptom score, from 8.2+/-3.3 at baseline to 1.6+/-1.1 (P < 0.001) at the end of treatment. We conclude that EA at the ST36 and PC6 points accelerates solid gastric emptying in FD patients with delayed gastric emptying and relieves dyspeptic symptoms in FD patients with normal gastric emptying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanping Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Moayyedi P, Soo S, Deeks J, Delaney B, Innes M, Forman D. Pharmacological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006:CD001960. [PMID: 17054151 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001960.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal symptoms is non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and yet the pathophysiology of this condition has been poorly characterised and the optimum treatment is uncertain. It is estimated that pound450 million is spent on dyspepsia drugs in the UK each year. OBJECTIVES This review aims to determine the effectiveness of six classes of drugs (antacids, histamine H(2) antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prokinetics, mucosal protecting agents and antimuscarinics) in the improvement of either the individual or global dyspepsia symptom scores and also quality of life scores patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1988 to January 2006), CINAHL (1982 to January 2006), SIGLE, and reference lists of articles. We also contacted experts in the field and pharmaceutical companies. Trials were located through electronic searches of the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SIGLE, using appropriate subject headings and text words, searching bibliographies of retrieved articles, and through contacts with experts in the fields of dyspepsia and pharmaceutical companies. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing drugs of any of the six groups with each other or with placebo for non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We included 73 trials: prokinetics (19 trials with dichotomous outcomes evaluating 3178 participants; relative risk reduction (RRR) 33%; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 18% to 45%), H(2)RAs (12 trials evaluating 2,183 participants; RRR 23%; 95% CI 8% to 35%) and PPIs (10 trials evaluating 3,347 participants; RRR 13%; 95% CI 4% to 20%) were significantly more effective than placebo. Bismuth salts (six trials evaluating 311 participants; RRR 40%; 95% CI -3 to 65%) were superior to placebo but this was of marginal statistical significance. Antacids (one trial evaluating 109 participants; RRR -2%; 95% CI -36% to 24%) and sucralfate (two trials evaluating 246 participants; RRR 29%; 95% CI -40% to 64%) were not statistically significantly superior to placebo. A funnel plot suggested that the prokinetic results could be due to publication bias or other small study effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that anti-secretory therapy may be effective in NUD. The trials evaluating prokinetic therapy are difficult to interpret as the meta-analysis result could have been due to publication bias. The effect of these drugs is likely to be small and many patients will need to take them on a long-term basis so economic analyses would be helpful and ideally the therapies assessed need to be inexpensive and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Moayyedi
- McMaster University, Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, HSC-3N51d, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Rahme E, Barkun AN, Adam V, Bardou M. Treatment costs to prevent or treat upper gastrointestinal adverse events associated with NSAIDs. Drug Saf 2005; 27:1019-42. [PMID: 15471508 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-200427130-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of nonselective NSAIDs and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors has a substantial impact on healthcare budgets worldwide. The cost of their gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects is a major component of their direct cost and has received much attention in the literature. Published studies have often differed in their methodologies and results. It is important for decision makers to understand the reasons for these differences in order to make informed decisions. We conducted a literature review to summarise data that evaluate the direct costs of NSAID-related GI adverse effects worldwide. This resulted in 789 articles from which 29 studies met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. Of these 29, the 9 studies that assessed the cost of COX-2 inhibitors were all based on decision economic models, compared with only 7 of the remaining 20 studies, which assessed the cost of nonselective NSAIDs. In most studies, the perspective was that of the healthcare payer and the costs assessed were reimbursement costs. Costs of GI events almost doubled between regular users and non-users of nonselective NSAIDs and were much higher in high-dose versus low-dose users. The ratio of the total cost of nonselective NSAIDs to their acquisition cost reported in all studies varied from 1.36 to 2.12. Both of these numbers were reported in one single study assessing several different NSAIDs in France. Thus, the GI adverse events attributable to nonselective NSAIDs are substantial, and their costs often exceed the cost of the nonselective NSAID itself.The acquisition cost of the COX-2 inhibitors was the main driver of their total cost. The GI adverse effects with the COX-2 inhibitors added 10-20% to their acquisition cost in North America, while this increase was about 50% in some European countries. Decision analysis models showed that the direct costs of COX-2 inhibitors were lower than those of nonselective NSAIDs in patients at risk of NSAID gastropathy but higher in patients at no to low risk of gastropathy. Thus, from an economic perspective, the healthcare system would benefit from treating patients at risk of NSAID gastropathy with COX-2 inhibitors, but not those at no to low risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Rahme
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Delgado-Aros S, Camilleri M, Cremonini F, Ferber I, Stephens D, Burton DD. Contributions of gastric volumes and gastric emptying to meal size and postmeal symptoms in functional dyspepsia. Gastroenterology 2004; 127:1685-94. [PMID: 15578506 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The aim was to assess relative contributions of gastric volumes (GV) and gastric emptying (GE) to meal size and postprandial symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. METHODS Patients with chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms were prospectively evaluated. GV during fasting and after 300 mL Ensure was measured with 99m Tc-single-photon emission computed tomography imaging and solid GE (99m Tc-egg) by scintigraphy. Maximum tolerated volume (MTV) and symptoms were measured after Ensure challenge. RESULTS Of 57 adult patients evaluated, 39 (23 women, 16 men) met Rome II criteria for functional dyspepsia and had no other diagnosis to account for dyspepsia. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (90%), pain predominantly after meals (76%), nausea (85%), and early fullness after meals (79%). Relative to established laboratory normal values, MTV was abnormal in 82%, aggregate symptom score >209 in 72%, GE (at 1 hour) accelerated in 41%, GE (at 4 hours) delayed in 41%, and postmeal GV reduced in 52%. Lower body mass was associated with lower MTV and higher postchallenge symptoms. Lower fasting (not postprandial) GV and faster GE were independent predictors of lower MTV, explaining 18% of the variance after adjusting for body weight (32% of variance). GE was an independent predictor of postchallenge symptoms (10% of variance) after adjusting for volume ingested (10%), age (20%), and weight (10%). CONCLUSIONS In adults with functional dyspepsia seen in a tertiary referral practice, decreased meal size and postmeal symptoms are associated with low fasting GV and faster GE. These data provide physiologic targets for ameliorating symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Delgado-Aros
- Clinical Enteric Neurosciene Translational and Epidemiological Research Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Delgado-Aros S, Cremonini F, Talley NJ. Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 7:121-131. [PMID: 15010026 DOI: 10.1007/s11938-004-0033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Functional dyspepsia is a common chronic condition. It can have a major impact on quality of life and remains a large burden on healthcare resources. Its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and therapies are mainly empirical. In this review, we summarize the best evidence on available therapeutic interventions in functional dyspepsia. Helicobacter pylori eradication, for those infected, is likely a safe and cost-effective strategy but benefits only a minority. Antisecretory agents such as proton-pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists have shown some benefit and are recommended as the first-line option in the absence of H. pylori infection. There is a lack of strong evidence of benefit from prokinetic agents, and cisapride, the most studied agent, is largely unavailable. Antidepressants need to be adequately tested in functional dyspepsia, but both psychotherapy and hypnotherapy interventions have shown promising results. Herbal therapies need further study in these patients. 5-Hydroxytryptamine3 (5-HT(3)) and 5-HT(4) receptor antagonists, and cholecystokinin type A and neurokinin receptor antagonists remain promising emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Delgado-Aros
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational & Epidemiological Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-138, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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González Carro P, Legaz Huidobro ML, Pérez Roldán F, Esteban López Jamar JM, Valenzuela Gámez JC, Ponte Tellechea A, Ruiz Carrillo F, Pedraza Martín C, Díaz de Rojas F, Sáez Bravo JM. [Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication in non-ulcer dyspepsia]. Med Clin (Barc) 2004; 122:87-91. [PMID: 14746696 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(04)74153-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and functional dyspepsia (FD) is disputed. Although there is a greater prevalence of infection by H. pylori in subjects with non-ulcer dyspepsia than in healthy subjects, results regarding the eradication of infection have been inconclusive so far in terms of disease improvement. In this study, we administered eradicating treatment to a group of patients with both FD and infection by H. pylori to determine the possible beneficial effect of such a treatment. Thus, our objective was to study the effectiveness of eradication therapy for H. pylori in the clinical course of FD. PATIENTS AND METHOD This was a randomized, double-blind study in 93 consecutive patients diagnosed with FD and infection by H. pylori who received eradicating treatment with omeprazol, amoxicillin and clarythromicin for 7 days (group A, n = 47) vs. placebo, amoxicillin and clarythromicin for 7 days (group B, n = 46). We analyzed the clinical evolution of the disease within the following 9 months. RESULTS Both groups of treatment were comparable concerning all the variables studied except for the consumption of alcohol, with a greater prevalence in group A, yet no patient consumed more than 40 g per day. The average age of patients was 42 (18-65). Eradication of H. pylori occurred in 65.9% of patients in group A and 4.3% of patients in group B. 40% of all patients included in the study had improved symptoms. In 60.6% of patients whose infection was eradicated, their symptoms improved, as opposed to 25% of patients whose infection was not eradicated (p = 0.001). Among patients whose symptoms improved following eradication, 70% had had an FD duration of less than 3 years and in 30% FD had lasted for more than 3 years (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The eradication of H. pylori in patients with short-lasting FD may lead to a significant clinical benefit, especially in those whose duration of symptoms is below 3 years.
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17
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Barenys M, Rota R, Moreno V, Villafafila R, García-Bayo I, Abad A, Pons JMV, Piqué JM. [Prospective validation of a clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of organic dyspepsia]. Med Clin (Barc) 2004; 121:766-71. [PMID: 14697161 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7753(03)74093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Predictive symptomatic scoring models have been proposed to select patients with dyspepsia, who may be candidates to endoscopy. In a previous study performed by gastroentrologists from our group, we obtained three scales of symptoms to predict organic dyspepsia, peptic ulcer and esophagitis, respectively. Here we analyze the reproducibility of those scoring models of symptoms when used either by other gastroenterologists or general practitioners. PATIENTS AND METHOD It was a clinical prospective study of 230 patients from the Viladecans hospital area (120 from primary healthcare and 110 from the gastroenterologist's consultation). The three validation scales were performed in each patient. Then, we performed a diagnostic gastroscopy which allowed to classify patients into those with organic dyspepsia (ulcer, esophagitis, cancer) or those with functional dyspepsia. We calculated the overall predictive accuracy for the gastroenterologist and the general practitioner and for the three diagnoses (organic dyspepsia, ulcer or esophagitis) using the C statistic. RESULTS Discriminative capacities were 0.75 and 0.82 for organic dyspepsia, 0.78 and 0.86 for ulcer disease, and 0.78 and 0.82 for esophagitis, for the general practitioner and the gastroenterologist, respectively. In this validation study, the best cut-off value, namely the one combining good sensitivity and specificity, was found to be 7. CONCLUSIONS A correct predictive capacity of the symptomatic score models when used by other gastroenterologists or by primary healthcare practioners confirms its reproducibility and transferability. The use of predictive symptomatic score models in everyday clinical practice can allow to rationalize the referral for endoscopy in our local setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercè Barenys
- Unitat de Digestiu. Hospital de Viladecans. Viladecans. Barcelona. Spain.
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18
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Biggs AM, Aziz Q, Tomenson B, Creed F. Do childhood adversity and recent social stress predict health care use in patients presenting with upper abdominal or chest pain? Psychosom Med 2003; 65:1020-8. [PMID: 14645781 DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000097333.02618.8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A comprehensive model of health care use by patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders has not been fully tested. This study aimed to establish whether reported childhood and/or recent adversity are independent predictors of health care use when all other relevant factors are also included in the model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive new patients with upper abdominal or chest pain presenting to a secondary/tertiary clinic were assessed using the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse and Life Events and Difficulties Schedules. They completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression and Health Anxiety Questionnaires. Outcome was total number of health care visits recorded in hospital and general practice (GP) records over 18 months. RESULTS One hundred fifty-one patients were included (65% response rate). Health care visits were most frequent in unmarried (p < 0.0005), females (p < 0.0005), and those lacking social support (p = 0.012). In multiple regression analysis to predict number of health care visits, reported sexual abuse (p = 0.042) and death of a sibling during childhood (p = 0.026) were also independent predictors, together with SF36 subscale scores for physical function, health perception, and mental health (35% of variance explained). Childhood adversity predicted health care use in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders and recent social stress did so in patients with demonstrated pathological findings. CONCLUSION After adjustment for demographic, physical, and psychological factors, childhood adversity, especially in severe form, is an independent predictor of health care use in patients with upper functional gastrointestinal disorders. The same was not true for patients consulting for demonstrable pathological abnormalities, for whom ongoing social stress was an independent predictor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Biggs
- School of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
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19
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Abstract
Dyspepsia is a common symptom. Dyspeptic symptoms may be caused by a variety of conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and malignancy. Most often, however, no cause is identified and dyspepsia is deemed to be functional. While symptom severity does influence frequency of consultation, dyspeptic consulters also differ from non-consulters with respect to symptom perception and anxiety. This highlights the importance of understanding the patient's agenda early in the course of evaluation. Patients over the age of 55 years or with alarm symptoms should be referred for prompt endoscopy. In the absence of other clinically apparent aetiologies, uninvestigated dyspeptics can be either tested and treated for Helicobacter pylori or empirically treated with proton pump inhibitors. Uninvestigated dyspeptics failing empiric therapy should be referred for evaluation that includes endoscopy. Further therapy with prokinetics, tricyclic antidepressants, fundal relaxants, antidepressants, or psychotherapy is guided by predominant symptoms and assessment of possible psychiatric factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Jones
- Gastroenterology and Physiology Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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20
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Arents NLA, Thijs JC, Kleibeuker JH. A rational approach to uninvestigated dyspepsia in primary care: review of the literature. Postgrad Med J 2002; 78:707-16. [PMID: 12509687 PMCID: PMC1757932 DOI: 10.1136/pmj.78.926.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this paper the rationale and limitations of the four most important approach strategies to dyspepsia in primary care (empiric treatment, prompt endoscopy, "test-and-scope", and "test-and-treat") are analysed. It is concluded that in the absence of alarm symptoms, a "test-and-treat" approach is currently the most rational approach provided that three conditions are met: (1) a highly accurate test should be used, (2) the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the population should not be too low, and (3) an effective anti-H pylori regimen should be prescribed taking sufficient time to instruct and motivate the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L A Arents
- Regional Public Health Laboratory, Groningen/Drenthe, The Netherlands
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21
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Hu WHC, Wong WM, Lam CLK, Lam KF, Hui WM, Lai KC, Xia HXH, Lam SK, Wong BCY. Anxiety but not depression determines health care-seeking behaviour in Chinese patients with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: a population-based study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2002; 16:2081-8. [PMID: 12452941 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2002.01377.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To study the prevalence of dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome and the effects of co-existing anxiety and depression on health care utilization by a population survey in Chinese. METHODS Ethnic Chinese households were invited to participate in a telephone survey using a validated bowel symptom questionnaire and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Gastrointestinal symptoms were classified as dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome according to the Rome I criteria and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by the presence of weekly heartburn or acid regurgitation. The anxiety and depression scores were compared between patients who sought medical attention and those who did not, using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS One thousand, six hundred and forty-nine subjects completed the interview (response rate, 62%). The population prevalences of dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were 18.4%, 4.1% and 4.8%, respectively. Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome were associated with anxiety, depression, medical consultation, sick leave and adverse effects on social life. The degree of anxiety was an independent factor associated with health care-seeking behaviour in both dyspeptics (P = 0.003) and irritable bowel syndrome patients (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia are associated with anxiety, depression, significant social morbidity, health care utilization and days off work. Anxiety is an independent factor in determining health care utilization in patients with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H C Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, China
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gisbert
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of La Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Tougas G, Chen Y, Hwang P, Liu MM, Eggleston A. Prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the Canadian population: findings from the DIGEST study. Domestic/International Gastroenterology Surveillance Study. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94:2845-54. [PMID: 10520832 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.01427.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the general population are poorly defined. Most data are obtained from selected samples derived from patients presenting to health care providers. As part of a larger international effort (The DIGEST study), we examined the prevalence of upper GI symptoms among the general Canadian population, as well as their psychosocial and economic impact. METHODS A sample of 1036 adults was studied, its demographic characteristics closely matching those of the general Canadian population. A validated detailed questionnaire measured the prevalence, severity, and frequency of 15 digestive symptoms, as well as demographic information, use of medication and medical resources, other illnesses, and dietary habits. The Psychological General Well-Being Index, a self-administered questionnaire, assessed the individual's subjective sense of well-being. RESULTS Of the sample population, 28.6% reported substantial symptoms in the preceding 3 months, the majority (111/153 subjects) for >1 yr; 34.1% reported having never experienced significant GI symptoms. The most bothersome symptoms were primarily related to dysmotility-like symptoms in 54.9% of those with chronic symptoms, ulcer-like symptoms in 12.4%, and related to heartburn in 42.5%. Chronic upper GI symptoms were associated with a highly significant (p < 0.001) decrease in all facets of the Psychological General Well Being Index. CONCLUSIONS Upper GI symptoms are very prevalent in the general Canadian population and substantially affect the quality-of-life and psychological well-being of those affected. Dysmotility-like symptoms, rather than heartburn, are the most common chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tougas
- Intestinal Diseases Research Programme and Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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24
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gisbert
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Severens JL, Laheij RJ, Jansen JB, Van der Lisdonk EH, Verbeek AL. Estimating the cost of lost productivity in dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998; 12:919-23. [PMID: 9768536 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the field of gastrointestinal disease, productivity costs are highly relevant because work loss is substantial in dyspeptic patients. Productivity costs are normally calculated by multiplying days absent valued by gross earnings. This, however, might lead to an overestimation. AIM To use a conservative approach to calculating productivity costs, taking absence compensating mechanisms into account. METHODS Patients who visited their general practitioner for the first time with dyspeptic complaints and patients who were known to have persistent dyspeptic complaints were enrolled in two studies. In total, 136 patients completed a questionnaire about their employment situation, absence from work and absence compensating mechanisms. RESULTS Sixty-six of the respondents had a paid job, of which 25 (38%) reported absence from work during the previous 4 weeks (average 3.0 days, 1.9 days related to dyspeptic complaints). More than 50% of the employed respondents answered that absence could be compensated for by colleagues, and only in 8% of the cases was absence compensated for by overtime. Using our conservative approach, only one-quarter of the productivity costs remained, compared to the current approach of valuing each day absent as a loss of productivity. CONCLUSIONS We suggest using both the current and the conservative approaches, analogous to the principles of sensitivity analysis, to avoid overestimation of productivity costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Severens
- Department of Medical Technology Assessment, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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26
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Morales Suárez-Varela MM, Pérez-Benajas MA, Girbes Pelechano VJ, Llopis-González A. Antacid (A02A) and antiulcer (A02B) drug prescription patterns: predicting factors, dosage and treatment duration. Eur J Epidemiol 1998; 14:363-72. [PMID: 9690755 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007493003891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A study is made of the pharmaco-epidemiology of antacid (ATC class A02A) and antiulcer (A02B) drug prescriptions during the year 1992. METHODS Prescription data were extracted from 1941 case histories of patients over 15 years old from four health care centers in the Valencian Community (Spain). Dosage and treatment duration were evaluated, along with the way in which morbidity, self-evaluated health, the demographic pattern and life-style characteristics influence drug prescription. RESULTS The proportion of drug prescriptions increased with age in both sexes (p < 0.01). Drug use depended mainly on chronic diseases. In prescribing antacids, the most influential diagnosis was gastritis (ICD 534, OR: 157), followed by duodenal ulcer (ICD 532, OR: 152) and gastric ulcer (ICD 531, OR: 122), other gastrointestinal disorders (ICD 66, OR: 54) and undefined diagnoses (OR: 15). In the prescription of antiulcer drugs, the most influential diagnoses were gastric and duodenal ulcer (OR: 380 and 342, respectively), and a significant relation was observed with the diagnosis of osteomuscular diseases (OR: 6). Lifestyle and demographic pattern were of marginal importance. The estimated duration of treatment was 85 days. No significant differences were observed in either treatment duration or administered doses of almagate, ranitidine and omeprazole with respect to sex, age or diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged treatment is common for acid suppression. The widespread use of peptic ulcer drugs is mostly due to excessive prescription for non-ulcer dyspepsia. At the same time, many patients consume these drugs on a long-term basis in the absence of a clear diagnosis. This observation supports the need for appropriate diagnostic and prescription protocols to secure increased economical savings and management results.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Morales Suárez-Varela
- Unit of Public Health, Hygiene and Environmental Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Dr. Peset Hospital, Spain
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27
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Kumar S, Khannar R, Hajra B, Bose J. Psychiatric disorder in essential dyspepsia. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 1998; 2:41-5. [PMID: 24946246 DOI: 10.3109/13651509809115113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We wanted to examine the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in patients diagnosed as having essential dyspepsia, as well as the short-term course of dyspeptic symptoms, following drug treatment of the psychiatric condition. Seventy-four patients with essential dyspepsia presenting to the gastroenterology outpatient department of a medical college were investigated for the presence of psychiatric disorder. The response to an open trial of pharmacotherapy in 50 patients with a psychiatric disorder and no other demonstrable pathology was assessed. These patients met the criteria for a DSM-III-R diagnosis, most commonly major depressive disorder (26) or generalized anxiety disorder (10). The mean age of those with a psychiatric disorder alone was significantly higher than that of those with another demonstrable pathology. With treatment, 16 patients with no demonstrable pathology other than psychiatric disorder (depression: 12; anxiety: 4) showed improvement over a period of 6 weeks in psychiatric as well as dyspepsia ratings. The difference was however statistically significant only for the group with major depressive disorder. We concluded that, despite differences in the characteristics of the population studied, a psychiatric diagnosis is associated with at least a proportion of cases with essential dyspepsia and emerges as a likely explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kumar
- Institute of Psychiatry, London
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28
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Abstract
Dyspepsia is common within the general population and it imposes a significant burden on health-care resources. Calculation of the economic implications of functional dyspepsia is constrained by the fact that it is only possible to make this diagnosis in a minority of individuals with the disorder, because many do not seek medical attention and investigation is not appropriate for all who do. Studies which attempt to assess the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of therapy may be further constrained by the fact that there is now good evidence that many patients with dyspepsia seek medical attention not so much because of the severity of symptoms, but because they fear that the symptoms signal the presence of some serious underlying disease. In this situation, effective well-founded reassurance that no serious disease is present is an important outcome of medical intervention and one which should be included in an economic appraisal of dyspepsia management. For obvious reasons, it is sensible to compare the cost-effectiveness of various clinical management strategies applicable in dyspepsia. Decision-tree analyses are currently fashionable but suffer from the major defect that there is no theoretical basis from which patient satisfaction with treatment options can be assessed. It is suggested that for disorders such as functional dyspepsia, which are non-lethal and non-progressive, recommendations about acceptable clinical management strategies require that account be taken of patient satisfaction with the strategies being reviewed. Cost-effectiveness calculations which take no account of this aspect of outcome are of limited relevance to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tebaldi
- Centre for Liver and Digestive Disorders, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK
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29
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Levin TR, Schmittdiel JA, Kunz K, Henning JM, Henke CJ, Colby CJ, Selby JV. Costs of acid-related disorders to a health maintenance organization. Am J Med 1997; 103:520-8. [PMID: 9428836 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(97)00308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the economic impact of the acid-related disorders (ARDs), which include dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcer disease (PUD), in managed care patient populations. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of medically attended ARDs, and their direct medical costs from the perspective of a large health maintenance organization (HMO). METHODS A total of 1,550 ARDs subjects (age > or = 18 years), were randomly sampled from outpatient diagnosis and pharmacy databases of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program of Northern California and verified by chart review. Five age- and gender-matched controls were identified per subject. One-year prevalence, excess annual costs, and initial 6-month costs for incident cases were estimated using the HMO cost accounting system. RESULTS Total ARDs prevalence (5.8%) increases with advancing age. GERD is the most common ARD (2.9% overall prevalence). Annual per person attributable costs were $1,183, $471, and $431 respectively for PUD, GERD, and gastritis/dyspepsia. Excess inpatient costs for PUD explain its higher costs. Outpatient costs were somewhat higher for GERD ($279) than for PUD or gastritis/dyspepsia. Pharmacy costs were relatively low for each condition, in part because many patients were treated with generic cimetidine. Total annual HMO expenditures for ARDs were $59.4 million, with 40.6%, 36.8%, and 22.6% respectively for GERD, PUD, and gastritis/dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS Acid-related disorders, particularly GERD and PUD, contribute substantially to the direct costs of medical care in this managed care population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Levin
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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30
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Thors H, Sigurdsson H, Oddsson E, Thjodleifsson B. Survey of prescriptions for peptic ulcer drugs (ACT class AOB2) in Iceland. Scand J Gastroenterol 1994; 29:988-94. [PMID: 7871379 DOI: 10.3109/00365529409094875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consumption of peptic ulcer drugs in Iceland is 20 DDD/1000/day, which is two to three times higher than in other Scandinavian countries. This study was done to register the pattern of use and possibly to find reasons for the high consumption. METHODS Prescriptions for peptic ulcer drugs (ACT class AO2B) were surveyed in Iceland during 1 month in 1991. All pharmacies in Iceland participated in the study, and information was obtained on about 90% of peptic ulcer drugs used outside hospitals. The pharmacists registered all prescriptions of peptic ulcer drugs with regard to the age and sex of the patient, speciality of the prescribing physician, and name, dose, and quantity of the drug. RESULTS A total of 2021 prescriptions were registered, accounting for 15.4 DDD/1000/day. The prevalence of peptic ulcer drug use was 1.52%, but female use was 52.5%. The maximal use, 2.91% was in the age group 70-79 years. H2 blockers accounted for 79%, omeprazole for 17%, and other drugs for 4%. General practitioners prescribed 65% of the drugs, gastroenterologists 15%, and other specialists 14%. If the patient himself collected the drug, he was asked to fill out a questionnaire with regard to the reason for the prescription, previous prescriptions, and investigations. A total of 1131 (56%) of patient questionnaires were received. Only 1% of the patients did not know the reason for the prescription. The patients registered that 30% of the prescriptions were for peptic ulcer, 29% for heartburn, 21% for gastritis, 9% for dyspepsia, and 7% for prevention of side effects of other drugs. It was estimated from the data that about 40% of the prescriptions were for non-ulcer dyspepsia. Investigations were done in 67% of the patients, but 33% received the prescription only after an appointment with a physician. CONCLUSIONS The results of the survey suggest that the extensive use of peptic ulcer drugs in Iceland is mostly due to excessive use in non-ulcer dyspepsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Thors
- Dept. of Medicine, Landspítalinn, Reykjavik, Iceland
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31
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Bytzer P, Hansen JM, Schaffalitzky de Muckadell OB. Empirical H2-blocker therapy or prompt endoscopy in management of dyspepsia. Lancet 1994; 343:811-6. [PMID: 7980747 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(94)92023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The recommended strategy for management of dyspepsia is empirical treatment with an H2-blocking drug, followed by endoscopy if the symptoms do not respond or recur. We compared two strategies for the management of dyspepsia--treatment based on the results of prompt endoscopy (group 1) and empirical H2-blocker treatment with diagnostic endoscopy only in cases of therapeutic failure or symptomatic relapse within 1 year (group 2). Eligible patients had symptoms severe enough to justify empirical H2-blocker therapy. Symptoms, drug consumption, and sick-leave days were assessed through monthly diaries. Patients with non-organic dyspepsia diagnosed by endoscopy did not receive ulcer drugs. Of 414 patients randomised, 373 completed 1-year follow-up. Organic disease was found at endoscopy in 68 (33%) of 208 group-1 patients (ulcer in 45). Endoscopy was done in 136 (66%) of 206 group-2 patients. Case selection for endoscopy was not improved by the empirical treatment strategy, since the diagnostic profile was the same as in group 1 and 40% of the expected ulcer cases remained undiagnosed. After 1 year there were no differences in symptoms or quality of life measures. The empirical treatment strategy in dyspepsia was associated with higher costs, due mainly to a higher number of sick-leave days and cost of ulcer drug use. Prompt endoscopy is a cost-effective strategy in dyspeptic patients with symptoms severe enough to justify the current practice of empirical H2-blocker treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bytzer
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology S, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
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Gudjónsson H, Oddsson E, Björnsson S, Gunnlaugsson O, Theodors A, Jónasson TA, Bonnevie O, Thjodleifsson B. Efficacy of sucralfate in treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia. A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1993; 28:969-72. [PMID: 8284632 DOI: 10.3109/00365529309098293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The object of this study was to assess the efficacy of sucralfate in the treatment of non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD). The diagnosis of NUD was made by exclusion. All patients underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests were done as clinically indicated. Patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease were not included. Symptomatic assessment was made at the beginning and at the end of the study. The patients registered their most prominent dyspeptic symptoms and whether they improved, were unchanged, or worsened. The study was double-blind. Placebo or 1 g sucralfate four times daily was given for 3 weeks. Over a 2-year period 104 patients were included in the study; 56 received sucralfate and 48 placebo. Nine patients were excluded because of poor compliance or side effects, six from the sucralfate group and three from the placebo group. The sucralfate and placebo groups were comparable with regard to symptom and clinical variables. Global assessment of symptoms showed that in the sucralfate group 34 improved (68%), 11 were unchanged, and 5 were worse. In the placebo group 31 improved (69%), 11 were unchanged, and 3 were worse. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The 3-week course of sucralfate in patients with NUD did not show symptomatic improvement over placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gudjónsson
- Dept. of Medicine, National University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Bolin
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney
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34
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Knill-Jones RP. Geographical differences in the prevalence of dyspepsia. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY. SUPPLEMENT 1991; 182:17-24. [PMID: 1896825 DOI: 10.3109/00365529109109532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of dyspepsia is reviewed with reference to the factors that affect prevalence, including definitions of the term, case mix, and selection. Period prevalence of dyspepsia in several different populations gives an average of 32%, of which 24% is accounted for by recognized ulcer disease. Dyspepsia appears to comprise about 70% of patients' gastrointestinal problems in a large prospective survey carried out in general practice in England, higher than some other estimates. The proportion of gastrointestinal disease in general practice consultations is examined, and while it accounts for about 5% of all consultations, it accounts for about 14% of patients consulting with a problem. There seems to have been a decline of 15% over 30 years. The difficulty of establishing the population prevalence of functional dyspepsia is emphasized, and several studies in which the proportion in general gastrointestinal outpatients has been measured are reviewed. Some data from a Glasgow study in which clinical histories have been recorded directly from patients by a computer system (GLADYS) show the prevalence of several common gastrointestinal symptoms in a clinic population and also of dysmotility-like dyspepsia. Such descriptive data should also be used for predicting diagnosis and for selecting patients to investigate.
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Evans DJ, Evans DG, Graham DY, Klein PD. A sensitive and specific serologic test for detection of Campylobacter pylori infection. Gastroenterology 1989; 96:1004-8. [PMID: 2925047 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(89)91616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Campylobacter pylori has been associated with gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and nonulcer dyspepsia. Evidence that C. pylori may be the causative agent or at least a major contributory factor in peptic ulcer disease has generated intense interest in the development of reliable methods for detecting C. pylori infections. We have developed a specific and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects serum immunoglobulin G antibodies directed against high molecular weight cell-associated proteins (HM-CAP) of C. pylori. In a blinded fashion we tested sera from 300 individuals and found that all of 147 HM-CAP ELISA-negative individuals were also negative for C. pylori, as documented by a negative urea breath test; also, 151 of 153 C. pylori-positive (by urea breath test) individuals were HM-CAP ELISA-positive. Campylobacter pylori was cultured from the two ELISA-negative but infected patients and these isolates did possess HM-CAP antigens, showing that these two individuals had failed to seroconvert. Thus, the specificity and positive predictive value of the HM-CAP ELISA were each 100%; the sensitivity of the assay was 98.7%, and the negative predictive value was 98.6%. The HM-CAP ELISA and the urea breath test both proved valuable for detecting C. pylori infection, the urea breath test being a more direct method whereas the ELISA is less expensive and easier to perform. Furthermore, the results of a serologic test such as the HM-CAP ELISA would not be influenced by recent ingestion of bismuth compounds or antimicrobial therapy, which might suppress C. pylori and cause a transient false-negative result in the urea breath test.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Evans
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Talley NJ, Piper DW. A prospective study of social factors and major life event stress in patients with dyspepsia of unknown cause. Scand J Gastroenterol 1987; 22:268-72. [PMID: 3589496 DOI: 10.3109/00365528709078590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
There is a subgroup of patients with endoscopically confirmed non-ulcer dyspepsia who have no known cause for their symptoms, provisionally termed essential dyspepsia. The aim of this study was to determine prospectively the social consequences of essential dyspepsia. Patients with essential dyspepsia (n = 111) were followed up by telephone bimonthly, after an introductory personal interview, for a mean of 17 months. Data were gathered on symptoms, daily activities, family life, going out, work status, days lost from work, physician consultations, marital status, and major life events monthly. Stepwise regression analysis was undertaken, with days of upper abdominal pain each month as the response variable, to determine whether these social factors were associated with days of pain. None of the variables studied were of biological importance (r2 = 0.08), although increasing age, male sex, being unmarried and visiting a physician because of dyspepsia were statistically associated with increased days of abdominal pain (all, p less than 0.01). Major life event stress and social activities were not associated with the course of essential dyspepsia, and patients did not display excessive illness behaviour. The impact of essential dyspepsia on the lifestyle of its sufferers appears minor.
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