Estudio de síntomas relevantes y atención clínica en la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico en atención primaria en España

Abstract

To assess the clinical profile and management of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care. A multinational, multicenter study was performed comprising a 4-month retrospective phase for the screening, selection and assessment of patients who had consulted for any GERD-related cause (index visit), and a cross-sectional phase in which clinical data were recorded and the following questionnaires were administered: the Reflux Disease Questionnaire and the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Impact Scale (GIS). Among the 24 participating Spanish centers, 2.7% of the patients (95% CI: 2.6-2.9) had consulted at least once because of GERD. Approximately 50% of the patients showed frequent (2 or more days a week) or moderate to severe symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation or chest pain. Although the patients received effective pharmacological treatment at the index visit, clinically relevant GERD symptoms persisted in 16% after a median follow-up of 5 months. These symptoms were associated with a strong disease impact as evaluated with the GIS. GERD represents a substantial burden for primary care physicians. Although effective drugs are used for the treatment of this condition, clinically relevant symptoms persist in a substantial proportion of patients.