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Ethnic differences in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
1Gastroenterology Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|August 13, 1999
Summary
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) appears less common in non-white populations compared to white Caucasians. This pilot study found fewer non-white patients with reflux oesophagitis, though reasons remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Anecdotal evidence suggests gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is less prevalent in Black individuals than White Caucasians.
- Understanding ethnic variations in GERD prevalence is crucial for targeted healthcare strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of oesophageal damage due to gastro-oesophageal reflux (GERD) across different racial groups.
- To determine if GERD is indeed less common in Black patients compared to White Caucasians.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed the ethnicity and endoscopic grade of oesophageal damage in adult patients diagnosed with GERD.
- Data were collected from a UK teaching hospital's gastroenterology unit over an eight-year period (1989-1996).
Main Results:
- Out of 1101 patients with reflux oesophagitis, 81.9% were White, 14% Indian, and 5% Afro-Caribbean.
- Non-white ethnic groups had fewer cases of reflux oesophagitis than expected based on their population prevalence.
- Severe reflux oesophagitis (grades III-V) was less common in non-white groups, who also tended to be younger than White patients.
Conclusions:
- The study indicates a lower incidence of reflux oesophagitis in non-white populations, but the underlying causes are not yet understood.
- Further research in diverse, non-migrant populations is recommended to elucidate racial differences in GERD.